Met Monday is Upon Us!–Black Dandyism Explained and Our Queer Icons Tailoring the Movement
- cedrichalljr
- May 5
- 3 min read
Fashion & Beauty
Today the 2025 Met Gala, themed Tailored for You, will historically pay homage to the Black experience during one of fashion's most celebrated red carpet moments. This year’s theme proves to be a progressive step toward rewriting longtime biased American fashion narratives, bringing light to the ever-evolving style and contributions of Black men through the lens of dandyism from the 18th century to present.
Inspired by Barnard College Professor and this year’s guest curator, Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the Costume Institute’s complementing exhibit, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, will break dandyism down into 12 themes. Pillars like Ownership and Freedom will be visualized at the exhibit, symbolizing reclaimed dignities that society once tried to suppress from the Black community.
In an interview with Vogue, Monica Miller describes a dandy as someone who studies to dress elegantly.
“When the dandy is Black, we get a chance to see the figure that really encapsulates a matrix of identity…race, gender, class, sexuality…and also about clothing, dress, and fashion as a tool, as a critique, and as a creative mode of thinking about liberation.”
This year, for the very first time, the co-chairs are all men of color. Pharrell Williams, actor Colman Domingo, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, musician A$AP Rocky, and basketball legend Lebron James serving as honorary co-chair.
“They’re all men who aren’t afraid to take risks with their self-presentation. They take advantage of classic forms, but they also remix them and break them down in really new ways, says Andrew Bolton, leading curator of the Costume Institute. “I think Black men and Black designers are very much at the forefront of this new renaissance in menswear.”
As anticipation builds for the 2025 Met Gala, it’s essential to recognize the profound impact of queer influence on the evolution of dandyism and the tastemakers leading this year’s celebration.
Queer creatives have long redefined dandy fashion, transforming it into a platform for liberation and self expression. By challenging heteronormative standards, we’ve been able to portray style as both an act of resistance and a celebration of identity.
This powerful legacy is epitomized dating back from the Harlem Renaissance, to the era of the late André Leon Talley, trailblazing fashion journalist and Vogue's first Black male Creative Director. Forever cherished for his signature capes and kaftans, Talley brought grandeur and intellectual depth to fashion, advocating for diversity and paving the way for authenticity.
Continuing this tradition, modern day artists like Janelle Monae reimagines dandyism through a feminine lens. Her signature tailored suits, oversized hats, and bowties challenge traditional gender norms in a way that reminds us of the relentless energy of 19th century blues sensation Gladys Bentley, a queer Harlem Renaissance pioneer known for breaking all the rules with her unapologetic energy.
This year’s celebration of Black dandyism at the Met Gala has been brought to life with the help of queer visionary creatives, Law Roach and Colman Domingo.
The incomparable Law Roach, renowned for his innovative styling, has been instrumental in shaping this year’s narrative. He collaborated with Tyler Mitchell on a special portfolio for Vogue and GQ, capturing a star-studded cast including Dapper Dan, Spike Lee, and Ayo Edebiri, in contemporary suiting that celebrates the theme. The portfolio underscores Black style as a sophisticated, self-expressive art form, embodying individuality and empowerment.
Colman Domingo, our forever fashion mood board and featured in the portfolio, is one of this year’s Met Gala co-chairs. In an interview, he says, “The idea of like honoring the Black dandy, matters. To look at the history and the impact that we’ve had on culture, design, art, music, and I’m standing with incredible brothers who I admire so dearly. It’s just a beautiful moment and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
As the fashion world continues to hold space for Black contributions, the influence of queer culture on the dandy remains undeniable. This year’s celebration isn’t just a nod to Black excellence, it’s a reminder that Black fashion, at its boldest, is symbolic of protest, possibility, and pride.
We can’t wait to see these 2025 red carpet looks! Gayes will you be tuning in? Drop your thoughts in the comments and tell us who you’re most excited to see.
