MET GALA'S 2025 THEME ANNOUNCED

"Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" will pay homage to the history of the Black Dandy. A$AP Rocky, Lebron James, Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton and Coleman Domingo and Anna Wintour will serve as co-chairs.

The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts unveiled the theme for its upcoming fashion exhibit: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.  The first in the museum’s history to solely focus on designers of color, as well as the first menswear-focused exhibit in 20 years.  The exhibit will examine the history of the Black dandy, from the 18th century to modern day particularly in cities like New York, Paris, and London.

Andrew Bolten, the Costume Institute's curator in charge, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's 2009 book "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity," which explores the cultural importance of the Black dandy. In 18th century England, burgeoning conspicuous consumption led to dandified Black slaves who began personalizing their uniforms in an act of sartorial individuality. Miller's book follows the impact of Black dandyism to modern day, showing how Black people have long been arbiters of style.

 "I wanted to stage a show on race that could use our collection to tell a story that had been absent from the conversation both within the museum and outside," Bolton told The New York Times. "This is a first of its kind."

In addition to both historical and modern garments, the exhibit will also include various accessories, paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, and film excerpts to showcase the ties between sartorial dressing and Black identities.

Louis Vuitton is the lead sponsor for the exhibit and Met Gala, with additional funding coming from Instagram, the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe and Africa Fashion International, and The Perry Foundation. Following the Met Gala on May 5, the exhibit will be open from May 10 through Oct. 26, 2025.