The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, embraced the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of Black dandyism. Inspired by Dr. Monica L. Miller’s seminal work Slaves to Fashion, the exhibition delved into how Black individuals have historically used fashion—particularly tailoring—as a means of self-expression, resistance, and identity formation within the Atlantic diaspora.

The accompanying dress code, “Tailored for You”, invited attendees to interpret the theme through personalized expressions of style. This led to a diverse array of ensembles that paid homage to the elegance and flair of Black sartorial traditions.

**Lewis Hamilton - Co-Chair**

Dressed by Wales Bonner

**Sabrina Carpenter**

Wearing Louis Vuitton

**Colman Domingo**

Wearing custom Valentino

**Doechii**

Wearing custom Louis Vuitton

**Doja Cat**

Wearing custom Marc Jacobs

**Bad Bunny**

Honoring his heritage with a Prada suit, and a Puerto Rican pava hat.

**Jodie Turner Smith**

Wearing custom Burberry

**Zendaya**

Wearing custom Louis Vuitton

**Mindy Kaling**

Wearing custom Harbison Studio

**Christian Latchman**

The face of the Costume Institute exhibition's catalog cover

**ASAP Rocky - Co Chair**

Wearing a custom look by his label AWGE

So Where Does Real Creativity Live?

Here’s the twist: in many ways, this saturation point might be a turning point. We’re so overloaded with references, throwbacks, and recycled trends that the truly original — even when it’s subtle — shines brighter than ever. It’s in the work that makes you pause, not scroll. That doesn’t just trigger recognition, but curiosity.

Where do we find that now?

In niche subcultures. The mainstream is increasingly homogenous, but underground scenes — from queer nightlife to global DIY music collectives — are still innovating wildly.
In slowness. Long-form content, print zines, analog art — things made without the pressure to “perform” — are often where the most honest experiments happen.
In refusal. Some of the most interesting artists are the ones who refuse to make content. Who vanish for a while. Who build a world and come back only when it’s ready.
In perspective. The new frontier might not be aesthetic at all — but interpretive. Originality might lie in the way we see, not just what we make.

The 2025 Met Gala stood as a testament to the power of fashion as a medium for storytelling and cultural expression. By spotlighting Black dandyism, the event honored a legacy of style that transcends aesthetics, embodying resilience, creativity, and identity. The evening's ensembles not only showcased impeccable tailoring but also narrated stories of heritage, pride, and the enduring impact of Black fashion on the global stage.

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