Black Dandyism Takes Center Stage At This Year’s Met Gala
Black Dandyism has the spotlight for 2025’s Met Gala, which will occur on the first Monday of May, as always. Cultural powerhouses in Hollywood will be co-chairing and leading the sharply tailored style theme into one of fashion’s biggest days.
Janelle Monáe is one of the gala’s committee members. The Grammy-nominated artist is known for embracing the dandy style as her signature fashion sense, and talked about how she’s so proud that this tradition is getting its “long-overdue moment of visibility,” according to AP.
“It’s always important to educate and reeducate to the world as much as we possibly can through art and through our greatness,” said Monáe.
Monáe has previously stated that her signature look was inspired by her family members who proudly embraces dandyism throughout her life, and is looking forward to not only honoring her personal past, but the future of the style as well.
“Dandyism is pretty much a part of my fashion DNA through tailoring and suiting,” Monáe said.
“I’ve honored my ancestors and my family who wore their uniforms, wore their suits to serve our community. It fell right in line with who I am, and the people I want to bring with me that helped build this country.”
As always, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will be unveiling a new costume exhibit that aligns with this year’s theme. The exhibit is entitled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and is the museum’s first show centered around Black designers exclusively, and is also the first show in two decades that highlights menswear specifically.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Kyle Smith, the NFL’s first-ever fashion editor.
“It’s great to see the recognition that Black culture is having or has in fashion for years. It’s been there and very subtle, or just not recognized. I think this year’s theme is long overdue. I’m excited to see everybody’s outfits and how they interact with the idea of Black dandyism,” Smith said.
Co-Chairs for this years Met Gala include Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and honorary chair LeBron James. Monáe is on the hosting committee with Simone Biles, Spike Lee, Ayo Edebiri, and André 3000.
“I think honoring minorities, honoring Black and brown people in these spaces and outside every day, is important,” said Monáe.
“The ones who have dedicated their lives to this country to serve, build and give us art to sustain us for a lifetime. We should continue to honor them and push forward and stand on their shoulders.”
Black dandyism as a style dates back to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It presented itself as a means of reclaiming elements of elegance and luxury to fuel empowerment, combat stereotypes, and maintain/honor the legacy of Black people in America.
“We are the walking versions that they imagined,” said El Lewis, an Atlanta-based stylist.
“A lot of these people died not being able to have these realities come to fruition. We have a lot of autonomy to ourselves, and I think that’s what they were probably seeking. They wanted to be able to do anything at any moment at any time. And I think that’s what they get to see us do.”
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
