Fashion’s biggest event of the year has finally arrived just in time. Designers show off their craft and mastery while the world’s most notable celebrities make their way up the MET stairs, captivating the world. This year’s Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, highlights the significance and impact of Black dandyism in fashion.
Every year, the Met Gala has two themes, one for the exhibit and another for the guests. This year, the exhibit highlights the role of fashion in shaping Black identities while also focusing on the significance of the Black dandy. The guest dress code is “Tailored For You,” as guests are expected to appear suited to perfection.
The theme and dress code are inspired by Monica L. Miller’s novel, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Black dandyism first began in England in the 1700s as slave owners flaunted their wealth by dressing up their slaves. However, Black dandyism then became a form of resistance to societal limitations through the power of fashion and clothing.
Carpet highlights – The Met Gala
Black Dandy is all about pushing boundaries, and when it comes to women at the Met Gala, boundaries are no limit. This year, Black women especially, took to the steps to push the boundaries of Men’s fashion, reinterpreting our perceptions around “menswear.” Both Black designers and celebrities took to this theme as the designs tell another story underneath the fabric.
As a veteran of the Met Gala, eyes are always on Zendaya this time of the year as she always comes to stun. Every year, she always understands the theme as she constantly delivers a timeless fashion moment. This year, the actress graced the MET steps in a custom Louis Vuitton white tailored suit. The design itself pays homage to the dandyism zoot suit. Moreover, the look consists of a white single-breasted tuxedo and waistcoat with a silk shirt and tie peaking under as flared trousers heighten the look. To top off the look, a wide-brim floppy white hat pulls together the dandy design.
As more guests arrive on the steps, eyes turn when Alton Mason appears. The model celebrates and embraces boldness and brilliance in a custom BOSS suit. Mason, as a black silhouette, moves up the MET stairs in a black sculptural cocoon of a virgin wool mohair blend and silk satin-lined cape. Soon enough, he emerges from the cocoon, stunning in a shoulder-to-toe sparkling silhouette. The reveal consists of crystal-encrusted silk crepe as a cropped jacket with heart heart-shaped chest cutout dazzles the crowd. Elevating the outfit were defined structural shoulders and a standing collar that captivates our eyes. Completing the look are low-rise trousers with a subtle V-waist from the knees that fall into the high-heeled crystal embellished boots.
Tailored to perfection
Everyone stops as Diana Ross makes a smashing appearance at the Met Gala for the first time in 22 years. Of course, after 22 years, she would do nothing other than make a statement at the MET steps. Nothing says statement like an 18-foot embroidered train that takes up almost the entirety of the carpet. The design features a delicate white crystal embroidered gown that flows into a dramatic train. Ross adds a personal touch, as the train is embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren.
To think, Ross almost did not attend until her son, Ross, convinced her to attend. In doing so, the design was also a collaboration between Ross, her son, and Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie. Just like the gown, the accessories are nothing short of dramatic and glamorous, as a wide-brimmed feathered hat, dazzling statement earrings, and a billowing feather shawl defy our expectations.
When it comes to tailoring, one of the most prominent and well-known designers in the industry is none other than Thom Browne. This year, Thom Browne owned the MET Gala as he worked with Janelle Monae to challenge our ideas behind dandyism. Monae steps onto the carpet in a two-piece look consisting of an overcoat with a trompe l’oeil tie. Details include a briefcase of delicate duchesse silk and a Thom Browne classic, embroidered grosgrain ribbons. Reveals are no stranger to Thom Browne, as beneath the overcoat, Monae revealed a floor-length skirt suit with a similar silhouette.
This year was all about drama as Damson Idris made a dramatic entrance to this year’s Met Gala. Idris arrives at the event, driving up in a race car and racing suit, nodding to his upcoming film, F1. Of course, to channel the avant-garde expectations of the Met Gala, on his head sat a crystal-embellished racing helmet. The actor made his way to the carpet, as many were still uncertain of who the helmeted man was. Soon enough, two men appear, grabbing him and revealing a captivating Tommy Hilfiger red plaid three-piece suit.
