The Met Gala was last night. Hadn’t been this excited for one in years.

ESSENCE
@Essence
This is the day that Andre Leon Talley made —

The steps of The MET are stitched in your spirit.

Before the world knew, the language of luxury could have a Southern drawl, a knowing side-eye, and the full weight of Black history sewn into every stitch—not to impress but to influence.

You are the definition of Dandyism—before the world knew how to spell couture, you were already cloaked in it. A walking thesis in taffeta. A sermon in silk.

You gave us permission. You gave us presence.
You weren’t just talking about hemlines; you were expanding the conversation beyond the runways and understood the cost of being fabulous while Black.

Because of you, this year’s theme—Superfine: Tailoring Black Style—feels not just relevant, but reverent. You are the reference.

André, we don’t just follow in your footsteps—we walk these steps because of them.
https://x.com/Essence/status/1919429082334314933

What is the 2025 Met Gala theme? Explaining Black dandyism
Portrait of Taijuan Moorman
USA TODAY

This year’s Met Gala will pay homage to a lesser-known element of fashion history.

With a nod to menswear, the dress code for this year’s event is “Tailored for You,” while the theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

The theme will coincide with the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit of the same name, on view May 10 to Oct. 26 and inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.” The exhibition will explore “the importance of style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora,” particularly in the United States and Europe, and interpret “dandyism” as both an aesthetic and a socio-political strategy through garments, art and other objects from the 18th century to the present.

Here’s what to know about dandyism as a concept and how fashion’s biggest stars may interpret this year’s theme.

What is a Black dandy, and what is ‘dandyism’?
Dandyism is characterized by an intense focus on aesthetics. Black dandyism began emerging as far back as 1700s England, when slave owners who wanted to flaunt their wealth began dressing their slaves in expensive clothing, creating a “dandified black servant” or “luxury slave” trend, according to Miller, a professor at Columbia University who also serves as the Met’s guest curator for this exhibit.

Black men read the room, recognizing the power dynamics clothing signaled, and began making their involuntary uniforms their own. Black dandyism became a practice in which Black people used the power of clothing, personal style and even humor and wit as a form of resistance, and a way for them to push back on societal limitations and negative perceptions not just in terms of race, but also class, gender and sexuality.

At its core, the Black dandy figure uses fashion and aesthetics to engage in these power dynamics, highlighting the importance of personal style in shaping one’s identity.

British Vogue
@BritishVogue
After a 22-year hiatus, #DianaRoss returns to the #MetGala in an 18-foot gown embroidered with her family’s names: https://tinyurl.com/e6ts8tka

Serena Williams
@serenawilliams
And one meltdown later we are finally on the way to the Met Gala

#MetGala

Jarett Wieselman
@JarettSays
Audra Mcdonald, per usual, is a showstopper #METGala

The Hollywood Reporter
@THR
Angela Bassett walks the carpet at the #MetGala https://bit.ly/42JwYLF

Jarett Wieselman
@JarettSays
Once again, Jodie Turner-Smith with a truly perfect red carpet moment #MetGala

met gala 2025
@thewhitelotus

Parody account
Cardi B at the 2025 met gala. #metgala

riety
@Variety
Lauryn Hill at the #MetGala. https://variety.com/gallery/met-gala-2025-red-carpet-photos-the-best-celebrity-looks/

Variety
@Variety
Rihanna closes down the #MetGala carpet. https://variety.com/gallery/met-gala-2025-red-carpet-photos-the-best-celebrity-looks/

WWD (@wwd) posted at 8:52 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Halle Berry Makes a Sheer Statement in LaQuan Smith Dress on the Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet https://t.co/wGCLvEecJH
(https://x.com/wwd/status/1919570972002136342?t=rGPYHyi5hLB60UlPko7Kgg&s=03)

Shelby Ivey Christie (@bronze_bombSHEL) posted at 7:46 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
I meannnnn the southern Black Dandy himself #MetGala2025 https://t.co/EbQjQzWQKT
(https://x.com/bronze_bombSHEL/status/1919554400713867763?t=YZckCS11rXZeOVJcvDEsVw&s=03)

Shelby Ivey Christie (@bronze_bombSHEL) posted at 5:51 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Bad Bunny, the man that you are! Love that he worked with Prada do have a custom Pava made. Pava is a traditional Puerto Rican straw hat. Love to see his Dandy interpretation of it at #MetGala2025 https://t.co/97LBeHTAsJ
(https://x.com/bronze_bombSHEL/status/1919525335013462500?t=JisoBr9ZLXzNK8sF_BQqMA&s=03)

