On May 5, 2025, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City will host the annual Met Gala, inaugurating the Costume Institute's spring exhibition, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." This exhibition, running from May 10 to October 26, 2025, delves into the evolution and significance of Black dandyism—a style movement emphasizing refined elegance and self-expression—within the Atlantic diaspora.

Inspired by Monica L. Miller's 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the exhibition marks the first menswear-focused showcase at the Costume Institute since 2003. Miller, who serves as the guest curator, emphasizes the depth of dandyism:

"Dandyism can seem frivolous, but it often poses a challenge to or a transcendence of social and cultural hierarchies," Miller stated. "It asks questions about identity, representation, and mobility in relation to race, class, gender, sexuality, and power."

The gala will be co-chaired by actor Colman Domingo, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, musician A$AP Rocky, musician and Louis Vuitton menswear creative director Pharrell Williams, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. NBA legend LeBron James will serve as the honorary chair.

The dress code, "Tailored for You," encourages personalized interpretations of tailored suiting and menswear, reflecting the exhibition's focus. This theme invites attendees to embrace creative expressions of classic tailoring, honoring the tradition of Black individuals using clothing as a form of self-definition.

"Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" will feature garments, paintings, photographs, and film excerpts, tracing the Black dandy's evolution from 18th-century art to contemporary fashion and media. The exhibition is organized into 12 sections, each representing defining characteristics of the dandy aesthetic, such as Ownership, Presence, Distinction, and Freedom. Notable artifacts include photographs of W.E.B. Du Bois, works by Zora Neale Hurston, and designs by Virgil Abloh and Dapper Dan.

Black dandyism is a fashion movement where Black individuals use clothing and personal style as forms of self-expression and to address societal limitations. Originating in the 18th century, it has evolved into a symbol of resistance and identity within Black communities. Historically, dandyism was imposed on Black men in 18th-century Europe as the Atlantic slave trade and an emerging culture of consumerism created a trend of fashionably dressed, or dandified, servants. Over time, Black individuals employed clothing, gesture, irony, and wit to transform their given identities and imagine new ways of embodying political and social possibilities.

The exhibition underscores the Met's commitment to diversifying its exhibitions and collections, acknowledging the historical and cultural contributions of Black fashion to the broader narrative. By focusing on Black dandyism, the Met highlights the power of style as a democratic tool for rejecting stereotypes and accessing new possibilities.

The 2025 Met Gala and the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition offer a profound exploration of Black dandyism, celebrating its rich history and enduring impact on fashion and culture. This event not only honors the elegance and self-expression inherent in Black style but also challenges societal norms, inviting a broader conversation about identity and representation in the fashion world.