Met Gala 2025: Superfine Tailoring Black Style
Image credit: Jody Ake
The first Monday in May marks one of fashion's biggest nights and it’s right on schedule to make history once again. The 2025 Met Gala is scheduled for May 5th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and this year’s theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” honoring Black dandyism and its cultural and fashion influence.
Image credit: Harness Hamese
Black Dandy
Dandyism is a cultural and fashion movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, known for sharply tailored garments and refined manners. While the look was originally associated with European aristocrats, Black men redefined dandy as a powerful outlet of self-expression and resistance. Through sharp tailoring and sophisticated style, they asserted individuality, reclaimed dignity and challenged societal norms in the face of oppression.
Image credits: Harness Hamese & Lukas Amakali
From the Harlem Renaissance to modern-day fashion icons like André 3000, A$AP Rocky and Dapper Dan, Black dandyism has had a lasting impact as a means to celebrate and express Black heritage and rebellion through high fashion to redefine the Black experience.
Image credit: Andre 3000
The Met Gala Black Dandy Exhibition
Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” the Costume Institute curated the accompanying exhibition that will officially open to the public on May 10 to October 25, 2025. The exhibition will feature a variety of garments , photographs, art, and historical text that tell the story of Black tailoring past to present. Visitors can expect to witness archival pieces as well as modern interpretations while exploring how Black designers and creatives draw from culture to inspire the future.
Image credits: Aaron Smith and Janelle Monáe
What to Expect on the Red Carpet
Each year, the Met Gala’s theme and dress code is highly anticipated by attendees because it sets the tone for the best red carpet moments. This year, guests are expected to interpret the theme “Tailored for You” which invites guests to insert their personal style while showcasing the power of fine tailoring. This could be displayed through sharp shouldered suits, structured silhouettes or avant-garde menswear inspired looks. Women may embrace traditionally masculine tailoring, embodying strength and sophistication through power suits and neckties similar to Janelle Monáe’s famous uniform style.
Image credit: Daniele Tamagni
With the theme rooted in tailoring and Black culture, the red carpet will be stamped by many unforgettable moments. Expect vintage inspired suits, bold patterns and accessories, as well as Patrick Kelly, Dapper Dan and Ozwald Boateng inspired designs. With Black culture at the forefront, the red carpet is sure to deliver iconic moments that blend historical elegance with modern innovation.
Image credit: Colman Domingo
Who’s Hosting?
This year’s Met Gala will be co-hosted by a dynamic lineup of cultural and fashion icons, including Colman Domingo who left us speechless with his 2024 Met Gala appearance and made it to our top 2024 fashion moments list, Lewis Hamilton fashion enthusiast and British Formula One driver, A$AP Rocky rapper and fashion trendsetter, Pharrel Williams multi-hyphenate and creative director of Louis Vuitton Mens, as well as Anna Wintour the force behind the Met Gala. We can also anticipate basketball legend LeBron James to serve as an honorary chair, with a host committee including trailblazers like Andre 3000, Simone Biles and Spike Lee.
Image credit: Penske Media/Getty Images
The 2025 Met Gala: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” is more than a fashion celebration and exhibate—it’s a statement. Black culture has impacted every part of American history, including fashion, and its impact cannot be erased. At a time when Black influence is overlooked and battling attempts for erasure, this theme reaffirms its lasting legacy while empowering all people to embrace the creativity, history and self-expression that fashion represents.
As the night unfolds, the red carpet will showcase how Black style continues to inspire, innovate and redefine fashion, ensuring its influence is seen, honored and remembered.