The intersection of men and fashion has ALWAYS been captivating, but 2025 is shaping to be the year Black male entertainers take the reins in style. From red carpet stunners to hosting the year’s most prestigious fashion event—the MET Gala—men are proving that style is not just an accessory; it’s a statement! Each of these men brings something special to the fashion world: individuality, fearlessness, and a sense of style that transcends trends. They’ve turned red carpets, runways, and everyday life into their personal stages, and we can’t get enough! Here we celebrate some of the most fashionable black men in media.
Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo, the critically acclaimed actor and Emmy winner, playwright, and director; Domingo has made waves in projects like Fear the Walking Dead and Euphoria. He has consistently shown that he’s not just a storyteller on screen but also on the red carpet. His charisma and ability to tell stories through both his work and his fashion choices. He exudes confidence and inspires us to embrace boldness.
His Style: Sophisticated elegance with bold, statement-making pieces. Known for his use of vibrant colors, dramatic capes, and high-quality tailoring.
What He Wore: At the 2024 Critics Choice Awards Colman wore a Valentino Haute Couture. The bold color, the striking silhouette, and the addition of the full length coat .
Tyler James Williams
Best known for his roles in Everybody Hates Chris and Abbott Elementary, has evolved into a style star whose fashion story reflects his personal growth, versatility, and refined taste. As Tyler matured, so did his wardrobe. He embraced sharp tailoring and clean silhouettes, often favoring fitted suits in classic colors like black, navy, and gray. His red carpet appearances began to showcase a more polished aesthetic, emphasizing a modern take on formal menswear.
His Style: Sophistication with a modern edge. Williams can easily move back in forth between masculine and feminine pieces. His approach often includes clean lines, minimalistic designs, and occasionally experimental elements like textured fabrics or bold colors, making him a favorite among fashion enthusiasts.
What He Wore: At the 2024 Emmy Awards Dolce & Gabbana sleeveless Martini-fit tuxedo shirt with a waistband detail emphasized his amazing physique.
Wisdom Kaye
You can’t talk about the future of Men’s fashion without adding Nigerian- American model, stylist, and fashion influencer Wisdom Kaye. Known for his bold and daring fashion choices, he continues to push the boundaries of fashion. Kaye gets his inspiration from the world around him fHe has delivered different stylish and eye-catching looks. His approach to fashion emphasizes self-expression over trends, advocating for dressing in ways that resonate personally rather than for external validation.
His Style: Wisdom Kaye’s style is a striking mix of avant-garde, high-fashion artistry and a commitment to individuality. Referred to as the “best-dressed guy on TikTok,” Kaye is known for his ability to blend bold statement pieces with timeless classics.
What He Wore: 2024 Met Gala, Kaye wore a breathtaking design by Robert Wun, a voluminous crimson ensemble that artistically depicted decay over time. The look featured frayed edges, hand-painted details, and a dramatic single rose motif, embodying the theme of “The Garden of Time”
A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky, is an American rapper, songwriter, and fashion icon from Harlem, New York. Rising to fame in the early 2010s as a member of the A$AP Mob collective, he is known for his music blending hip-hop with experimental sounds. Beyond music, Rocky is a cultural influencer, celebrated for his fashion sense and collaborations with top designers. A$AP Rocky’s style is iconic because it isn’t just about the clothes—it’s how he carries himself. His ability to blend influences and make every outfit uniquely his own cements his position as a modern fashion icon.
His style: Electric, fearless, and trendsetting, blending high fashion with streetwear. It’s defined by bold experimentation, vibrant colors, luxurious pieces, and a mix of gender-neutral and avant-garde elements, all carried with effortless confidence.
What He Wore: 2023 Milan Fashion week, A$AP wore an oversized chic skirt for the Gucci show paired with black trousers a classic pinstripe suit and tie. A$AP Rocky completed his look with black square-toed boots that featured a shiny gold toe embellishment.
2025 MET Gala: The Year of Men in Power Fashion
The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, celebrates the influence of Black dandyism and its evolution, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s seminal book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. This year, the gala has a historic leadership lineup of Black male co-chairs: Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, and honorary chair LeBron James.
Pharrell Williams is known for merging streetwear with luxury, making him a fitting co-chair. He expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Black style has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation. This theme is an overdue acknowledgment of that legacy.” (Essence.com)
The gala and exhibit focus on showcasing how Black men have used style as a form of self-expression and resistance from the 18th century to the present, with Monica L. Miller contributing as a guest curator. The theme reflects not just sartorial elegance, but the deep narratives tied to identity and power.
What Is Black Dandyism?
Dandyism, as defined by Monica L. Miller, transcends mere fashion—it represents a sophisticated form of self-expression and resistance. In her book, Miller explores how Black dandies throughout history have used meticulous tailoring, vibrant patterns, and refined styling to challenge societal norms and stereotypes. Black dandyism reclaims the art of dress as a tool for empowerment, reshaping perceptions of race, class, and masculinity.
For Black men, dandyism historically symbolized rebellion. It used clothing as a statement to confront the expectations imposed by a racially biased society. This legacy extends from the zoot suits of the Harlem Renaissance to the high fashion looks of modern designers like Dapper Dan and Pharrell Williams.
The Costume Institute’s choice for 2025 honors this cultural narrative, emphasizing how Black dandies have elevated fashion into a form of art and activism. André Leon Talley, known for his dramatic caftans and larger-than-life persona, embodied this ethos by breaking barriers in an industry where Black representation was minimal. His work continues to inspire new generations to challenge the status quo through style.
This year’s Met Gala promises to be a powerful tribute to the transformative impact of Black dandyism on global fashion. It invites attendees to engage deeply with the intersection of culture, race, and couture, making it one of the most anticipated events in recent years. For more details, you can explore Miller’s work and the upcoming exhibit at the Met Gala.
Timeless Pieces
2025 men are reclaiming some of fashion’s most iconic trends. Surprisingly, women are not alone in their love for these timeless pieces—they’ve inspired a resurgence among male fashionistos.
- Pinstripe Suits: Popularized in the 1920s and 30s by gangsters and jazz musicians, the pinstripe suit is back but in bolder variations. Think oversized fits and pops of unexpected color like chartreuse and lavender.
- Fedora Hats: Once a staple of 1940s Hollywood heartthrobs, the fedora has made a stylish comeback. Colman Domingo and John Boyega have been spotted pairing fedoras with contemporary ensembles, proving their versatility.
- Velvet Everything: From tuxedos to trench coats, velvet is no longer just for the holidays. It’s the texture of the moment
- Wide-Leg Trousers: The 70s-inspired silhouette has officially replaced the slim fit. Stars like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II have been embracing wide-leg trousers in bold prints, often paired with sleek loafers or Chelsea boots for a retro-meets-modern vibe.
Black male stars are proving that fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a way to tell stories, break barriers, and inspire. As we look to 2025 and beyond, these men are more than style icons; they’re cultural trailblazers reminding us that fashion’s ultimate power lies in its ability to evolve. Here’s to more men who dare to lead with style.
What are you excited to see in Men’s Fashion in 2025?
