What is “black dandyism”, the theme chosen for the fashion evening of the year

Culture – It’s a fashion chestnut. Every year, on the first Monday of May, the Metropolitan Museum of Art organizes its Met Gala in New York. An annual fundraiser that brings together the biggest celebrities in outfits, each more prestigious than the next, under the supervision of the popess of fashion and editor-in-chief of VogueAnna Wintour. In 2025, the charity evening will have the theme Superfine : Tailoring Black Stylewhich honors “the historical and cultural emergence of black dandyism”.

In a publication on their social networks, the museum specifies that this theme is inspired by the book by author Monica Miller « Slaves to Fashion : Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity ». Published in 2009, it traces the cultural history of black dandyism, from its emergence in 18th-century England to its representations in the contemporary art world.

The « black dandyism » refers, according to the Met, to a style of clothing first imposed on slaves in 18th century Europe, and its reappropriations throughout the history of fashion. Her journey will be transcribed through the evening outfits of the guests, but also at the center of the major exhibition of “ Costume Institute »the textile arts department of the Metropolitan Museum, whose opening traditionally coincides with the gala.

Five years after the immense wave of anti-racist protest of the movement “ Black Lives Matter »which has pushed many American cultural institutions to rethink their representation of diversity, the Met Gala intends to mark the occasion through this edition dedicated to the history of fashion of black diasporas.

Especially since Anna Wintour, president of the event since 1995, had been accused in a long investigation published in the New York Times to perpetrate ordinary racism within Vogue.

Black personalities in the spotlight

In addition to Anna Wintour, the charity gala will be co-chaired by a host of stars including F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, actor Colman Domingo, rapper ASAP Rocky and singer Pharrell Williams. The latter, present at the museum alongside the British runner for the announcement, spoke of the importance of celebrating cultures resulting from slavery, which still haunts American society.

“We are survivors of perhaps the worst ordeal ever suffered by any group of human beings, and not only have we survived, but we have carried music, culture, beauty and a universal language through an ocean and four centuries »underlined the musician, producer and now creative director of Louis Vuitton – one of the sponsors of the event – ​​during his speech. “This is what the Met Gala will celebrate: us, our talents, our history, our gastronomy, our resilience and our beauty, our style and our strength”he added.

American basketball legend LeBron James was also announced as honorary president.

Last year the evening revolved around pieces from the Costume Institute’s permanent collection through the theme “Sleeping beauties: waking up fashion”. The 2023 tribute edition was dedicated to Karl Lagarfeld, who died 4 years earlier.

Also see on HuffPost: