As we look ahead to the 2025 Met Gala, an event known for its innovative themes and bold fashion, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has revealed its highly anticipated theme: ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’. This exhibit will focus on the Black dandy, showcasing the importance of clothing and style in the formation of Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora. Drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s seminal 2009 book ‘Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity’, this will be a celebration of centuries of Black style, from the 18th century to the present.
With a star-studded lineup of co-chairs including A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, and honorary chair LeBron James, the 2025 Met Gala on May 5 promises to be an unforgettable event.
The two people I am most excited about, with all due respect to the others, are Colman Domingo, and Lewis Hamilton.
Colman Domingo: The Embodiment of Black Dandyism
Colman embodies the essence of Black dandyism every time he steps onto the red carpet. His fashion choices—whether it’s a bold, floral suit or an intricately tailored ensemble—always exude confidence and refinement, perfectly in line with the spirit of this exhibit. Given his penchant for pushing boundaries with his style, I expect Colman to deliver a Met Gala moment that will resonate deeply with the theme.
Lewis Hamilton: Thoughtful and Visionary
Lewis, a trailblazer both on and off the track, consistently brings thought-provoking fashion to the Met Gala. In 2021, he notably invited Black designers Kenneth Nicholson, Theophilio, and Jason Rembert to sit at his table, paying for their attendance to uplift Black creatives in the fashion industry. This year, he honoured the UK’s first Black gardener, John Ystumllyn, with a custom Burberry look. His commitment to spotlighting Black talent in fashion is undeniable, making him a perfect fit for co-chair of this year’s Met Gala.
His recent statement on Instagram he said, “I’m beyond honored to be one of the co-chairs for next year’s Met Gala, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
This theme speaks to me deeply. When I started my career I never imagined what I might be capable of beyond my sport. The pressure to conform holds so many people back. Growing up as the only Black kid on the track, so often that pressure got to me. Expressing myself creatively was and still is my freedom from that conformity. For Black people across the diaspora, fashion is self-preservation. Fashion is resilience, and I can’t wait to further explore and amplify our underrepresented voices.
Thank you to the @metcostumeinstitute for the platform to uplift Black creatives on this scale.”
For the Met Gala announcement, Lewis looked sharp in a green wool and silk suit from Dior Men’s Summer 2025 Collection, with a deconstructed peak lapel jacket accented by a gold brooch. His eye for detail and cultural significance in fashion will make him one to watch on the big night.
With such compelling figures leading the charge, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ will undoubtedly be a powerful exploration of Black identity through the lens of fashion, offering us a new understanding of how style has shaped the Black experience across time.
Credit: Getty
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