SBH Fashion reposted this
Contemporary Black dandyism has been enlivening the red carpet at the Met Gala for years. Think of Billy Porter in his Sun God ensemble by The Blonds for the ‘Camp’ exhibition of 2019, A$AP Rocky with a patchworked memory quilt by ERL thrown over his silk taffeta tuxedo at 2021’s ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’ show, or Lil Nas X in crystal-encrusted Luar at ‘Sleeping Beauties’ last year. ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ takes the Black dandy as its subject, examining the importance of clothing and style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora. It’s the first Costume Institute exhibition since 2003’s ‘Men in Skirts’ to focus exclusively on menswear, as well as the first since Andrew Bolton became curator in charge to involve a guest curator. Monica Miller, professor and chair of Africana Studies at Columbia University’s Barnard College, will examine the figure of the Black dandy from its earliest depictions in 18th century art to modern-day representations from the runway and film. The show is inspired by her 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, in which she establishes Black dandyism as both an aesthetic and a political construct. Here, we break down everything you need to know about the Costume Institute’s Spring 2025 exhibition. https://lnkd.in/exKmAb5j #MetGala
When this year's Met Gala theme was announced, I had my doubts—either it was going to be a complete miss, as recent years have shown with many struggling to stay on theme, or, with full buy-in, one of the best shows yet. No middle ground. And what we got was just that: full commitment, deep research, and, most importantly, appreciation poured into so many of the looks. The result? An absolutely stunning homage. This might just be in my top three favorite Met Galas ever. Even the looks that weren’t my personal favorites or those I couldn’t fully grasp the vision still showcased undeniable craftsmanship and impeccable tailoring. What truly excites me is how many embraced Black dandyism—a fundamental pillar of both fashion and history. It was refreshing to see it honored and celebrated in such a grand way.
Non c’è nulla di spavaldo o addirittura fuori dalle regole estetiche che nella storia del mondo non abbiamo già visto o vissuto. Penso ai grandi imperatori tutti super decorati con sete ermellini o a volte orsi per dare forza al personaggio di turno. La sfilata con artisti di colore non mi sembra affatto così esplodente, si si fa uso di collier oro massiccio compreso il rivestimento dei denti con gra di brillanti o orecchini fatti apposta per loro. Quindi riassumendo benvenuti tutti alla luce non dico del sole ma degli impianti elettronici capaci di illuminare anche Marte lassù. Una festa e’ una festa perché non partecipare al rito sublime della parata..!
There is nothing bold or even outside the aesthetic rules that we have not already seen or experienced in the history of the world. I think of the great emperors all super decorated with ermines or sometimes bears to give strength to the character of the moment. The parade with colored artists does not seem so explosive to me at all, yes they use solid gold necklaces including the coating of the teeth with diamonds or earrings made especially for them. So in summary welcome everyone to the light not of the sun but of the electronic systems capable of illuminating even Mars up there. A party is a party why not participate in the sublime ritual of the parade..!
The looks this year were absolutely stunning—rich textures, bold silhouettes, and so much personality in every detail. We love it!
Some very bold statements being made with flawless execution! It’s only for the very unique few that can pull this off. Such swagger it is indeed jaw dropping while causing nothing but envy!
👌🏻 Absolutely love this deep dive, Vogue Business! But here’s a thought—while museums celebrate Black dandyism as art, most luxury platforms treat it like a one-off spectacle. Imagine every “Sun God” moment living on beyond the red carpet: streamed live, fully shoppable, and woven into our daily feeds. That’s exactly what we’re building at QWEEZY Boutique Messenger—turning those epic style statements into ongoing social rituals that uplift and empower Black creatives everywhere ✨
These images were great examples of styles that honored the theme. I heard and saw many who chose to do the “individual tailoring” instead of the personal homage to Black dandyism. And many who clearly did minimal research and went with “tailored suit” instead of honoring the Black men and Women who have built Black dandyism.
This is more than fashion. It’s history woven into fabric, color and detail. Black dandyism in this form is bold – a way of speaking truth in a world that once silenced it. I stop at images like these because they remind me that every form of art can be a fight to exist.