The Met Gala: Embracing Dandy Style
The Met Gala’s Rich History
The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, established in 1948. Originally a $50 dinner at the Waldorf Astoria, the event was created by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, who also helped launch New York Fashion Week. The introduction of themes for the Gala began in the 1970s when Diana Vreeland, former editor of Vogue, became a consultant for the Costume Institute. Vreeland played a key role in raising awareness for the event and brought high-profile figures like First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who co-chaired from 1977 to 1978.
In 1995, Anna Wintour, the current editor-in-chief of Vogue, took over the Gala, transforming it into the high-profile, star-studded event it is today. Under Wintour’s leadership, the Met Gala has evolved from a small fundraising event into a global fashion spectacle, playing a significant role in selecting the annual theme. Celebrities and tastemakers are invited to the Met Gala and show up in everything from extravagant costumes to vintage Chanel.
Some of the Met Gala’s most iconic moments:
Yves Saint Laurent 25 Years of Design: In 1983 Yves Saint Laurent made history by becoming the first living designer to be honored by the Met Gala celebrating his 25-year career in fashion.
Costumes of Royal India: In 1985, the Gala honored India’s cultural and artistic heritage, highlighting the fashion of India’s royals throughout history.
Diana Vreeland: Immoderate Style Fashion: In 1993, the Met Gala honored editor Diana Vreeland, a consultant for the Costume Institute from 1972 to 1989.
Christian Dior: The 1996 Met Gala honored Christian Dior, with Princess Diana attending and carrying the Lady Dior bag, named after her title as Lady Diana.
Gianni Versace: The 1997 Met Gala theme is attributed to Gianni Versace, who was tragically murdered earlier that year.
Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years: The 2001 Met Gala highlighted former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, known for her style. Kennedy had also previously served as a co-chair for the event.
The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion: The 2009 Met Gala centered on models, with a theme dedicated to their influence in fashion, the broad theme led to a diverse mix of styles and ranges.
Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination: The 2018 Met Gala merged the influence of Catholicism and fashion featuring Rihanna’s pope-inspired couture look.
What is This Year’s Met Gala Theme?
The Met Gala 2025 theme is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Monica Miller is a Professor and Chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, Columbia University. Specializing in contemporary African American and Afro-diasporic literature and cultural studies. Miller aimed to bridge the gap between fashion, identity, and the broader cultural and political struggles of the African diaspora.
Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity explores the role of fashion, focusing on black dandyism, and shaping black identities across the Atlantic diaspora. Miller discusses how individuals, especially black men, used clothing and style as tools for self-expression, resistance, and transformation in the face of racial oppression and colonialism. The book focuses on "dandyism," a term historically used to describe men who paid meticulous attention to their appearance, grooming, and fashion.
The word "Dandy" emerged in 18th-century Europe, originally referring to a man who paid excessive attention to his appearance, fashion, and manners. The term became associated with a particular type of gentleman, often characterized by his refined and extravagant clothing, careful grooming, and attention to detail. Black dandyism, however, was not only a fashion statement but also a form of social and political resistance. For black men, particularly during and after the era of slavery, adopting the style of a dandy could be seen as a powerful act of defiance against the racial and social hierarchies of the time. In the context of the Atlantic slave trade and colonialism, people who embraced dandyism used clothing as a form of self-expression and a way to challenge the degrading stereotypes imposed on them.
The Superfine: Tailoring Black Style theme will explore the rise and cultural importance of the black dandy, the exhibit will trace the black dandy's roots from the 18th century, showing how these figures became a symbol of resistance and individuality, continuing to shape contemporary fashion. By focusing on how black men have used clothing to assert identity, challenge racial norms, and express cultural pride, the exhibition will highlight the lasting impact of black style on the global fashion scene.
The Met Gala 2025 host committee features a diverse group of influential figures, André 3000, Grace Wales Bonner, Simone Biles, Regina King, Dapper Dan, Doechii, Janelle Monáe, Jeremy Pope, Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, Olivier Rousteing, Tyla, Usher, Spike Lee and more. Co-chairs for the event include Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James serving as an honorary co-chair.
Creating Your Own Dandy Look
The Dandy style is rooted in dressing with precision and individuality. It’s about crafting a well-tailored outfit and thoughtful accessorizing. A dandy takes pride in their appearance, often choosing items that reflect their personality and an appreciation for a classical look. Check out these pieces from What Goes Around Comes Around that embody dandy style.
This vintage Chanel brooch, with its interlocking ‘CC’ logo and Gripoix glass detailing, reflects the dandy’s love for small accessories that enhance an outfit. In true dandy fashion, accessories like brooches were essential for completing a look, often used to add a touch of style and personality.
The Hermès fedora connects to the dandy era, worn by dandies of the 18th and early 19th centuries. A well-chosen hat was a key part of a dandy’s ensemble, signaling attention to detail. The wool-blend material and classic shape of this fedora evoke the kind of statement pieces popular during the Dandy period.
Finally, the vintage Chanel suit set speaks directly to the dandy’s commitment to sharp, well-tailored clothing. Dandies were known for extravagant outfits, and this suit, made from Chanel’s iconic tweed fabric, is a modern take on that ideal.
