Once a year, singers, actors, models, and artists come together in a celebration of fashion with outfits that are meant to be innovative, unique, and eye-catching for the Met Gala.
This year’s Met Gala was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” with an emphasis on Black Dandyism.
Black Dandyism, which originated in London around the 18th century. However, Black Dandyism became a cultural movement in America in the 20th century. It was meant to challenge societal norms. With finely tailored suits and shined shoes, black Americans used Dandy as a way to showcase self expressions as well as reclaim their agency.
Dandyism, while often connected to suits, and other typically labeled masculine clothing, isn’t specific to just men and suits. Like any form of fashion, black dandyism can be interpreted in unique ways depending on the person and their own personal style. Women might wear suits as a way to embrace androgyny, or elegant dresses, anything that exhibits an individual’s self expression. At its core, black dandyism is gender-less and emphasizes expressing oneself.
As an overview, the execution of the theme has been much stronger than previous years. The silhouettes of each attendee are the most notable. Nearly every outfit came with an eye-catching shape to it, suits laden with layers, and gowns edged with gemstones. Some even came with their own props, like Doechii’s look that she paired with a thick cigar.
While all of the outfits were stunning there were a few that stood out among the rest. Teyana Taylor stepped into the met gala, not only nailing the theme but also looking incredible. Dressed by Ruth E. Carter, a two time oscar winner, Taylor sported a sharp black suit, draped with a crimson coat, wearing a matching hat topped with a burgundy feather.
Jodie Turner-Smith arrived covered in burgundy. Her leather blazer flowed down past her legs creating a silhouette of a gown, exemplifying the androgynous style of black dandyism.
While there were many stunningly dressed attendees, there were a handful that leaned too far into simplicity. Actor Tom Francis wore a simple beige suit, and while finally tailored didn’t stand out as anything special. Additionally, there were a handful of looks that came off as designers playing it safe.
A suit like Tom Francis’s might be compared to Bad Bunny’s, who wore a brown suit. The key difference, and what makes Bad Bunny’s suit standout, are the small personal touches on the suit. Bunny wore a diamond encrusted brooch on his lapel, yellow gemstone embellished gloves, and a pava which is a traditional straw hat worn by Puerto Rican farmers.
The key with both Black Dandyism and the Met Gala is to express oneself with style. The looks are meant to be more complex than something that could be seen at a movie premiere. Fashion is meant to be an art piece attributed to self expression, just like how black dandyism was meant to reclaim agency and a sense of self.
Overall, each look stood out in their own right, the theme allowing for the attendees to create more personal looks, and a freedom stylists might not have had in the past. While there were a handful of attendees that played it safe, there was enough lavish suits and gowns that made up for the loss. It was a fabulous and memorable Met Gala nonetheless
