What’s Dandyism: Honoring Black Brilliance Ahead Of Met Gala

As the 2025 Met Gala approaches, all eyes turn to its theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute is spotlighting Black dandyism, and fans might wonder what that means. Read more about dandyism inside.

This year’s Met Gala theme is interesting and timely considering the nature of the world right now. The effort to share about Black dandyism through this theme highlgihts more than an aesthetic. It serves as a profound form of cultural resistance and reinvention.

In a special collaboration between Vogue and GQ, stars like Janelle Monáe, Spike Lee, Dapper Dan, and Ayo Edebiri suit up to explore what it truly means to dress as though you know you’re loved.

Black dandyism is not about vanity, but it’s about rewriting the narrative. As seen in the powerful portfolio shot by Tyler Mitchell and styled by the incomparable Law Roach, “Superfine” frames fashion as both armor and art. It’s a celebration of Black elegance, flair, and wit, and a reflection of the power in claiming space through style.

Vogue published another article that speaks to the “modern dandy.” It goes on to share how the style has evolved throughout time. Historically, Black dandyism has been a way to counter oppressive narratives. Frederick Douglass, the most photographed American of the 19th century, used fine tailoring to assert his dignity and personhood. W.E.B. Du Bois documented his extensive suit collection as a visual counterpoint to the degrading images so often weaponized against Black Americans.

As Janicza Bravo puts it, “Dandyism is flair, it’s wit, and a kind of ease and comfortability with oneself.” That self-assuredness shows up in the sharp lines of a tailored jacket, the shine of an immaculately polished shoe, or the intentionality of a designer pin. From Ghanaian men blending Savile Row with bold African textiles to American icons like Telfar and Hood by Air remixing streetwear with high fashion, dandyism becomes a language of freedom across the diaspora.

In a world that too often tells Black people to shrink, dandyism dares them to expand. It’s defiant. Joyful. Bold. It’s the refusal to be small.

As the Met Gala approaches on May 1, 2025, prepare for the carpet to transform into a runway of revolution. It will be a moment where each stitch tells a story, and every dandy steps with pride, flair, and power.

Comment with who’s dapper dandy look you’re most excited to see below.

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