Each year, on the first Monday of May, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art transform into a grand spectacle of fashion and culture, most commonly known as the Met Gala. Though the first Met Gala took place in 1948, the first themed event was not until 1973. British-American media executive and editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, Anna Wintour, served as the co-chair for her first Met Gala in 1995, and has been doing so ever since. 

In 2025, however, this renowned event served more than fashionable outfits and became a reclamation of identity and culture. This year’s theme was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which included aspects of Black Dandyism, beginning in the 18th century, while also inspiring attendees to put their own personal “twists” on their outfits. 

“I really liked the theme this year because I think it represented a topic that allowed for celebrities to truly take a stance on societal issues that have plagued the world in the past and continue to have an impact,” Don Kumar (10) said. “They were able to speak out against such injustices through their outfits with an artistic lens.”

Along with Anna Wintour, other co-chairs of this year’s Met Gala included Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, who were dressed perfectly according to the theme. Williams, for example, was wearing a tailored and pearl-embellished suit, similar to those of 19th-century Congolese sapeurs. Other figures came dressed to impress as well, such as singer, songwriter, and actress Janelle Monáe, who stunned in a deconstructed tuxedo gown which was adorned with West African kente cloth trim.

“I liked Janele Monae’s outfit because she was really on theme and her outfit was very eye-catching,” Coco Hong (10) said. “Every year we see such extravagant outfits, but with this theme everyone was so sleek and it highlighted a strong message.” 

The 2025 Met Gala did what great fashion is meant to do by inciting argument, honoring tradition, and pushing the boundaries of identity. The event inspired several students on campus to brainstorm their own outfit ideas based on the theme.

“If I attended the Met Gala this year I would probably wear something similar to Kendall Jenner and Sabrina Carpenter because they both took a very personal route toward the theme which I liked,” Gia Shan (10) said.

As the last feathers floated up the museum stairs and the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: Black Dandyism is not a fad. It’s a heritage, now sanctified in fashion’s most sacred space.