Sitting on the delicate red plaid is an 11-carat emerald brooch that pays homage to his mother. The actor’s mother supported the family as she bought gold from Nigeria and sold it in Europe. In her life, she developed a love for jewelry, which was passed onto Idris.
Celebrating sartorial excellence at the Met Gala
Wearing Michael Kors, Ugbad Abdi absolutely stuns in a custom suit that screams dandyism. While she may not be a household name, the model took everyone’s breath away this year. To honor both the Met Gala and one of the most influential designers in fashion history, André Leon Talley, Kors takes inspiration from the docuseries, The First Monday of May. The design itself is a pewter and silver paisley Brocade cape with a silver faux fur trim. Underneath is a delicate flannel suit hand embroidered with over 80,000 crystals. To finish the dandy look, a simple fedora and cummerbund add simplicity while also elevating the design.
Jodie Turner Smith honors Black equestrian Selika Lazevski at this year’s Met Gala with a custom burgundy Burberry suit. Notably, Smith works with legendary stylist, and Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach. This year, Law Roach works in collaboration with Burberry’s creative director, Daniel Lee. The two dress Smith in a distressed leather suit with a cinched waist coat that flows into a structured leather skirt. The fabric itself tells a story of its own, as an embossed floral jacquard pattern subtly covers the leather. Topping off the look is a dramatic tilted burgundy top hat, heeled loafers, and leather gloves.
One word to describe Zac Posen and Laura Harrier’s collaboration for this Met Gala would be ethereal. Posen was recently appointed GAP Inc.’s Executive Vice President, and accordingly, he incorporates Gap’s heritage into his Met Gala design. Posen draws from the company’s use of denim and natural fibers as the look features a natural denim vest with voluminous double-face duchess silk-satin trousers. A cinched waist and billowing sheer cotton organdie sleeves create a harmonizing contrast and a touch of grandeur.
Timeless styles
Teyana Taylor came to this year’s Met Gala to tear up the runway along with the theme. With one of the best looks of the night, Taylor describes her look with her song “Rose in Harlem.” With the help of designer Ruth E. Carter, Taylor steps out in a perfectly tailored burgundy three-piece pinstriped zoot suit. The suit features silver chains lying on the vest and pant leg with matching leather gloves and a walking cane.
The design includes a dramatic burgundy cape with the word “Harlem Rose” embroidered in tonal red thread. The cape also features satin roses blossoming out of dazzling black crystal vines. To complete the look, a dramatic burgundy top hat with a large ostrich feather sat atop a matching durag. Moreover, pulling together the luxe of dandyism, platinum studded with ruby and onyx stones contrast against the deep burgundy.
Looking to the beginning of the night, Colman Domingo sets the bar high as he makes his way up the sets. Domingo did not come to mess around this year, as he was not only an attendee but also a co-chair. The actor came dressed in a custom Valentino floor-length royal blue pleated robe, which references Andre Leon Talley. However, the flare came from the white and gold sequinned bolero with a dazzling pearl-drop necklace lying delicately on top. This design also references the robes worn in many Black church choirs, while royal blue points to the color often worn by kings, conveying the power of black dandyism.
Of course, as a co-chair, one outfit is not enough, as Domingo switched to a three-piece black and white checkered zoot suit. The suit features an intricate embroidered tweed jacket with dramatic white calla lilies dressed in black resting on the lapel. To complete the look, Boucheron jewels add a subtle shine as a dazzling earcuff rests on his ear and a ring lies delicately on his pinky.
This year’s Met Gala was more than just a parade of luxury, it was a stage for storytelling and reclaiming history. The night wove together fashion with memory, power, and pride as a sea of tailored silhouettes celebrated the excellence of Black menswear.
