of the United Kingdom’s capitol city.
On a rainy evening in New York City, there is a burst of sunshine coming from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But it’s not due to the typical flooding of paparazzi flashes we usually see on the Met Gala red carpet. It’s from the lush Dandy daffodils that line the carpet, selected for their “proud charm,” which thoughtfully mirrors the goal of the night: to celebrate Black dandyism.
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Tailored for You,” celebrated “the personal interpretation of menswear and tailoring through the lens of Black dandyism,” according to Lyst. Coinciding with the Met Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the Gala onboarded a who’s who of co-chairs—Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and honorary chair LeBron James—Black men who represent some of the greatest minds in fashion, music, film, and culture.
“The exhibition is recognizing Black designers and recognizing the joy and confidence and liberation of dressing can mean to everybody. It felt very right to me to invite my co-chairs to be part of the night,” Wintour said in an ABC News interview. “They want to represent being co-chairs for this exhibition to the fullest.”
“Tailored for You” served as a long-overdue tribute as well as a timely statement, even protest, against the political forces challenging the value of diverse and inclusive cultural institutions. As a result, event commentary and criticism has featured more pointed questions about whether the fashion industry actually elevates the art, cultures, and communities it is inspired by…or whether it simply leeches from them for monetary benefit and market relevance.
The Style of Our Times
Historically, the Met Gala has been a pop culture blitz, with actors, musicians, media mavens, and even politicians clamoring for an invitation. From Anna Wintour’s start as Met Gala chair in 1995, themes have spanned from the cultural (“China: Through the Looking Glass”), to the religious (“Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”), and even the technological (“Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology”). They all include notes of commentary, undoubtedly representative of fashion’s role in our psychology and our social and cultural connections.
Met Gala themes also have offered a candid snapshot of who we are as humans at a specific point in time. Take 2008 for example, the year that brought us blockbusters like “The Dark Knight” and Hancock.” The Met Gala theme for the year? “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy.”
But shining a spotlight on Black dandyism, especially at this point in time, allows the Met to convey a stronger air of political and cultural awareness than it has in the past.
Designer duds and red carpet interviews are still the source of chatter, but the context that fuels these conversations is much more significant. A historical background that is integrated into music, politics, and society.
The Politics of Dandyism
With roots stemming back to the 18th century, dandyism has clear stylistic attributes, including an emphasis on bespoke tailoring, the use of bold colors and patterns, intentional accessorizing, and of course, some cultural flair. But these decisions aren’t just for aesthetics. There are intentional reasons for every decision, whether it be color, fabric, or silhouette. Reasons that tie to cultural roots, political commentary, and even acts of resistance.
“At its core, [Black dandyism is] a fashion evolution, a movement steeped in history, resistance, and pride…It’s a cultural statement, an act of protest, and, above all, an enduring celebration of individuality.”
- Ty Gaskins for Vogue
Some have noted that the theme is long overdue, especially given the late André Leon Talley’s unmistakable dandy style (not to mention is unwavering loyalty to Wintour, Vogue, and the Gala itself. However, the timing is especially appropriate, and arguably bittersweet, considering the political and financial attacks cultural institutions have had to withstand under the Trump administration. The Gala raised a record-breaking $31 million, up from $26 million in 2024, but for many, the theme was about far more than money.
Media commentary almost universally framed the theme against today’s culture wars. Coverage in The Guardian, Vogue, NPR, and others explicitly pointed out this was a response to “Trump’s America,” or, more broadly, anti-DEI rhetoric.
Vogue’s U.K. editor wrote that a “celebration of diversity” coming as US leaders “push back robustly against diversity and intellectualism” means the Gala is inherently a political statement.
Prominent figures, from Duke Ellington to Malcolm X, have embraced the dandy aesthetic, showcasing their power through their garments. During the Harlem Renaissance, men used sleek suits to convey the right to exist on their own terms. And although the Met Gala and corresponding exhibit pays special attention to the art of tailored menswear, costume designer Ruth Carter noted that Black dandyism is inherently genderless.
The broader reach and impact of dandyism undoubtedly opened more opportunities for Met Gala designers to push creative boundaries and do both their celeb guests, and the theme, proud. But the general public continues to debate whether designers actually accomplished either of these goals at all.
