The 2025 Met Gala wasn’t just a dazzling red carpet event—it was a powerful cultural statement. This year, fashion served not only as an art form but also as a political expression. At the heart of the evening was the Black Dandy, a symbol of style, resistance, and the reclaiming of identity.
Let’s explore how this unique fashion movement was celebrated at one of the world’s most prestigious events.
What is the Black Dandy?
The Black Dandy is more than a fashion icon—it’s a cultural identity.
Defined by Elegance and Purpose:
A Black Dandy is typically a Black man or person of African descent who dresses in impeccably tailored fashion, often incorporating vintage, flamboyant, or luxurious styles.
Fashion is used as a tool of empowerment, reflecting independence, dignity, and pride.
The look may include suits, hats, gloves, silk, and bold colours, combining heritage with modern taste.
In a world where Black bodies have often been politicised, ridiculed or erased, the Black Dandy boldly asserts visibility, pride, and self-expression.
A Theme Rooted in Resistance: “Superfine – Tailoring Black Style”
This year’s Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, was a tribute to the legacy of Black Dandyism. It honoured iconic figures like:
W.E.B. Du Bois – the sociologist who used presentation as political expression.
James Baldwin – author and activist who often wore sharp suits to assert his intellect and identity.
André Leon Talley – legendary Vogue editor and a pillar of modern Black fashion culture.
A Deeper Meaning:
As Monica L. Miller, author of Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, explains:
“The style challenges social hierarchies by subverting expectations of how Black men should present themselves. What was once used to mock Black people became their tool for resistance and self-expression.”
Her book served as a foundational reference for this year’s Met Gala theme, cementing the link between fashion and Black liberation.
The History Behind the Style
The roots of Black Dandyism go back centuries.
From Enslavement to Empowerment:
During the antebellum era, some enslaved people were dressed in refined clothing by their enslavers—initially meant to mock or control them.
Over time, Black communities reclaimed fashion as a way to express autonomy, dignity, and resistance.
The Black Dandy became a powerful symbol in the African diaspora, representing a refusal to conform to oppressive systems.
Today, this tradition lives on in the way Black people around the world use fashion to celebrate identity, culture, and pride.
Blakely Thornton: A Modern Black Dandy’s Perspective
Blakely Thornton, a pop culture anthropologist and commentator, was one of the hosts of The Cut’s Met Gala red carpet coverage. In an interview with Capital B, he reflected on the significance of showcasing Black style on such a global platform.
A Tribute to His Influences:
Thornton considers himself the “spiritual child” of André Leon Talley, Edward Enninful, and Lenny Kravitz—three major icons of Black Dandyism.
He remembers seeing Enninful for the first time and realising that fashion wasn’t just for skinny white women—it was also for Black, queer, expressive individuals like himself.
“Between Edward, André, and Lenny, there’s a through-line of style, luxury, and truly being oneself in terms of taste.”
Fashion as Protest and Celebration
Thornton highlighted the irony and power of celebrating Blackness in luxury during a time when political tensions continue to rise globally.
A Dual Reality:
He learned that Met Galas are planned five years in advance—meaning this year’s celebration of Black identity was chosen in 2020.
Fast forward to 2025, and many Black communities face renewed threats of erasure and oppression.
Despite this, Thornton chooses to view the gala as a joyful act of protest.
“I try to choose joy as a form of protest and revolution,” he said. “There’s no other time when we’re going to have such a public, luxurious celebration of Blackness.”
A Red Carpet Look with a Story
Thornton also shared the inspiration behind his red carpet outfit:
Personal Tribute:
He messaged Marc Jacobs with a vintage photo of André Leon Talley in a double-breasted, pinstriped grey suit.
Jacobs responded by sending an archival 2015 runway suit that fit Thornton perfectly—no tailoring needed.
Thornton paired it with fingerless gloves and his trademark “slutty little glasses”, fusing classic style with modern flair.
“I wanted to be André Leon Talley meets Black banker meets Boomerang,” he laughed.
A Homegoing for André Leon Talley
The spirit of André Leon Talley—who passed away in 2022—hovered over the entire event.
Many, including Thornton and fellow commentator Zach Stafford, felt this year’s Met Gala was an unofficial tribute to Talley’s legacy.
“I personally think that the gala should have been André Leon Talley-themed,” Thornton said.
Conclusion: Fashion as Identity, Resistance and Power
The 2025 Met Gala wasn’t just about couture gowns and celebrity gossip. It was a bold reminder that fashion can be deeply political. The Black Dandy stands tall at the crossroads of style and resistance, luxury and liberation.
Through the celebration of tailored elegance and proud visibility, this year’s gala proved that what we wear can change how the world sees us—and how we see ourselves.
Sources:
Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity by Monica L. Miller