As The Met Gala Monday approaches, fashion lovers everywhere are prepping for the year’s boldest, most extravagant night. This year’s theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, isn’t just about fashion—it’s about legacy. It opens the floor for a deep dive into how Black men have not only embraced but transformed the art of dandyism—on sidewalks, in culture, and on high-fashion runways. And when we talk about dandyism in this context, we’re talking about more than nice suits. We’re talking about expression, defiance, and storytelling.
What Is a Dandy, Really?
Monica L. Miller, in her book Slave to Fashion, explores how the grammar of dandyism speaks volumes as a tool for Black self-fashioning. The term “dandy” may have its roots in 18th- and 19th-century Europe (think Beau Brummell with his crisp tailoring and effortless cool), but when Black men redefined it, the whole game changed. A true dandy doesn’t just wear clothes—he wears intention. Style becomes power. Fashion turns into both armor and art. It’s about being seen, commanding space, and saying something without ever opening your mouth.
To be a Black dandy is to make fashion political and personal. It’s a refusal to be ignored or stereotyped. In environments that told Black men to shrink themselves, dandyism has always been about showing up fully—loud, luxurious, and unapologetically fly.
The Black Dandy: Resistance in Style
For Black men, dandyism has always been deeper than just looking good. It’s about rebellion. In a world that tried to strip dignity and identity, style became protest. Whether it was the oversized zoot suits of the 1940s, the refined flair of the Harlem Renaissance, or today’s blend of tailored fits with streetwear grit—the Black dandy is always evolving.
Let’s not forget the Lo-Lifes—Brooklyn crews in the late ’80s and ’90s who literally took Polo off the racks and onto the streets, turning high fashion into hood currency. They weren’t just wearing Ralph Lauren; they were reclaiming power through fashion. The Lo-Lifes blurred the line between aspiration and reality, showing how luxury could be redefined from the sidewalk up. That legacy lives on in today’s streetwear kings, who mix $800 trench coats with Timberlands and make it art.
The early 2000s brought another wave of dandy reinvention thanks to icons like June Ambrose. She wasn’t just styling music videos—she was curating cultural shifts. By dressing artists like Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, and Busta Rhymes in futuristic leathers, dramatic silhouettes, and rich textures, she helped reframe what masculinity and luxury could look like for Black men. She made it okay for rappers to show range—to be soft, loud, opulent, or experimental. She brought couture into the game.
This philosophy was echoed in Complex’s “Dandy” series with heavyweights like Dapper Dan, June Ambrose, Ali Richmond, and Aria Hughes. They reminded us that dandyism isn’t a static look—it’s a mood, a mission, a mindset. Dapper Dan put it perfectly: every generation redefines what it means to be a dandy. For him, it started with remixing European luxury to fit Harlem bravado, and that blueprint continues today with each new wave of designers and style influencers.
5 Black Influencers Who Embody the Modern Dandy
Wisdom Kaye @wisdm
Quentin Thrash @stayflythrash
With Superfine as the theme, we’re ready for:
- Tailored streetwear moments – Suits with sneakers, fitted jackets with durags or grills. Think Thom Browne meets Trapstar.
- Homages to Black style legends – From Duke Ellington and Sammy Davis Jr. to the Lo-Lifes and Andre 3000.
- Gender fluidity – Expect kilts, pearls, lace, and heels to walk the line. Dandyism in 2025 is not limited by gender norms.
- Textures and colors that POP – Velvet, brocade, leather, and rich jewel tones. Think opulence in motion.
The Co-Chairs: Dandies in Their Own Right
This year’s Met Gala isn’t just about the theme—it’s about the energy behind the names bringing it to life. With Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, and A$AP Rocky serving as co-chairs, the table is set for a celebration of legacy, individuality, and Black brilliance in fashion.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell isn’t new to setting trends—he’s been pushing style boundaries for decades. Now as the head of menswear at Louis Vuitton, he’s blurring the lines between luxury and streetwear on the biggest stages. His collaborations with designers like Nigo show how intentional he is about culture, not just clothes. Pharrell’s role in this year’s gala feels personal—his whole career has celebrated the richness of Black identity through fashion.
Colman Domingo
Colman’s red carpet looks don’t whisper, they speak. He’s fearless with his fashion, often drawing from history, culture, and theatrical roots to make a statement. That cape and tux moment at the 2024 Gala? Pure drama. But beyond the glam, there’s always meaning. As a storyteller on and off the screen, Domingo uses his style to elevate how we see Black masculinity, queerness, and elegance—all wrapped in a dandy bow.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton may be a beast on the racetrack, but don’t sleep on his style game. His looks push past the expected: sharp tailoring meets unexpected silhouettes, even a little softness. He’s not afraid to play with color or textures traditionally seen as feminine—and that’s what makes his presence on the red carpet (and now as co-chair) so exciting. He’s helping redefine what power dressing looks like today.
A$AP Rocky
We already know A$AP Rocky eats every time he steps out. His fashion sense has always leaned dandy—from silk scarves and tailored suits to pearl accessories and statement kilts. He embodies the idea that being fly is a lifestyle, not a trend. As co-chair, his influence is undeniable. He’s the perfect bridge between old-school Harlem flair and the new-school fusion of luxury and street culture.
Who We’re Hyped to See:
The Met Gala is always an opportunity to see how fashion pushes boundaries, and this year’s theme is no exception. With “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the red carpet will be a celebration of Black culture, dandyism, and self-expression. We’re especially excited to see the following Black entertainers, each of whom brings something unique to the table when it comes to reimagining what it means to dress with purpose:
Rihanna
Rihanna is always a standout, and there’s no doubt she’ll bring her iconic blend of luxury and street style to the Met Gala this year. Whether she’s in custom couture or rocking a more casual vibe, Rihanna’s fashion sense is unapologetically her own, and we’re here for whatever she pulls out of the bag.
Zendaya
Zendaya has made a name for herself as a fashion risk-taker, and this year will be no different. As she continues to evolve her style, we’re looking forward to seeing how she interprets the “Superfine” theme and how it reflects her growth as a fashion icon.
Lizzo
Lizzo’s larger-than-life personality translates into equally bold fashion moments. She’s never afraid to step outside the box, and her presence at the Gala will be one to watch. We expect her to redefine what Black dandyism looks like in a way only she can.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe is always ahead of the curve when it comes to breaking fashion norms. Known for her experimental and boundary-pushing style, we can’t wait to see how she interprets the “Superfine” theme and brings her own brand of dandyism to life.
Usher
Usher has been a style icon for decades, and his effortless blend of sophistication and cool will make him one of the most anticipated arrivals. We’re expecting him to bring the perfect balance of tailored elegance and modern swag to the red carpet.
Doechii
Fresh on the scene and already making waves in both music and fashion, Doechii’s Met Gala debut is something to look forward to. Her bold, fearless style aligns perfectly with the theme, and we’re excited to see how she brings her own twist to Black dandyism.
Each of these stars has something special to bring to the table, and we can’t wait to see how they express their individuality and elevate the conversation around Black dandyism at this year’s Met Gala.
This year’s Met Gala is shaping up to be more than just a fashion event—it’s a celebration of Black creativity, pride, and generational reinvention. Dressing well isn’t just style—it’s a statement. And this statement is loud, proud, and uniquely ours.
