Black Style

The 2025 Met Gala is set to make history with its theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Scheduled for May 5, 2025, the event will celebrate the evolution of Black men’s fashion, inspired by the “Black dandy” style—a term highlighting the refined and elegant trends within Black culture. This theme coincides with the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, running from May 10 to October 26, 2025.

The exhibition will feature a diverse range of media, including garments, accessories, prints, paintings, photographs, and film excerpts, offering an in-depth exploration of Black men’s style through the ages. The theme draws inspiration from Monica Miller’s book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, making it the Met’s first-ever fashion exhibition focused entirely on designers of colour.

The 2025 Met Gala will be co-chaired by some of the most influential names in fashion and culture: Pharrell Williams (musician and Louis Vuitton menswear creative director), Colman Domingo (actor), Lewis Hamilton (F1 racing driver & part-time K-pop lookalike), A$AP Rocky (rapper & Rihanna’s baby daddy), and Anna Wintour (big boss at Vogue). LeBron James will also serve as an honorary co-chair—I guess they couldn’t think of another Black male celebrity known for their fashion, so they picked an athlete not exactly recognised for his style.

While the theme itself aims to celebrate the richness and influence of Black fashion, I have concerns about the book’s title, Slaves to Fashion, being the inspiration. Using the term “slaves” in a context meant to honour Black creativity and history feels out of touch, given the painful legacy of slavery.  How can fashion and culture honour Black history without unintentionally undermining it? And how will this gala honour the late, great dandy of all dandies, André Leon Talley? Maybe those are questions Ms. Wintour could tackle in her spare time!

As the Met Gala continues to set the standard for blending fashion with cultural significance, next year’s event will no doubt ignite important conversations on representation, identity, and the power of Black fashion.