Black Dandyism - Met Gala 2025
Okay - another year, another Met Gala. And honestly, this one was pretty good. I know there’s been a few recent ones that haven’t been the best, but I feel this one was consistently good. This years theme was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Its inspired by the 2009 book by Monica L. Miller named Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
The key words here are Black Dandyism - so let’s quickly go through what that is.
Said by Jonathan Michael Square, black dandyism is the “strategic and often subversive use of style by people of African descent to assert individuality, challenge stereotypes, and reimagine black identity. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s a profoundly political act.” Dandyism by itself is the meticulous attention put onto one’s appearance and fashion. Black dandyism has far longer roots into politics, social issues and freedom. Square says “In colonial societies where clothing was a marker of status and civility, the appearance of a well-dressed black person was inherently disruptive.” Fashion itself helped to disrupt the racial hierarchy throughout history, and still continues to do so today.
So it’s more than just suiting, just tailoring - there is an entire history of challenging norms, hierarchies and societies.
Alright that’s our homework done - time to get into the looks. Here’s just a few of my favourites and least favourites.
Kim Kardashian - Sure, girl what the hell. And honestly this can apply to everyone in the Kardashian-Jenner family. I’m not sure if they just left this to the last minute, but I would say their looks are right on the edge of the theme, nowhere near actually embodying the theme.
Doja Cat - I’m a sucker for oversized proportions, and this look with the big square shoulders, tiny waist and big hips is just great. The combination of the fur and stoned pinstripe is a homage to the excessive nature of the 1980s. I really have no notes on this - its just amazing.
Hailey Bieber - Reminds me of Karlie Kloss at the 2019 Met Gala - like yes girl give us nothing!! I do kind of understand where she’s coming from - Saint Laurent being a pioneer of women's suiting in the 1970s but like - its a double-breasted blazer over tights.
Sabrina Carpenter - Not sure why she isn’t wearing pants, or a pencil skirt or something. Not sure why the LV designers just didn’t make pants for any of their female guests, but that’s fine. The colour is beautiful and it’s tailored to her perfectly. It could’ve gone further with the theme but I think the tailoring and extra details with the shirt collar and tails were a good touch. I also would kill for those shoes.
Teyana Taylor - Probably my favourite of the night. Her zoot-suit inspired outfit with all these additional details, the feathers, pleating, adornment and lacework. The integration of satin and plaid add visual interest, and the colour itself add a luxurious touch. I’m just happy its not a black suit to be honest.
Damson Idris - First of all, arriving to the Met in a F1 car. second of all, revealing from a F1 suit to a formal suit on the carpet. The combination of the satin and plaid add visual detail and the rich colour subverts expertations of mens suiting. Not just a black suit which I’m happy about.
Diana Ross - Diana Ross could just arrive at the Met in anything I’d still be happy. But overall its a look that’s dramatic enough to fit Diana Ross’ legacy. The ostrich feathers, the stoning, the train featuring her family tree. Just beautiful and fitting.
Cardi B - This is so cool - especially after her previous appearances being very over-the-top, it’s nice to see something a bit more understated. The green velvet is luxurious and the beading just adds that extra touch. It’s tailored so well to her body and the angular hair just fits it perfectly. It commands attention and that’s what I love about suiting.
Doechii - I love the integration of casual and black tie - shorts with tails. It’s a combination of young and old, fresh and classic. I do wish the shorts were the same fabric as the rest of the look, but that’s fine. I also love her natural afro hair with this as well.
Frankly, its the first time in years that I’ve watched the Met Gala and haven’t been overall disappointed. It’s such an important theme, as important as it ever was, and I think everyone (mostly) was able to interpret it well and really embrace it.