Designer Optics During an Apocalypse
At a sheer monetary level, the Met Gala delivered. It generated $552 million in Earned Media Value (EMV) and an average engagement rate of 8.5% this year, with 260 attendees sharing content directly and 1,206 media accounts amplifying the event, according to Lefty. And the livestreams from Vogue’s website and YouTube channel have garnered more than 1.2 billion views worldwide. The source of this amplification was not only the celebrities walking the red carpet, but the luxury designs they were adorned in.
Louis Vuitton topped Lefty’s list of designers featured at the Gala, largely due to the Instagram impact driven by influencers. But of course, the brand benefitted from playing a strategically holistic role in the Gala, with Pharrell serving as a co-chair and Louis Vuitton being a sponsor of the exhibit. The buzz continued as the fashions were presented: Pharrell’s custom suit featuring 15,000 pearls got plenty of attention, but it was the social media debates surrounding the body suit worn by Blackpink’s Lisa and the LV-shaped brand on Doechii’s cheek that really brought digital engagement to its peak. Both instances reaffirmed that, with a theme as innately political and cultural as dandyism, that true creative expression leads to hard conversations.
Thom Browne was arguably the second most-cited designer of the night, dressing Janelle Monáe, Demi Moore, and unexpected heartthrob Walton Goggins. While all had their own distinct designs and symbolic focal points, they were lauded as some of the best, more on-theme looks of the night.
Gap, however, won the most surprising headline fodder for the Gala. Actress Laura Harrier wore a reimagined waistcoat and trousers designed by creative director Zac Posen, who has been long-adored for his formalwear craftsmanship and creativity. While the design hinged on core menswear pieces, they were elevated and reimagined to be whimsical and feminine. This was the latest in a series of wins for the brand, which is landing higher and higher on retail’s new “cool list.”
Sentiment surrounding the theme leading up to and during the event was overall positive, but that doesn’t mean designers and the Gala itself were safe from criticism.
At the broadest level, some users denounced the general public for focusing on an event for the wealthy and elite while the geopolitical climate is in such a state of disarray.
At a more granular level, some commenters noted that while the intentions of the dandyism theme were good, the collective execution was extremely flawed. Dandyism leans heavily into bold and pastel colors, glamorous accents, and lush fabrics. The intent? To make a statement and prove one has the right to exist just as they are.
Yet most Gala looks were overtly safe, leaning more into traditional black tie. The strong political and cultural roots of dandyism fell flat, preventing it from having a meaningful impact on cultural conversions. It leads one to (rightfully) ask whether the Met Gala’s sole intent was to simply build buzz and media credibility to reach its financial goals—a form of “woke washing” we’ve seen many brands partake in, only to see disastrous ripple effects.
Reap What You Sew
And so the fashion industry remains at the center of our discourse, with those debating its role as an enabler of self-expression and as a source of blatant elitism and economic segregation. Because one can easily argue the creative expression and artistry of the fashion industry is what inspires radical change. However, we cannot overlook the stark reality that these institutional players also have the social, financial, and political safety to express those ideas while enjoying champagne toasts and canapés.
The record-breaking volume of donations is testament to how beloved and top-of-mind institutions like the Met are in our modern culture. Meanwhile, the media and social buzz surrounding the Gala illustrates just how much we crave connecting with each other around such events. Moments we perceive as crucial pillars in our collective society.
But the onus is increasingly on the fashion industry and all its players to prove its place in modern society—not just as a source of senseless consumption but as a source of rebellion.
On a rainy evening in New York City, there is a burst of sunshine coming from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But it’s not due to the typical flooding of paparazzi flashes we usually see on the Met Gala red carpet. It’s from the lush Dandy daffodils that line the carpet, selected for their “proud charm,” which thoughtfully mirrors the goal of the night: to celebrate Black dandyism.
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Tailored for You,” celebrated “the personal interpretation of menswear and tailoring through the lens of Black dandyism,” according to Lyst. Coinciding with the Met Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the Gala onboarded a who’s who of co-chairs—Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and honorary chair LeBron James—Black men who represent some of the greatest minds in fashion, music, film, and culture.
“The exhibition is recognizing Black designers and recognizing the joy and confidence and liberation of dressing can mean to everybody. It felt very right to me to invite my co-chairs to be part of the night,” Wintour said in an ABC News interview. “They want to represent being co-chairs for this exhibition to the fullest.”
