Siddhraj ThakerThe 2025 Met Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was a celebration of Black dandyism, a cultural movement that uses fashion as a form of self-expression and resistance. The theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, honored the legacy of Black individuals who have used clothing to assert their identity and challenge societal norms.
What is Black Dandyism?
Black dandyism is a cultural movement and fashion style where Black individuals adopt the European sensibility of the dandy—characterized by impeccable grooming and dress—as a means to assert autonomy and address societal limitations. Emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the Harlem Renaissance, Black dandyism was a response to the history of slavery and a way to reclaim the Black body through clothing .
The Zoot Suit: A Symbol of Rebellion
A central element of Black dandyism is the zoot suit, a men’s fashion style from the 1940s featuring high-waisted, wide-legged trousers, and long coats with wide lapels and padded shoulders. Originating among African Americans, the zoot suit became a cultural symbol of defiance and self-expression. It was notably worn by the Hepcat and Pachuco subcultures and was later adopted by Mexican, Filipino, Italian, and Japanese Americans .
Met Gala 2025 Theme Explained
The Superfine exhibition at the Met Gala was organized around 12 characteristics of Black dandyism, informed by Zora Neale Hurston’s 1934 essay, “The Characteristics of Negro Expression.” The exhibition showcased garments and accessories, as well as a range of media including drawings, paintings, photographs, and film excerpts. Sections like “Ownership” featured an enslaved person’s livery from 19th-century Maryland, while “Jook” highlighted a pair of 1940s zoot suits .
A Night of Fashion and History
The Met Gala 2025 was more than just a fashion event; it was a powerful statement on the role of clothing in cultural identity and resistance. Celebrities and designers embraced the theme, showcasing the enduring influence of Black dandyism in contemporary fashion.
