The Met Gala is tonight, and it's already historic. Here's why.
May 5, 2025
The Met Gala is back, and this year's theme celebrates the rich history of Black dandyism. Experts discuss how this fashion narrative is rooted in rebellion against norms. The conversation dives into the importance of representation in fashion and critiques celebrity style choices. Listeners will learn about the evolution of Black dandyism and its significance today. Anticipation builds as they explore who might steal the spotlight this year, hinting at a follow-up to dissect the glamorous outcomes of the event.
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insights INSIGHT
Understanding Black Dandyism
Black dandyism is a celebration of the Black dandy, mixing traditional tailoring with flamboyant menswear.
It encompasses rebellion, subversion, and a broad spectrum from elegance to exuberance.
insights INSIGHT
Roots in Enslaved People's Fashion
Black dandyism roots trace back to the first fashion acts of enslaved Black people in America.
It involves expressing individuality and bodily autonomy despite oppressive sumptuary laws.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Styling Celebrities for the Gala
Antoine Gregory would style Janelle Monáe to honor Black queer women subverting menswear.
Shelton Boyd-Griffith would dress Stephon Diggs to create flamboyant, fashion-risk-taking looks.
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In 'The Chiffon Trenches,' André Leon Talley chronicles his journey from humble beginnings in the Jim Crow South to becoming a legendary figure in the fashion world. The memoir provides a candid and often heartbreaking account of his experiences with racism, his friendships with influential designers, and his rise to prominence in the industry.
Slave to Fashion
Slave to Fashion
Safia Minney
Monica Miller's "Slave to Fashion" delves into the rich history of dandyism within the Black community, exploring its evolution from a form of resistance during slavery to a powerful symbol of self-expression and cultural identity. The book examines how Black individuals used clothing and style as a means of asserting their dignity and challenging societal norms. It highlights the creativity and ingenuity of Black tailors and designers, showcasing their contributions to fashion history. The narrative traces the development of distinct Black styles, from the elegant suits of abolitionists to the zoot suits of the Harlem Renaissance, demonstrating the enduring power of clothing as a form of cultural expression and social commentary. Miller's work provides a nuanced understanding of how fashion has been used as a tool for both oppression and liberation within the Black experience.
It's the first Monday in May. AKA it's time for the annual Met Gala. Or as some call it, "fashion's biggest night."
Celebrities will walk the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art hoping their looks live up to the annual theme of the gala. This year's theme is a special one. It's called "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," and it's the very first Black fashion tradition to be selected for the theme of the Costume Institute's fundraiser.
Brittany and her guests, culture writer Shelton Boyd-Griffith and editor-in-chief of Black Fashion Fair Antoine Gregory, discuss how celebrities can be sure to be on theme and how the theme is rooted in the very first fashion statements made by enslaved people.
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