“Tailored for You” served as a long-overdue tribute as well as a timely statement, even protest, against the political forces challenging the value of diverse and inclusive cultural institutions. As a result, event commentary and criticism has featured more pointed questions about whether the fashion industry actually elevates the art, cultures, and communities it is inspired by…or whether it simply leeches from them for monetary benefit and market relevance.
The Style of Our Times
Historically, the Met Gala has been a pop culture blitz, with actors, musicians, media mavens, and even politicians clamoring for an invitation. From Anna Wintour’s start as Met Gala chair in 1995, themes have spanned from the cultural (“China: Through the Looking Glass”), to the religious (“Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”), and even the technological (“Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology”). They all include notes of commentary, undoubtedly representative of fashion’s role in our psychology and our social and cultural connections.
Met Gala themes also have offered a candid snapshot of who we are as humans at a specific point in time. Take 2008 for example, the year that brought us blockbusters like “The Dark Knight” and Hancock.” The Met Gala theme for the year? “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy.”
But shining a spotlight on Black dandyism, especially at this point in time, allows the Met to convey a stronger air of political and cultural awareness than it has in the past.
Designer duds and red carpet interviews are still the source of chatter, but the context that fuels these conversations is much more significant. A historical background that is integrated into music, politics, and society.
The Politics of Dandyism
With roots stemming back to the 18th century, dandyism has clear stylistic attributes, including an emphasis on bespoke tailoring, the use of bold colors and patterns, intentional accessorizing, and of course, some cultural flair. But these decisions aren’t just for aesthetics. There are intentional reasons for every decision, whether it be color, fabric, or silhouette. Reasons that tie to cultural roots, political commentary, and even acts of resistance.
“At its core, [Black dandyism is] a fashion evolution, a movement steeped in history, resistance, and pride…It’s a cultural statement, an act of protest, and, above all, an enduring celebration of individuality.”
- Ty Gaskins for Vogue
Some have noted that the theme is long overdue, especially given the late André Leon Talley’s unmistakable dandy style (not to mention is unwavering loyalty to Wintour, Vogue, and the Gala itself. However, the timing is especially appropriate, and arguably bittersweet, considering the political and financial attacks cultural institutions have had to withstand under the Trump administration. The Gala raised a record-breaking $31 million, up from $26 million in 2024, but for many, the theme was about far more than money.
Media commentary almost universally framed the theme against today’s culture wars. Coverage in The Guardian, Vogue, NPR, and others explicitly pointed out this was a response to “Trump’s America,” or, more broadly, anti-DEI rhetoric.
Vogue’s U.K. editor wrote that a “celebration of diversity” coming as US leaders “push back robustly against diversity and intellectualism” means the Gala is inherently a political statement.
Prominent figures, from Duke Ellington to Malcolm X, have embraced the dandy aesthetic, showcasing their power through their garments. During the Harlem Renaissance, men used sleek suits to convey the right to exist on their own terms. And although the Met Gala and corresponding exhibit pays special attention to the art of tailored menswear, costume designer Ruth Carter noted that Black dandyism is inherently genderless.
The broader reach and impact of dandyism undoubtedly opened more opportunities for Met Gala designers to push creative boundaries and do both their celeb guests, and the theme, proud. But the general public continues to debate whether designers actually accomplished either of these goals at all.
Designer Optics During an Apocalypse
At a sheer monetary level, the Met Gala delivered. It generated $552 million in Earned Media Value (EMV) and an average engagement rate of 8.5% this year, with 260 attendees sharing content directly and 1,206 media accounts amplifying the event, according to Lefty. And the livestreams from Vogue’s website and YouTube channel have garnered more than 1.2 billion views worldwide. The source of this amplification was not only the celebrities walking the red carpet, but the luxury designs they were adorned in.
Louis Vuitton topped Lefty’s list of designers featured at the Gala, largely due to the Instagram impact driven by influencers. But of course, the brand benefitted from playing a strategically holistic role in the Gala, with Pharrell serving as a co-chair and Louis Vuitton being a sponsor of the exhibit. The buzz continued as the fashions were presented: Pharrell’s custom suit featuring 15,000 pearls got plenty of attention, but it was the social media debates surrounding the body suit worn by Blackpink’s Lisa and the LV-shaped brand on Doechii’s cheek that really brought digital engagement to its peak. Both instances reaffirmed that, with a theme as innately political and cultural as dandyism, that true creative expression leads to hard conversations.
