Will The Met Gala Ever Be Truly Black? How Black Fashion Continues to Transform The Fashion Industry

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This year’s Met Gala was a spotlight on the historical and cultural impact of Black fashion. The impact of Black designers, visionaries and creators pulsates through the veins of the fashion industry and weaves into the DNA of everything that is fashion. Black fashion has and always will be the blueprint.

Every year, high profile celebrities and models line the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to embrace the theme of the year. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” took on Black dandyism as the main source of inspiration. This exhibition showcases over 300 years of Black style through the concept of dandyism. Black dandyism sprang from the intersection of African and European style traditions. As a way to fuel self-expression, dandyism examines the importance of style and identity within Black culture.

Before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight, do not confuse Black dandyism with your office siren attempts.

This style is both aesthetic and very much political. Although this was coined in the 1800s, Black dandyism continues to inspire Black men to claim their identities unapologetically and loudly. Dandyism is a tool to push boundaries and rethink social and gender constructs.

This modern-day celebration of Black Dandyism came from the creative minds of guest curator Monica Miller, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, Columbia University; and A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo and Lewis Hamilton; prolific Black men and entertainers who serve as co-chairs at the event. This theme was also paying homage and honoring the late André Leon Talley.

The fashionable celebration was much anticipated, with a lot of buzz circulating through every nook and cranny of the internet. The consensus, because of this theme and the esteemed co-chairs, was that this year’s Met Gala better be unapologetically Black.

So the question is, was this achieved? For a historical theme such as this, stylists and designers must dive deep and push those boundaries just as Black dandyism intended.

Although this concept is not new, it is new to the masses and here’s how we at The Curio Cabinet think elements of dandyism will continue to show up and show out in mainstream fashion.

Timeless Accessories

For Black style and culture, some items serve as multi-purpose and can be an accessory and a necessity. Keep in mind, these accessories aren’t particularly meant for all cultures and the mainstream. There’s cultural and historical context dedicated to these pieces, and they have to be worn by those who understand the significance and use for them. They are important for Black culture, and the more acceptance and representation in items made by Black designers and creatives like grills, durags and headscarves, the greater the inspiration among Black youth and future generations to embrace these accessories in their everyday attire, unapologetically. Teyana Taylor did just that. Wearing a burgundy cap-long durag, this look perfectly executed the theme and told a story that goes beyond the surface.

Suit Up

Let’s start with the obvious: menswear got all its flowers last night. Menswear at the Met Gala is often overlooked and sometimes poorly executed. However, an array of looks proved that menswear is finally scratching the surface of what can be achieved with a beautifully tailored suit.

Colman Domingo has been proving this point for years with his standout red carpet looks. However, this year also proved that suits aren’t just for the fellas! Tailored suits were on display across all genders and in multiple iterations and colors.

Are we finally entering a time where we can retire a boring plain black suit? Not so much… A$AP Rocky rocked a black suit adorned with a broach, and Law Roach wore a black velvet burnout suit by Burberry. With this in mind, black suits don’t have to be boring—it’s all about how they’re layered and accessorized to make a statement. That jaw-dropping moment when Damson Idris stepped onto the carpet wearing a race suit only for it to be ripped off, revealing a bold red suit… yeah, that was hot. Suits represent power, refinement, and elegance. We have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more women rocking a tailored suit or going the Laura Harrier route with custom beige wide-leg pants and a tailored vest under a sheer long puff-sleeved shirt— all designed by Zac Posen and Gap Studio.

Our favorite look of all? Doechii in her custom Louis Vuitton short pantsuit. Short dress pants, a vest and a silk necktie are a recipe for an edgy fashion-forward summer outfit. 

Brooch Galore:

Brooches showed up on just about every jacket lapel and neck tie—and we aren’t mad at it! These vintage and delicate accessories have such a knack for elevating any outfit and drawing the eye to the ornate piece. Brooches have gained momentum over the past years, and we don’t anticipate it slowing down. No matter the size or symbol, brooches were the perfect finishing touch for an array of looks, which kept us locked in and inspired. Although this specific look is not a brooch, we believe this could and should be replicated. Khaby Lame wore an iconic custom BOSS suit embellished with pocket watches on his waistcoat. This look can easily come to life with multiple brooches or over the top embellishments to bring a timeless piece back to life.

As the curtains close on another Met Gala, one thing is clear: the influence of Black fashion is not a fleeting trend but a foundational force. This year’s theme didn’t just offer a moment of visibility; it demanded a reckoning with the legacy, artistry and political power embedded in Black style. While some looks hit the mark more than others, the broader cultural conversation sparked by the celebration of Black dandyism is what truly matters. It reminded us that fashion is more than fabric, it’s identity, resistance and history stitched into every seam. And as we look to the future, Black fashion will continue to lead, inspire and reshape the very standards the industry is built upon.