Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

Its the first Monday in May, which means it's one of my favorite events of the year, The Met Gala. This years theme is, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," Drawing inspiration from Monica L. Millers book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of the Black Diasporic Identity. This years theme invites guests to explore the history of Black Dandyism and the evolution of Black style through the years. The Dress Code, "Tailored for You," encourages creativity and personal interpretation, allowing each guest to express what the theme means to them.

Dandyism, simply put, signifies excellence. In the context of Black fashion, it is the defiance against the confinement of Black men. Dandyism represented an assertion of belonging. It is a form of resistance, an elegant protest against those who felt that skin color meant more than ones worth or character. Today, The modern Black dandy honors those traditions, expressing their identity through vibrant colors, patterns and innovative tailoring. On the red carpet, the first thing you'll notice is the prominence of Black people. Secondly, a significant number of guests, both women and men, will be adorned in suits. Many will pay homage to various eras of fashion history, incorporating elements like zoot suits, pinstripes, and fedoras as accessories. Women will take a modern spin, wearing gowns that look like suits. What excites me most about this theme is the unexpected. Black Style runs so deep. From Dapper Dans iconic knock-ups to Virgil Abloh's era of streetwear, there is so much to be said of the Black persons history of style. The Exhibit features 12 different sections: Ownership, Presence, Distinction, Disguise, Freedom, Champion, Respectability, Jook, Heritage, Beauty, Cool, and Cosmopolitanism. Black guests have a duty and an opportunity, to honor those that paved the way for us to even enter these spaces and discuss events like this. I am so excited to see how Black people express their love for fashion, and for blackness, tonight.

The event has already raised $31 million dollars in donations, Marking the highest gross in the 77 year history of the Met Gala. Stay tuned for updates of my favorite, and least favorite, looks from the Red Carpet!