The 2025 Met Gala Theme Has Been Announced.
Vogue announced the 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” on Wednesday, and the fashion world is abuzz. But amidst the excitement, many are left wondering: what does this theme actually mean?
Drawing Inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s “Slaves to Fashion”
The theme takes its cue from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.” Miller’s work traces the history of the black male body, from 18th-century European slavery through the creation of the “black dandy” by diasporic visual artists. Miller will serve as a guest curator for the show, with Costume Institute Curator in Charge Andrew Bolton.
Understanding Dandyism
So, what is dandyism? The term “dandy” originated in 18th-century Scotland, referring to middle-class men seeking to join high society. “Dandies” are characterized by their elegant, refined, and artistic style, often exaggerating their manners. “Black dandyism”, specifically, is a cosmopolitan phenomenon that blends European, African, and American influences. It’s a lifestyle and style of dress that embodies refinement, performative expression, and liberation.
Black dandyism becomes a strategy for survival and transcendence, allowing individuals to traverse borders of race, class, and gender. By making “fashion his slave,” the black dandy creates a loophole of freedom through ambiguity.
(Click here to read the NY Times Article, “Black Dandies, Style Rebels With a Cause”)
This theme celebrates the power of fashion as a tool for self-expression and liberation.
Reactions to the Theme
As news of the theme spread, social media was filled with mixed reactions. Some expressed excitement, while others warned of potential cultural appropriation. Commenters wrote, “This could get real problematic, real fast.“ and “Am I the only one nervous about this? A good theme, but let’s hope no one will appropriate cultures.”
The 2025 Met Gala Hosts
This year’s hosts include – A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, and honorary chair LeBron James – all individuals who embody the spirit of Black dandyism. Their fashion icon status and cultural influence make them perfect fits for this theme.
The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” promises to be a thought-provoking celebration of Black fashion and identity. Will this year’s attendees rise to the challenge and honor the theme’s spirit, or will cultural appropriation concerns come to fruition? Only time will tell.
