Met Gala 2025 : Celebrating Black Dandyism

Jewelz Lopez
May 7
3 min read

The 2025 Met Gala was a landmark event, being the first to exclusively focus on black designers - celebrating Black dandyism and raising a record-breaking $31 million.

This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” honored the rich history and influence of Black fashion, particularly the tradition of dandyism.

The gala showcased the talents of top Black designers and highlighted the cultural significance of Black style in the fashion industry.

Top 10 Black Designers Who Shined at the Met Gala:

Christopher John Rogers – Known for his vibrant designs, he dressed multiple stars, including Cole Escola.
Maximilian Davis – As Ferragamo’s creative director, he designed elegant outfits for Paloma Elsesser, LaKeith Stanfield, and Ayo Edebiri.
Paul Tazewell – Renowned for his theatrical costume work, he created striking suits for Chappell Roan and Janelle Monáe.
Olivier Rousteing – The Balmain designer brought bold structure to ensembles for ROSALÍA and others.
Sergio Hudson – He dressed around 18 celebrities, showcasing expert tailoring and strong Black fashion codes.
Ib Kamara – Off-White’s creative lead styled Kamala Harris and La La Anthony with precision and style.
Thebe Magugu – This South African designer incorporated African heritage into modern couture for Aurora James and Ivy Getty.
LaQuan Smith – He balanced sensuality and sharp tailoring, dressing Halle Berry and himself in eye-catching pieces.
Dapper Dan – The Harlem icon attended in a sequined ensemble featuring the Sankofa symbol, reflecting on Black history and fashion.
Ugo Mozie – He designed a custom gown for Diana Ross, featuring an 18-foot train embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren.

A Brief History of Black Dandyism:

Black dandyism emerged as a form of resistance and self-expression, with roots tracing back to the 18th century.
During times of slavery and discrimination, stylish attire became a potent form of cultural defiance.
Figures like James Baldwin and Duke Ellington exemplified this tradition, using fashion to assert dignity and individuality.

The 2025 Met Gala’s theme paid homage to this legacy, celebrating the artistry and resilience of Black style.

Record-Breaking Fundraising and Cultural Significance:

This year’s Met Gala raised an unprecedented $31 million, the most in its history.

The significant fundraising underscores the growing recognition and appreciation of Black culture’s influence on fashion and the arts.

The event highlighted the importance of supporting and celebrating Black creatives and their contributions to the industry.

Engagement with the Theme by White Celebrities:

While some white celebrities embraced the theme with thoughtful and creative expressions, many others opted for conservative ensembles that lacked the flamboyance traditionally associated with dandyism.

This hesitance may stem from concerns about cultural appropriation or misinterpretation, but it also points to a missed opportunity to fully honor the rich history and significance of Black dandyism.

The Need for More Celebrations of Black Excellence:

The success of the 2025 Met Gala highlights the importance of hosting more events that celebrate Black excellence.

Initiatives like the Black Excellence Gala at Official MelaninCon provide platforms to honor and uplift Black creatives, leaders, and innovators.

These events not only recognize achievements within the community, but also inspire future generations to continue shaping culture and society.

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Author

Jewelz Alize Lopez @_jewelz.alize

Model / Producer

BA in Public Health Edu. & Psychology