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The 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, was an ode to the Black dandy – here’s everything you need to know about Black dandyism.

This year's theme is inspired by Monica Miller's 2009 book "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity."

Inspired by scholar Monica L. Miller’s groundbreaking book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the theme of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute spring 2025 show is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

The Met’s exhibition charts the evolution of the Black dandy from the 18th century to today. Here’s what to look for on the red carpet.

For generations of Black men, dressing in a stylish fashion was not just about looking sharp. Against the backdrop of centuries of enslavement and discrimination, where people of African descent ...

The Superfine exhibition is guest-curated by Monica L. Miller, whose 2005 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identities explores the cultural history of Black dandies from the 18th century through the 21st century. Historically, a dandy is a man who takes deliberate and extreme care in the way he dresses and grooms, which is often a feminine-coded trait ...

Drawing on scholar Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the show considers how Black people have used dress to shift the ...

The history of black fashion is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and has made a significant impact on the fashion industry. From its origins in the Middle Ages to its evolution as a symbol of rebellion and sophistication, black fashion has played a crucial role in shaping cultural identities and pushing boundaries. Black fashion designers have made important contributions, […]

Explore the rich tradition of Black dandyism—from Cab Calloway to Andre 3000—with expert insight from Mikeisha Vaughn on its radical legacy.

And black dandyism is a defiant declaration against confinement, a celebration of black identity, and a movement based around resistance, pride and history.

Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter calls it "a full circle moment" as she reclaims history at the 2025 Met Gala.

The Black womanist movement throughout the civil rights era defined the way in which women viewed themselves and took a stand against the patriarchal views of male oppression. Female civil rights workers partnered with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to swap out dresses with denim.

The style of dress being displayed at the Met Gala reveals a complex history of race, class, and identity politics.

The 2025 Met Gala theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," pays homage to the lesser-known style movement known as Black dandyism. We'll explain.

Clothing matters, and not just at the Met Gala “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” opening to the public May 10, focuses on Black designers and menswear. It uses the 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” by guest curator and Barnard College professor Monica L. Miller, as a foundational inspiration for the show. The dress code for ...

Explore the psychological motivations and social impacts of wearing all-black attire, from personal identity to cultural perceptions in fashion.

For black individuals, fashion was not merely about looking good—it was about reclaiming identity and dignity in the face of discrimination. Every garment, from dapper suits to elegant dresses, symbolized resilience and defiance against racial oppression.

The black dress is a timeless piece of clothing that has been worn by women for centuries. It’s a classic staple in many wardrobes, and almost everyone, regardless of gender, has seen or worn one at least once. But what does the black dress symbolize? Is it just a piece of clothing, or does it represent something more significant? It’s no secret that black is often associated with mourning ...

A black dress has always been known as a timeless classic in the world of fashion, but it also holds a deeper symbolic meaning. The black dress has become a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and mystery, making it a powerful statement piece for women across the globe. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the black dress also represents strength, independence, and resilience in the face of adversity ...