Shelby Ivey Christie (@bronze_bombSHEL) posted at 7:45 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Willy Chavarria + Maluma in these zoot suits + Fedoras are taking itttt — the super dropped hem on Maluma’s is historically accurate. LOVE. The catholic details on the watch chain. Ugh! May be my favs #MetGala2025 https://t.co/TBt70Y17mn
(https://x.com/bronze_bombSHEL/status/1919553978917859741?t=zfdvFOaF04ZH25SrtakUFQ&s=03)

Shelby Ivey Christie (@bronze_bombSHEL) posted at 5:07 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Loving Kara Young’s look. The shape of the suit is great. Love the bell hat. Gives it that nod to 30s Harlem Renaissance style #MetGala2025 https://t.co/1IcbYOCwbr
(https://x.com/bronze_bombSHEL/status/1919514198985359573?t=nrdN660dfbp1HlUCExHLng&s=03)

best of kamala harris (@archivekamala) posted at 8:00 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
.@KamalaHarris & @DouglasEmhoff look STUNNING for the #MetGala2025. ❤️‍🔥

📸: Cameron Smith https://t.co/DEDCK2WTiM
(https://x.com/archivekamala/status/1919557956363825318?t=-qQ3CQWcCM7BJsDbuJMdWg&s=03)

VIBE Magazine (@VibeMagazine) posted at 7:17 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Thee one and only, Dapper Dan! #MetGala2025

📸: Getty Images https://t.co/RUqohkydbn
(https://x.com/VibeMagazine/status/1919547050368123170?t=GVQ_jZa_1NEKc9shgcVmoQ&s=03)

bunny sanders (@whatbunnysaid) posted at 4:37 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
I am pleased. Thank you very much Mr. Put That Shit On #MetGala2025 https://t.co/RhS1sQVCmr
(https://x.com/whatbunnysaid/status/1919506702879146240?t=PU-bqOf5Fozq95ka_13I6A&s=03)

Terdosa (@atomicwick) posted at 3:55 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Teyana Taylor and Ruth E. Carter bring the harlem rose to life. #MetGala2025 https://t.co/2lPH4ij6CQ
(https://x.com/atomicwick/status/1919496099867283940?t=VOFeuFHXRk-cdEn1VfYQqQ&s=03)

British Vogue (@BritishVogue) posted at 7:48 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Janelle Monae shuts down the #MetGala2025 carpet. See all the latest arrvals here: https://t.co/yLxfkQ2T1Y https://t.co/uL6zQbdR9b
(https://x.com/BritishVogue/status/1919554808429617418?t=DANylt_SFa-sZ1CJf9z63g&s=03)

best of kamala harris (@archivekamala) posted at 6:40 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
.@KamalaHarris chose a custom look from Off-White, designed by creative director IB Kamara, for the #MetGala2025. 🤍

📸: Cameron Smith https://t.co/xeQFHs0iNs
(https://x.com/archivekamala/status/1919537602459287918?t=qxSnnFp5778S1VTK_m3gxQ&s=03)

VIBE Magazine (@VibeMagazine) posted at 6:37 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
The couples are killing it tonight! Take a look at Nessa and Colin Kaepernick! #MetGala2025

📸: Getty Images https://t.co/M9WMOlur0D
(https://x.com/VibeMagazine/status/1919536914010669356?t=_PiXqJU-H6PnZn24OfPHJA&s=03)

beyza misses chandler (@beyzanurapaydin) posted at 5:42 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Lupita Nyong’o attending #MetGala2025 https://t.co/9bvgDMMoD5
(https://x.com/beyzanurapaydin/status/1919523144798286231?t=_Qu2PSVJ3ttU-przvJB42w&s=03)

W Magazine (@wmag) posted at 5:54 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Zendaya has done it again. #MetGala2025 https://t.co/m3qwxyeIm1
(https://x.com/wmag/status/1919526136360382851?t=2CZII6sGUUVO4n75E1RgzQ&s=03)

That’s what I saw when Zendaya came across my screen.