Thom Browne was arguably the second most-cited designer of the night, dressing Janelle Monáe, Demi Moore, and unexpected heartthrob Walton Goggins. While all had their own distinct designs and symbolic focal points, they were lauded as some of the best, more on-theme looks of the night.
Gap, however, won the most surprising headline fodder for the Gala. Actress Laura Harrier wore a reimagined waistcoat and trousers designed by creative director Zac Posen, who has been long-adored for his formalwear craftsmanship and creativity. While the design hinged on core menswear pieces, they were elevated and reimagined to be whimsical and feminine. This was the latest in a series of wins for the brand, which is landing higher and higher on retail’s new “cool list.”
Sentiment surrounding the theme leading up to and during the event was overall positive, but that doesn’t mean designers and the Gala itself were safe from criticism.
At the broadest level, some users denounced the general public for focusing on an event for the wealthy and elite while the geopolitical climate is in such a state of disarray.
At a more granular level, some commenters noted that while the intentions of the dandyism theme were good, the collective execution was extremely flawed. Dandyism leans heavily into bold and pastel colors, glamorous accents, and lush fabrics. The intent? To make a statement and prove one has the right to exist just as they are.
Yet most Gala looks were overtly safe, leaning more into traditional black tie. The strong political and cultural roots of dandyism fell flat, preventing it from having a meaningful impact on cultural conversions. It leads one to (rightfully) ask whether the Met Gala’s sole intent was to simply build buzz and media credibility to reach its financial goals—a form of “woke washing” we’ve seen many brands partake in, only to see disastrous ripple effects.
Reap What You Sew
And so the fashion industry remains at the center of our discourse, with those debating its role as an enabler of self-expression and as a source of blatant elitism and economic segregation. Because one can easily argue the creative expression and artistry of the fashion industry is what inspires radical change. However, we cannot overlook the stark reality that these institutional players also have the social, financial, and political safety to express those ideas while enjoying champagne toasts and canapés.
The record-breaking volume of donations is testament to how beloved and top-of-mind institutions like the Met are in our modern culture. Meanwhile, the media and social buzz surrounding the Gala illustrates just how much we crave connecting with each other around such events. Moments we perceive as crucial pillars in our collective society.
But the onus is increasingly on the fashion industry and all its players to prove its place in modern society—not just as a source of senseless consumption but as a source of rebellion.
On a rainy evening in New York City, there is a burst of sunshine coming from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But it’s not due to the typical flooding of paparazzi flashes we usually see on the Met Gala red carpet. It’s from the lush Dandy daffodils that line the carpet, selected for their “proud charm,” which thoughtfully mirrors the goal of the night: to celebrate Black dandyism.
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Tailored for You,” celebrated “the personal interpretation of menswear and tailoring through the lens of Black dandyism,” according to Lyst. Coinciding with the Met Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the Gala onboarded a who’s who of co-chairs—Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and honorary chair LeBron James—Black men who represent some of the greatest minds in fashion, music, film, and culture.
“The exhibition is recognizing Black designers and recognizing the joy and confidence and liberation of dressing can mean to everybody. It felt very right to me to invite my co-chairs to be part of the night,” Wintour said in an ABC News interview. “They want to represent being co-chairs for this exhibition to the fullest.”
“Tailored for You” served as a long-overdue tribute as well as a timely statement, even protest, against the political forces challenging the value of diverse and inclusive cultural institutions. As a result, event commentary and criticism has featured more pointed questions about whether the fashion industry actually elevates the art, cultures, and communities it is inspired by…or whether it simply leeches from them for monetary benefit and market relevance.
The Style of Our Times
Historically, the Met Gala has been a pop culture blitz, with actors, musicians, media mavens, and even politicians clamoring for an invitation. From Anna Wintour’s start as Met Gala chair in 1995, themes have spanned from the cultural (“China: Through the Looking Glass”), to the religious (“Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”), and even the technological (“Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology”). They all include notes of commentary, undoubtedly representative of fashion’s role in our psychology and our social and cultural connections.
Met Gala themes also have offered a candid snapshot of who we are as humans at a specific point in time. Take 2008 for example, the year that brought us blockbusters like “The Dark Knight” and Hancock.” The Met Gala theme for the year? “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy.”
But shining a spotlight on Black dandyism, especially at this point in time, allows the Met to convey a stronger air of political and cultural awareness than it has in the past.
Designer duds and red carpet interviews are still the source of chatter, but the context that fuels these conversations is much more significant. A historical background that is integrated into music, politics, and society.
