The Theme
This year’s Met Gala 2025 theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” a bold statement centered around Black dandyism. Black dandyism refers to the way Black men have communicated their identity through fashion, often as a form of resistance. According to an article from ELLE Decor, the style explores how the Black diasporic experience has shaped fashion, culture and identity over time.
Black dandyism has evolved immensely over the past 300 years. Influenced by colonialism, social and political tension and resistance, the style promotes an understanding of the world of fashion, shaped by intersections of race, gender, class and sexuality. This year’s concept was inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.”
At its core, Black dandyism is a movement rooted in the Black Atlantic diasporic culture, society and experience. It highlights how Black men used style to express autonomy and power in a world that often denied them both. The Metropolitan Museum of Art said that “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” invited guests to explore that legacy.
What Exactly is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is a fundraising event held each year to benefit The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. It is one of the most anticipated, exclusive and successful fashion events in the world, with this year’s Gala raising a historic $31 million.
The Costume Institute’s exhibition changes annually, with each new show determining the following year’s theme. The Institute is founded upon the dedication to the acquisition, conservation and presentation of fashion as it intersects with culture and society, typically relating to current issues and injustices.
According to The Met, This year’s exhibition was divided into 12 sections, each exploring different aspects of dandyism. These include Ownership, Presence, Distinction, Disguise, Freedom, Champion, Respectability and Jook. The exhibit focused primarily on Black men’s fashion and how people of all identities have been influenced by the Black dandy movement.
Fashion and style have long been used as tools of power and aesthetics. In the past, dandyism described a man who was deeply devoted to his appearance, using fashion as a quiet form of rebellion. Dandyism was both celebrated and criticized, as well as used as a way to project the ambitions and aspirations of Black individuals.
In the 1700s, enslaved people were sometimes dressed in high fashion as a trend. But Black people understood the deeper power that style held in a world divided by race, class, gender and social structure. Fashion became a tool to navigate and challenge these hierarchies.
According to Monica L. Miller’s cultural history, “Slaves to Fashion…,” the history of Black dandyism illustrates how Black style evolved from enslavement to the achievement of the autonomy to express themselves. What once was a symbol of status for their enslavers is now a medium of influence on the global stage, fully controlled by Black individuals.
The 2025 Met Gala exhibition features both historical and contemporary pieces of Black identity, allowing for a wide range of interpretations of the theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
According to an article from HISTORY, some guests, like Pharrell Williams (2025 Co-Chair of the Met Gala), leaned into simple vintage representations of Black dandyism, while others — Simone Biles being an example — made bold statements about what their version of Black dandyism looks like to them. In both cases, guests upheld the original spirit of power, resistance, resilience and the act of choosing how one is seen.
The Theme vs. The Dress Code
According to ELLE Decor, the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme differed from the official dress code, “Tailored for You.” This encouraged guests to dress based on their own interpretations, resulting in a night full of sharply tailored menswear, bold silhouettes and expressive, custom looks.
Standout Looks
This year’s Met Gala featured unprecedented looks, ranging from classically tailored pieces to avant-garde interpretations of the theme. Here are a few highlights from the evening:
Zendaya wore an all-white sculptural ensemble, blending classic glamour with a futuristic edge.
André 3000 took on a piano-inspired suit, with a playful — yet elegant — nod to performance.
A$AP Rocky’s look was self-designed, integrating modern streetwear with traditional tailoring.
Kerry Washington’s sleek, structured silhouette was a vision of refined elegance.
Nicki Minaj’s outfit included a sensible, striped pattern, showcasing her true signature style.
Serena Williams offered a subtle nod to the theme with regal tailoring.
Laura Harrier and Sabrina Carpenter each incorporated personal and cultural elements into their sleek, monochromatic pieces.
Bad Bunny turned heads in a sharply structured ensemble, blending classic tailoring with an avant-garde edge.
Lewis Hamilton, described as “a modern muse,” turned the spotlight on emerging Black designers with his look.
Janelle Monáe embodied modern dandyism in a tri-color palette, incorporating symbolism and style into her ensemble.
Joey King seamlessly merged elegance and boldness, with purposefully placed non-fabric elements to complete the look.
In Review
The fashion at the 2025 Met Gala was a bold, nuanced exploration of identity, culture and power. This year’s event pushed guests to move beyond spectacle and engage with the deep cultural significance of Black dandyism.
The red carpet reflected a dynamic range of interpretations from historically inspired silhouettes to sharp, modern tailoring, each look carrying its own message about resistance, resilience and the importance of self. The gala became a platform for celebrating Black dandyism and individual style, highlighting its lasting influence on the world stage.
