Long before the Met Gala, Black people have had the innate ability to know how to get fly – it’s simply in our DNA.

Roots in Resistance

Known for taking pain and turning it into purpose, the origins of Black fashion stem back to the days of slavery, when Black people, stripped of their fundamental human rights, were forced into intensive labor roles, including weaving, dying, and tailoring. Retaining elements of African textile traditions, such as indigo dyeing and intricate weaving patterns, these skills helped lay the foundation for a legacy of artistry in Black fashion that still holds true today.

More Than Fashion—A Way of Life

Black fashion has long been more than just a form of self-expression—it’s a way of life. From the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, where it served as a medium for cultural expression and resistance, to the “Black is Beautiful” movement of the 1960s, reflected in Afro hairstyles, dashikis, and African-inspired attire, each era tells a story. In the late 20th century, the rise of hip hop gave way to streetwear, further solidifying fashion as a powerful cultural force in the Black community.

The Met Gala’s Legacy

Since 1948, the Met Gala has served as an annual charity fundraiser and star-studded event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York. It is traditionally timed to coincide with the opening of the institute’s annual fashion exhibit, and today it is known for its star-studded guest list, with excitement buzzing around what they will wear according to each year’s theme. 

Black Designers in the Spotlight

Black designers like Dapper Dan, Olivier Rousteing, and Aurora James, among others, have left an indelible mark on the Met Gala, dressing various celebrities in memorable ensembles. 

2025 Theme: Superfine – Tailoring Black Style

According to Vogue, this year’s theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, will celebrate Black dandyism in the Western world, and “considers how Black people have used dress to shift the way they are seen.”

“Dandyism, known as a man (typically) who is zeroed in on his appearance and outward presentation to the world, serves as the perfect theme,” SHOWRMM Los Angeles stylist Warren Wright told aspireTV. “Menswear spending has been growing at 2 percent annually, reflecting not only as a big spender, but a consumer playing with their image more, opposed to sticking to what’s in their closet.”

All Eyes on the Co-Chairs

Wright added, “Lewis Hamilton, as one of the co-chairs, has taken a break wearing his Ferrari uniform red for a while. It will be exciting to see what one of the leading stars of the night will wear. In 2023, he opted for a Burberry suit with a cape.”

Other co-chairs include Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and honorary chair, LeBron James – all style icons in their own right.

Showstopping Moments Through the Years

Over the years, celebrities like Rihanna have shut down the Met Gala carpet with looks like her 2015 appearance in a yellow Guo Pei gown, one of the most talked-about looks in the event’s history. Zendaya, alongside her stylist Law Roach, are always known for bringing the heat to their thematic ensembles, her 2019 Cinderella-inspired dress by Tommy Hilfiger was a standout moment along with Billy Porter’s grand entrance as the Sun God, carried by six men, to embody the “Camp” theme of that same year with flair.

The late fashion icon André Leon Talley was honored during the 2024 Met Gala where the theme was “The Garden of Time.” Talley was the first Black creative director and a longtime fashion editor at Vogue who passed away at age 73 in 2022.

What We’re Watching For

“[I’m] hoping that Rihanna shows up and shuts down as usual,” said Wright. “I’m sure the usual suspects of fashion’s biggest night will make an appearance and bring glory to their respective designers.”

“Model Anok Yoi shut it down last year, completely covered in custom Swarovski Crystals for a visually breathtaking look,” he continued. “In 2023, she wore a rich gold tone dress that dripped into icy silver by Prabal Gurung. Excited to see how she incorporates the dandyism theme this year.”

Save the Date

Held annually on the first Monday of May, this year’s Met Gala takes place on Monday, May 5.

While you wait, if you love fashion, design, and Black style, you’ll love Style Kings. Enter the world of high fashion and interior design with two successful entrepreneurs who specialize in luxurious style. Watch Season One anytime, anywhere on aspireTV+.

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