The Politics of Dandyism
With roots stemming back to the 18th century, dandyism has clear stylistic attributes, including an emphasis on bespoke tailoring, the use of bold colors and patterns, intentional accessorizing, and of course, some cultural flair. But these decisions aren’t just for aesthetics. There are intentional reasons for every decision, whether it be color, fabric, or silhouette. Reasons that tie to cultural roots, political commentary, and even acts of resistance.
“At its core, [Black dandyism is] a fashion evolution, a movement steeped in history, resistance, and pride…It’s a cultural statement, an act of protest, and, above all, an enduring celebration of individuality.”
- Ty Gaskins for Vogue
Some have noted that the theme is long overdue, especially given the late André Leon Talley’s unmistakable dandy style (not to mention is unwavering loyalty to Wintour, Vogue, and the Gala itself. However, the timing is especially appropriate, and arguably bittersweet, considering the political and financial attacks cultural institutions have had to withstand under the Trump administration. The Gala raised a record-breaking $31 million, up from $26 million in 2024, but for many, the theme was about far more than money.
Media commentary almost universally framed the theme against today’s culture wars. Coverage in The Guardian, Vogue, NPR, and others explicitly pointed out this was a response to “Trump’s America,” or, more broadly, anti-DEI rhetoric.
Vogue’s U.K. editor wrote that a “celebration of diversity” coming as US leaders “push back robustly against diversity and intellectualism” means the Gala is inherently a political statement.
Prominent figures, from Duke Ellington to Malcolm X, have embraced the dandy aesthetic, showcasing their power through their garments. During the Harlem Renaissance, men used sleek suits to convey the right to exist on their own terms. And although the Met Gala and corresponding exhibit pays special attention to the art of tailored menswear, costume designer Ruth Carter noted that Black dandyism is inherently genderless.
The broader reach and impact of dandyism undoubtedly opened more opportunities for Met Gala designers to push creative boundaries and do both their celeb guests, and the theme, proud. But the general public continues to debate whether designers actually accomplished either of these goals at all.
Designer Optics During an Apocalypse
At a sheer monetary level, the Met Gala delivered. It generated $552 million in Earned Media Value (EMV) and an average engagement rate of 8.5% this year, with 260 attendees sharing content directly and 1,206 media accounts amplifying the event, according to Lefty. And the livestreams from Vogue’s website and YouTube channel have garnered more than 1.2 billion views worldwide. The source of this amplification was not only the celebrities walking the red carpet, but the luxury designs they were adorned in.
Louis Vuitton topped Lefty’s list of designers featured at the Gala, largely due to the Instagram impact driven by influencers. But of course, the brand benefitted from playing a strategically holistic role in the Gala, with Pharrell serving as a co-chair and Louis Vuitton being a sponsor of the exhibit. The buzz continued as the fashions were presented: Pharrell’s custom suit featuring 15,000 pearls got plenty of attention, but it was the social media debates surrounding the body suit worn by Blackpink’s Lisa and the LV-shaped brand on Doechii’s cheek that really brought digital engagement to its peak. Both instances reaffirmed that, with a theme as innately political and cultural as dandyism, that true creative expression leads to hard conversations.
Thom Browne was arguably the second most-cited designer of the night, dressing Janelle Monáe, Demi Moore, and unexpected heartthrob Walton Goggins. While all had their own distinct designs and symbolic focal points, they were lauded as some of the best, more on-theme looks of the night.
Gap, however, won the most surprising headline fodder for the Gala. Actress Laura Harrier wore a reimagined waistcoat and trousers designed by creative director Zac Posen, who has been long-adored for his formalwear craftsmanship and creativity. While the design hinged on core menswear pieces, they were elevated and reimagined to be whimsical and feminine. This was the latest in a series of wins for the brand, which is landing higher and higher on retail’s new “cool list.”
Sentiment surrounding the theme leading up to and during the event was overall positive, but that doesn’t mean designers and the Gala itself were safe from criticism.
At the broadest level, some users denounced the general public for focusing on an event for the wealthy and elite while the geopolitical climate is in such a state of disarray.
At a more granular level, some commenters noted that while the intentions of the dandyism theme were good, the collective execution was extremely flawed. Dandyism leans heavily into bold and pastel colors, glamorous accents, and lush fabrics. The intent? To make a statement and prove one has the right to exist just as they are.
