In a time when conversations around diversity are growing more intense, Anna Wintour is once again taking a bold step. 2025’s spring exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute is set to make a statement. The exhibit officially launches with the Met Gala on the first Monday in May, a grand event where stars gather to walk the famous Met steps, dressed to match the annual theme.
This year, Anna Wintour is collaborating with co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams to spotlight the impact of Black culture and fashion. The 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” draws its inspiration from the work of Monica L. Miller, a scholar and author known for her book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. She’s also the head of Africana Studies at Barnard College.
Miller’s research explores how Black dandyism has been used as a creative and political tool. It allowed Black individuals to shape their identity, especially during times when their humanity was questioned—like during slavery. Dressing well wasn’t just about fashion; it was a powerful act of reclaiming dignity and asserting presence.
The idea of the Black Dandy began to take shape in the 1700s, particularly in Europe. As slavery was challenged and some Black people gained their freedom, clothing became a way for them to navigate and redefine their status. Formerly enslaved people used style to challenge societal expectations and show strength and independence.
Being called a “Black Dandy” referred to someone who cared deeply about fashion—not just in how they dressed, but also in how they carried themselves. Among Black communities, it was a term of pride and aspiration. But in white society, the label often carried negative judgment, criticizing the very confidence and ambition it celebrated in Black circles.
Over time, this focus on self-presentation became more than just style—it became a form of self-expression and transformation. Fashion helped Black people reimagine themselves beyond the legacy of enslavement. It became a way to show personal pride, signal success, and even push for social change. Their distinct looks began to shape trends and influence global style conversations.
Today, Black dandyism continues to evolve, reflecting the experiences and identities of Black people across the world. It’s a celebration of history, culture, and creativity through the way individuals choose to dress and present themselves.
The exhibition, which opens to the public on May 10th, will be organized into 12 sections, each focusing on a key aspect of Black dandy style. These include ideas such as Ownership, Freedom, Beauty, Cool, Heritage, among others. The entire collection will offer insight into how clothing tells stories and holds meaning across generations.
“Superfine” will showcase a variety of pieces—clothing, paintings, photos, and sculptures—from talented creators like Tanda Francis, Torkwase Dyson, Tyler Mitchell, and André Grenard Matswa. The exhibit will explore the visual legacy of Black style, spanning from the 1700s to modern day. Visitors can view it at the museum until October 26, 2025.
Among the standout items on display will be original photos and writings by W.E.B. Du Bois, works by Zora Neale Hurston and Nikki Giovanni, as well as vintage issues of Jet and Ebony magazines. There will also be historical outfits worn by figures like Frederick Douglass, fashion icons from the Harlem Renaissance, and more recent designs by André Leon Talley, Dapper Dan, and Virgil Abloh.
The Met Gala, the event that marks the grand opening of the exhibit, is a glamorous, invitation-only fundraiser supporting the museum’s Costume Institute. Known for its dramatic red carpet and extravagant fashion, it’s one of the most highly anticipated fashion events each year, attended by celebrities, designers, and industry leaders.
Attending the Gala doesn’t come cheap. In 2024, a single ticket cost $75,000, up from $50,000 the previous year. But things were much different at the beginning. The very first Met Gala took place in 1948, organized by publicist Eleanor Lambert. At that time, tickets were only $50, and the event was held to raise money for the newly created Costume Institute.
When Anna Wintour took over as chair in 1995, she transformed the event into a cultural juggernaut. As Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue and a leading force at Condé Nast, she expanded the guest list and brought in big names from entertainment, sports, and business. Her leadership helped make the Gala one of the biggest fundraising events in New York City. The 2024 edition raised a record-breaking $26 million.
This year’s dress code, “Tailored For You,” encourages guests to interpret the theme in their own unique way. The host committee features a diverse group of influential figures, including André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dapper Dan, Edward Enninful, Spike Lee, Janelle Monáe, Sha’Carri Richardson, Usher, and several others who represent the depth and richness of Black culture.
The exhibit is being made possible through major support from Louis Vuitton, Instagram, and philanthropic contributions from figures like George Lucas and Melody Hobson, Tyler Perry’s foundation, and Africa Fashion International, among others. Condé Nast is also backing the event.
This year’s theme arrives at a significant moment. As debates over diversity and inclusion continue in schools, corporations, and even cultural institutions like the Met, “Superfine” sends a strong message. It recognizes the need for stories that reflect a broader range of experiences and perspectives.
Representation isn’t just about fairness—it’s about progress. Diverse voices drive creativity and fuel economic growth. Black Americans today hold a combined spending power estimated to be between $1.4 trillion and $1.8 trillion. That’s a major influence—equivalent to the GDPs of countries like Mexico or Canada.
Acknowledging and honoring the cultural impact of this community, especially through fashion, isn’t just timely—it’s essential. It opens the door for rising Black designers like LaQuan Smith and Telfar Clemens while paying tribute to trailblazers like Tracy Reese and the late Patrick Kelly.
This year’s Met Gala and exhibit don’t just celebrate clothes—they honor the rich heritage, creativity, and future potential of Black style. And in doing so, they shine a light on a culture that continues to shape and inspire the world. Kudos to Anna Wintour for making it happen.
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