MOTHER TO MOST. (@francemothers) posted at 5:26 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Zendaya, referencing Diana Ross in “Mahogany” #MetGala2025 https://t.co/zdPXp7pNyw
(https://x.com/francemothers/status/1919519073278312928?t=RxGX2H0T8TlQzXpjGUdbpQ&s=03)

the.v𝐢be (@thejpgvibe) posted at 4:39 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
sir lewis hamilton #metgala2025 https://t.co/bLv0XMQusb
(https://x.com/thejpgvibe/status/1919507390250066370?t=pCYYi0HyBvO9FrFv7Yea8Q&s=03)

Boss & CEO ✨ (@iamtycole) posted at 4:10 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
This is clean. Lewis ate this up though #MetGala x #MetGala2025 https://t.co/gDyXj6P2Vp
(https://x.com/iamtycole/status/1919499900439691630?t=QwaMGpyvZPpcsY2ruUQC4g&s=03)

MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) posted at 7:05 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Quinta Brunson stuns at the Carlyle Hotel ahead of the #MetGala2025 🌹 https://t.co/kVV1YquUM6
(https://x.com/mefeater/status/1919544119333953609?t=gq51UkTxWpkwXmPhfFb48g&s=03)

VIBE Magazine (@VibeMagazine) posted at 5:22 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Venus Williams with fashion designer Pelagia Kolotouros at the Met Gala. #MetGala2025

📸: Getty Images https://t.co/TXx9GPkVfy
(https://x.com/VibeMagazine/status/1919518155950719129?t=7VmOmRJegy-l6tcl-uN0Tg&s=03)

VIBE Magazine (@VibeMagazine) posted at 6:22 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Tyler Perry and Babyface are looking extra sharp! #MetGala2025

📸: Getty Images https://t.co/yb9KSZYCjH
(https://x.com/VibeMagazine/status/1919533283169161308?t=eERUACkCNpESeCucPxWdQA&s=03)

beyza misses chandler (@beyzanurapaydin) posted at 5:00 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Debbie Allen & Norm Nixon attending #MetGala2025 https://t.co/t92YG7GNJx
(https://x.com/beyzanurapaydin/status/1919512505275044256?t=Vpq3wt7D8XVYHKVI0pAhdA&s=03)

Kea (@jacquemusx) posted at 5:00 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Colman and Raúl Domingo are the most stylish couple on the #MetGala2025 steps!!! https://t.co/gWDyVK7YRu
(https://x.com/jacquemusx/status/1919512559830352158?t=p1ca0P8bpJWx39GbJF5G3A&s=03)

linda‎‎ (@itgirlenergy) posted at 7:01 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Damson Idris attending the #MetGala2025 https://t.co/YlvB5kEaXj
(https://x.com/itgirlenergy/status/1919542999379235279?t=8q-o2dV8xsWfaAzLHRa4bA&s=03)

the culture | magazine (@galactamelanin) posted at 5:03 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
thiss is how you do a met debut! ⭐️ #MetGala2025 https://t.co/eWyXBATOTI
(https://x.com/galactamelanin/status/1919513252494483732?t=hBAEqSI77G3N3RmDUl8xoQ&s=03)

VIBE Magazine (@VibeMagazine) posted at 6:44 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Yass!! Shaboozey is lookin too fly!🔥 #MetGala2025

📸: Getty Images https://t.co/fajx6bNKbm
(https://x.com/VibeMagazine/status/1919538825673768988?t=JvB81X823UsEyjmnU-mTJQ&s=03)

† (@PHEAUXCOUTURE) posted at 4:36 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Colman Domingo at the #MetGala2025 https://t.co/NEf8qdhFgh
(https://x.com/PHEAUXCOUTURE/status/1919506476814458909?t=bNNTiMCslzkgtwWAxhYa4A&s=03)

VIBE Magazine (@VibeMagazine) posted at 5:18 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles at The Carlyle Hotel before the 2025 Met Gala. #MetGala2025

📸:Getty Images https://t.co/amGySghB5m
(https://x.com/VibeMagazine/status/1919517132062114034?t=-I1ktff9BkQ69woCzRBWFQ&s=03)

British Vogue (@BritishVogue) posted at 8:05 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Nicki Minaj arrives at the #MetGala2025 carpet. See all the latest arrivals here: https://t.co/yLxfkQ2T1Y https://t.co/q3OXH3drVx
(https://x.com/BritishVogue/status/1919559073550188787?t=rWayNkNelVk9QY6oS_S8WA&s=03)

greg the menace 😈
@mistergeezy
Celebrating Andre Leon Tally #MetGala
https://x.com/mistergeezy/status/1919444121799782470

British Vogue (@BritishVogue) posted at 6:40 PM on Mon, May 05, 2025:
Demi Moore arrives at the #MetGala2025. See all the latest arrivals here: https://t.co/IXVew6QBHp https://t.co/Cydz4qEL96
(https://x.com/BritishVogue/status/1919537691370148019?t=l5Aajw5me7627UbizsKasw&s=03)

greg the menace 😈
@mistergeezy
For Us By Us. #MetGala
https://x.com/mistergeezy/status/1919425267098849385