Yet most Gala looks were overtly safe, leaning more into traditional black tie. The strong political and cultural roots of dandyism fell flat, preventing it from having a meaningful impact on cultural conversions. It leads one to (rightfully) ask whether the Met Gala’s sole intent was to simply build buzz and media credibility to reach its financial goals—a form of “woke washing” we’ve seen many brands partake in, only to see disastrous ripple effects.
Reap What You Sew
And so the fashion industry remains at the center of our discourse, with those debating its role as an enabler of self-expression and as a source of blatant elitism and economic segregation. Because one can easily argue the creative expression and artistry of the fashion industry is what inspires radical change. However, we cannot overlook the stark reality that these institutional players also have the social, financial, and political safety to express those ideas while enjoying champagne toasts and canapés.
The record-breaking volume of donations is testament to how beloved and top-of-mind institutions like the Met are in our modern culture. Meanwhile, the media and social buzz surrounding the Gala illustrates just how much we crave connecting with each other around such events. Moments we perceive as crucial pillars in our collective society.
But the onus is increasingly on the fashion industry and all its players to prove its place in modern society—not just as a source of senseless consumption but as a source of rebellion.
On a rainy evening in New York City, there is a burst of sunshine coming from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But it’s not due to the typical flooding of paparazzi flashes we usually see on the Met Gala red carpet. It’s from the lush Dandy daffodils that line the carpet, selected for their “proud charm,” which thoughtfully mirrors the goal of the night: to celebrate Black dandyism.
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Tailored for You,” celebrated “the personal interpretation of menswear and tailoring through the lens of Black dandyism,” according to Lyst. Coinciding with the Met Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the Gala onboarded a who’s who of co-chairs—Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and honorary chair LeBron James—Black men who represent some of the greatest minds in fashion, music, film, and culture.
“The exhibition is recognizing Black designers and recognizing the joy and confidence and liberation of dressing can mean to everybody. It felt very right to me to invite my co-chairs to be part of the night,” Wintour said in an ABC News interview. “They want to represent being co-chairs for this exhibition to the fullest.”
“Tailored for You” served as a long-overdue tribute as well as a timely statement, even protest, against the political forces challenging the value of diverse and inclusive cultural institutions. As a result, event commentary and criticism has featured more pointed questions about whether the fashion industry actually elevates the art, cultures, and communities it is inspired by…or whether it simply leeches from them for monetary benefit and market relevance.
The Style of Our Times
Historically, the Met Gala has been a pop culture blitz, with actors, musicians, media mavens, and even politicians clamoring for an invitation. From Anna Wintour’s start as Met Gala chair in 1995, themes have spanned from the cultural (“China: Through the Looking Glass”), to the religious (“Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”), and even the technological (“Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology”). They all include notes of commentary, undoubtedly representative of fashion’s role in our psychology and our social and cultural connections.
Met Gala themes also have offered a candid snapshot of who we are as humans at a specific point in time. Take 2008 for example, the year that brought us blockbusters like “The Dark Knight” and Hancock.” The Met Gala theme for the year? “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy.”
But shining a spotlight on Black dandyism, especially at this point in time, allows the Met to convey a stronger air of political and cultural awareness than it has in the past.
Designer duds and red carpet interviews are still the source of chatter, but the context that fuels these conversations is much more significant. A historical background that is integrated into music, politics, and society.
The Politics of Dandyism
With roots stemming back to the 18th century, dandyism has clear stylistic attributes, including an emphasis on bespoke tailoring, the use of bold colors and patterns, intentional accessorizing, and of course, some cultural flair. But these decisions aren’t just for aesthetics. There are intentional reasons for every decision, whether it be color, fabric, or silhouette. Reasons that tie to cultural roots, political commentary, and even acts of resistance.
“At its core, [Black dandyism is] a fashion evolution, a movement steeped in history, resistance, and pride…It’s a cultural statement, an act of protest, and, above all, an enduring celebration of individuality.”
- Ty Gaskins for Vogue
Some have noted that the theme is long overdue, especially given the late André Leon Talley’s unmistakable dandy style (not to mention is unwavering loyalty to Wintour, Vogue, and the Gala itself. However, the timing is especially appropriate, and arguably bittersweet, considering the political and financial attacks cultural institutions have had to withstand under the Trump administration. The Gala raised a record-breaking $31 million, up from $26 million in 2024, but for many, the theme was about far more than money.
