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The Met Gala name itself oozes pretentiousness and exclusivity. This year’s gala, however, is different. Fashion’s biggest night is making history. And this time, it’s for all the right reasons.

Taking inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 bestseller “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” The theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” combines expressions of Black dandyism and tailored menswear. Miller said dandyism is “a tool to rethink one’s identity, reimagining the self in a different context.” It pushes the limits on who and what is human.

Essentially, it’s a style or attitude that emphasizes personal appearance, especially clothing and manners, with a focus on elegance and refinement. This marks the first time in Met Gala history that a theme has been purposely and exclusively dedicated to a certain demographic: the Black man, and thus, Black menswear.

Miller and Andrew Bolton, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s museum curator, curated the costume exhibit behind the famous MET steps this year. It features works designed by this year’s Met Gala host Pharrell Williams and late fashion designer Virgil Abloh. The exhibit is organized by the 12 characteristics of dandy style: Ownership, Presence, Distinction, Disguise, Freedom, Champion, Respectability, Jook, Heritage, Beauty, Cool and Cosmopolitanism.

The dress code, “Tailored for You,” gives designers the creative freedom to tailor their outfits while also paying respect to the theme’s focus and cultural identity of Black menswear. Designers were told to tailor their creations acutely and in a way that represents their personal style with the theme.

To host this prestigious event (or rather co-chair it with Anna Wintour herself) stars must align with the theme of the gala. Understandably, this year’s hosts are all men — Black men who represent the theme in its entirety. This year, the co-chairs include Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky and Williams. LeBron James has been given an honorary host position, since he can’t attend due to the potential Los Angeles Lakers playoff game on Monday.

James has long since bridged the gap between sports and fashion, showcasing his interpretation of “dandyism” in everything he does. His suits are impeccable and flawlessly tailored at each premiere event he attends. He tests the waters with his fashion choices, making strides in the way that Black men are represented.

Joe Zhao | Design Editor

Artists like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Usher, Sabrina Carpenter, Rihanna, Doechii and more are expected to be in attendance. Other talent and athletes, like Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Naomi Campbell, Cynthia Erivo, Simone Biles, Demi Moore and Serena Williams are rumored to make an appearance as well.

Viewers can expect past standouts Rihanna, Zendaya, Lady Gaga and Jared Leto to stun. Rumors have also spread about other potential stars. A$AP Rocky, Domingo and Sha’Carri Richardson are all anticipated to make memorable entrances on Monday.

However, one certain celebrity is calling to boycott the event, saying “it’s not time for a party like that.” Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy’s grandson and a former Vogue political correspondent, is behind the movement. Regardless, he wasn’t invited to the gala this year.

Schlossberg’s goal is to focus on the ongoing global and national social and political issues, which deems this year’s event unnecessary. While boycotting may have been a good idea in past years, this year most definitely is not. The Met Gala and Vogue are taking monumental steps to celebrate Black culture and minority representation in fashion.

And a moment of silence for those who love watching Blake Lively transform on the stairs. Unfortunately, both her and her husband Ryan Reynolds will be missing out this year, likely due to Lively’s legal battles. Her extravagance on the carpet will most definitely be missed this year.

Gala outfits from designers who’ve taken the art of menswear to heart — Abloh, Williams, Grace Wales Bonner, Foday Dumbuya and Law Roach — will be featured..

While Roach won’t be designing for the main event, he’s said to be collaborating with Burberry on their “creative expression” for the gala. Basically, he’ll be keeping them in check and ensuring they don’t toe the line of microaggressive discrimination.

While the gala comes at a time of global hardship and national uncertainty, it’s definitely defying the odds. It proves fashion isn’t just the clothes people wear, but when applied in its true form, can be a powerful display of unity, acceptance and equality. This year’s theme challenges the norm, highlighting the constant need for inclusivity and the transformation that comes from reclaiming minority identities and livelihoods.

The 2025 Met Gala, despite the celebrities, wealth and genuine beauty it celebrates, has managed to do something practically unheard of at events like this one — it’s become a place for activism and representation, creating true elegance.

Published on April 30, 2025 at 9:58 pm