Design by Kiarra B

It’s that time of year again when the fashion world converges on New York City for the Met Gala, and this year’s theme is, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” “. Through dandyism, this theme embodies a cultural and historical facet of Black style spanning three centuries. Dandyism is a way of life or style that was viewed as a method to express individuality through creative and social defiance. Sharp tailoring, clever detailing, and absolute elegance are prioritised over flamboyance within the style. 

Historically, the slave trade, colonisation, and imperialism in the Atlantic throughout the 18th century led to increased consumerism, which in turn provided new access to clothing and other items that enhanced one’s wealth, status, and taste. 

“Superfine: Tailoring Black style” explores the importance of style in forming Black identities during Atlantic diaspora (the global dispersion of people of African descent who were forced to be displaced across the Atlantic Ocean via the slave trade) through which the presentation of garments and accessories, paintings and photographs and more were showcased. 

Miller, the author whose work was inspiration for the theme, wrote in a statement when it was announced in February. “The history of Black dandyism illustrates how Black people have transformed from being enslaved and stylized as luxury items, acquired like any other signifier of wealth and status, to autonomous, self-fashioning individuals who are global trendsetters.” 

While the roots of Black dandyism are deeply intertwined with histories of oppression and resilience, the Met Gala’s red carpet transforms these narratives into a vibrant celebration of creativity, pride, and progress. The event not only honours the legacy of self-fashioning as a form of resistance and distinction but also highlights how these traditions have evolved into powerful statements of identity and artistry on a global stage. 

Let’s take a look at some of our favourite (and least favourite) looks of the night! 

The Worst Outfits 

Shakira in Prabal Gurung 

Shakira’s outfit completely disregarded the theme though she looked stunning instead this would’ve perfect for the barbie premiere. 

Amelia Gray in custom Valentino 

Amelia’s red lace Valentino look, paired with a durag inspired head covering sparked accusations of cultural appropriation and was seen as misaligned with the events theme. The outfit’s colour and styling were also widely panned for lacking the refinement associated with Black dandyism. 

Shaboozey 

While, the 100 percent executed the dandyism aspect of the theme with a unique take. The micro blazer seemed to clash with the look along with the strands of fabric cascading. 

Lisa in Louis Vuitton 

Now, this one is controversial with the collage of faces of different women on Lisa’s bodysuit including Rosa Parks which many saw as disrespectful and disgusting to place a  historically important activist displayed in such a manner but it was confirmed by the artist Henry Taylor that all faces or illustrations on the work were important figures from his personal life but many still responded negatively seeing it as “weird”. Personally, with this new information, I don’t believe it is disrespectful to place these figures but it’s a little odd. There was a lot of space of the top of the outfit to fit these figures. Otherwise, the outfit clearly portrays the dandyism aspect of the theme, and the corsetiere and detailed lacework are native to haute coulure, fitting the extravagant theme following the MET.  

Hailey Bieber in saint Laurent

While Hailey’s outfit was on theme with a more feminine structure and not unpleasant to the eyes but…

therefore, the outfit was seen as very ‘basic” and boring. 

Lorde in custom Thom Browne  

Without the suit coat, this is just a skirt and a tube top, but the suit coat definitely abided by the theme. Additionally, the pleat of her skirt is a take on cummerbunds which is a waist sash worn traditionally by men merging masculine with feminine.  

Gustav Magnar Witzøe 

The outfit definitely “used sculptural minimalism with historical reverence” with the intention of mimicking the calm strength and quiet confidence of Jazz. The briefcase was a tribute to late fashion editor André Leon Talle but overall, in our personal opinion. The bright red takes away from the calmness nature the outfit was trying to produce. The petals catch your eye and with the outfit being fully white doesn’t standout compared to the petals if more of this flower was integrated into the outfit, it could still fulfil the tribute and tie the outfit together. 

Maya Hawke 

Researching about this outfit has provided to be a challenged as no information was found about the outfit’s connection to the theme (though that might be an error on my lack of research skills). Overall, this outfit missed the extravagant nature at corresponds to the MET and with no information found on its connection to the theme based on the limited knowledge seems as though not to fit the theme. 

Heidi Klum 

This is a very classy and elegant take on the theme but is not unique. It seems just too safe, matching many movie premiere outfits. Overall, it was missing her Halloween custom energy.  

The BEST Met Gala Outfits 

Joey King in Miu Miu 

This look as far as I’ve seen was really overlooked! Joey King’s embellished green suit was a refreshing bold take on the theme. She rocked such a unique tailored look and definitely nailed the assignment. 

Teyana Taylor in Marc Jacobs 

Teyana’s look- a custom Marc Jacobs red pinstripe zoot suit paired with a dramatic cape embroidered with ‘Harlem Rose’ is simply showstopping through its powerful homage to theme, Harlem heritage and her own song “Roses in Harlem”. Her outfit blended rich symbolism with impeccable tailoring and standout visual drama. This was the furthest thing away from a minimalist and it was AMAZING.  

Lupita Nyong’o in Chanel 

Lupita’s mint green Chanel suit with its flowing cape and matching boater hat was pure sophistication, perfectly capturing the themes essence. The outfit plays with masculine and feminine silhouettes using a form fitting suit paired with the broadness of the cape. A gorgeous, elevated suit look- we love to see it! 

Diana Ross in Ugo Mozie 

Diana Ross exuded legendary glamour and timeless style, reminding everyone why she’s an enduring icon of fashion innovation. Her look was a perfect blend of classic dandyism and star power. Now, this was a true DIVA moment, but I believe that no one else could pull this off. 

Jodie Turner in Burberry 

 This was such a cool outfit. With the clever silhouette of the outfits mimic a 19th century gown but still giving the elegance and sharp tailoring of dandyism following the theme. Giving both masculine and feminine energy. Additionally, the hat gave Willy Wonka in the best way possible. 

Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne x Paul Tazewell

Janelle’s look was absolutely mesmerising. Her layered, dandy-inspired suit with striking red, black, and white stripes felt like walking art that brilliantly celebrated Black style and creativity. The clever details, like the monocle-clock and trompe l’oeil briefcase, made her outfit unforgettable and perfectly on theme. When she took off her coat my jaw dropped, her commitment to the theme in such an Avant–Garde way is truly incredible. 

Damson Idris in Tommy Hilfiger 

Damson Idris’s dramatic entrance-first in a sparkling F1 racing suit and then revealing a striking red plaid three-piece suit-was jaw-dropping, perfectly blending cinematic flair with sharp tailoring that honoured Black dandyism. His commitment to the theme made him one of the night’s most memorable standouts. 

Diljit Dosanjh in Prabal Gurung’s designs 

Okay this look is my personal favourite (maybe being half Indian has made me a little biased but it’s showstopping nonetheless). Diljit’s look left me in complete awe when I first saw it. His regal ivory sherwani, turban and elaborate Jewry paid beautiful homage to Punjabi heritage and the legendary Maharaja or Patiala, making him look every bit like royalty and earning him the well-deserved title of best-dressed of the night. This look paralleled the theme’s focus on tailoring by drawing on the opulence and style of the Maharaja, therefore expanding the concept of dandyism beyond Western Black culture to include global interpretations. 

Honourable After Party Mentions  

Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega 

ASAP Rocky

Lauryn Hill  

Rhianna