Media commentary almost universally framed the theme against today’s culture wars. Coverage in The Guardian, Vogue, NPR, and others explicitly pointed out this was a response to “Trump’s America,” or, more broadly, anti-DEI rhetoric.
Vogue’s U.K. editor wrote that a “celebration of diversity” coming as US leaders “push back robustly against diversity and intellectualism” means the Gala is inherently a political statement.
Prominent figures, from Duke Ellington to Malcolm X, have embraced the dandy aesthetic, showcasing their power through their garments. During the Harlem Renaissance, men used sleek suits to convey the right to exist on their own terms. And although the Met Gala and corresponding exhibit pays special attention to the art of tailored menswear, costume designer Ruth Carter noted that Black dandyism is inherently genderless.
The broader reach and impact of dandyism undoubtedly opened more opportunities for Met Gala designers to push creative boundaries and do both their celeb guests, and the theme, proud. But the general public continues to debate whether designers actually accomplished either of these goals at all.
Designer Optics During an Apocalypse
At a sheer monetary level, the Met Gala delivered. It generated $552 million in Earned Media Value (EMV) and an average engagement rate of 8.5% this year, with 260 attendees sharing content directly and 1,206 media accounts amplifying the event, according to Lefty. And the livestreams from Vogue’s website and YouTube channel have garnered more than 1.2 billion views worldwide. The source of this amplification was not only the celebrities walking the red carpet, but the luxury designs they were adorned in.
Louis Vuitton topped Lefty’s list of designers featured at the Gala, largely due to the Instagram impact driven by influencers. But of course, the brand benefitted from playing a strategically holistic role in the Gala, with Pharrell serving as a co-chair and Louis Vuitton being a sponsor of the exhibit. The buzz continued as the fashions were presented: Pharrell’s custom suit featuring 15,000 pearls got plenty of attention, but it was the social media debates surrounding the body suit worn by Blackpink’s Lisa and the LV-shaped brand on Doechii’s cheek that really brought digital engagement to its peak. Both instances reaffirmed that, with a theme as innately political and cultural as dandyism, that true creative expression leads to hard conversations.
Thom Browne was arguably the second most-cited designer of the night, dressing Janelle Monáe, Demi Moore, and unexpected heartthrob Walton Goggins. While all had their own distinct designs and symbolic focal points, they were lauded as some of the best, more on-theme looks of the night.
Gap, however, won the most surprising headline fodder for the Gala. Actress Laura Harrier wore a reimagined waistcoat and trousers designed by creative director Zac Posen, who has been long-adored for his formalwear craftsmanship and creativity. While the design hinged on core menswear pieces, they were elevated and reimagined to be whimsical and feminine. This was the latest in a series of wins for the brand, which is landing higher and higher on retail’s new “cool list.”
Sentiment surrounding the theme leading up to and during the event was overall positive, but that doesn’t mean designers and the Gala itself were safe from criticism.
At the broadest level, some users denounced the general public for focusing on an event for the wealthy and elite while the geopolitical climate is in such a state of disarray.
At a more granular level, some commenters noted that while the intentions of the dandyism theme were good, the collective execution was extremely flawed. Dandyism leans heavily into bold and pastel colors, glamorous accents, and lush fabrics. The intent? To make a statement and prove one has the right to exist just as they are.
Yet most Gala looks were overtly safe, leaning more into traditional black tie. The strong political and cultural roots of dandyism fell flat, preventing it from having a meaningful impact on cultural conversions. It leads one to (rightfully) ask whether the Met Gala’s sole intent was to simply build buzz and media credibility to reach its financial goals—a form of “woke washing” we’ve seen many brands partake in, only to see disastrous ripple effects.
Reap What You Sew
And so the fashion industry remains at the center of our discourse, with those debating its role as an enabler of self-expression and as a source of blatant elitism and economic segregation. Because one can easily argue the creative expression and artistry of the fashion industry is what inspires radical change. However, we cannot overlook the stark reality that these institutional players also have the social, financial, and political safety to express those ideas while enjoying champagne toasts and canapés.
The record-breaking volume of donations is testament to how beloved and top-of-mind institutions like the Met are in our modern culture. Meanwhile, the media and social buzz surrounding the Gala illustrates just how much we crave connecting with each other around such events. Moments we perceive as crucial pillars in our collective society.
But the onus is increasingly on the fashion industry and all its players to prove its place in modern society—not just as a source of senseless consumption but as a source of rebellion.
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