We’ve finally reached the best day of the year: the first Monday of May, the Olympics of fashion, or otherwise known as—The Met Gala. But before we can give out our gold, silver, and bronze medals, let’s rewind and understand where this year’s theme came from, and how some of the most notable celebrities reached into that deep history, grabbed it, and strutted it down the carpet.
The year’s theme, Tailored For You, was paired with the powerful Met Gala exhibition, ‘Superfine’ Tailoring Black Style, which took inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
So, what is Black Dandyism? To understand the looks, we must understand the legacy.
Black Dandyism was born in the name of resistance. During the 18th century and the peak of the Atlantic Slave Trade, enslaved Black men would use fashion as a form of rebellion, expression, and autonomy. By embracing such fine tailoring and extravagant style, they created a visual divide between themselves and those who held their freedoms captive. In other words, looking good was power.
And dandyism today? Well, in terms of our fashion-sphere, it’s people who pretty much are too cool to care, but secretly care a lot. It’s basically quiet confidence. Dandies walk this world like the streets were paved solely to be their runway, like they’ve already won. Their essence can only be described as someone walking in slow motion, oozing confidence, elegance, and individuality. They move with intention. Blending personal flair with timeless tailoring. They don’t try too hard to follow trends, because they are the trends. They don’t just wear clothes, they create history. With every outfit, they’ve created more than just a look—they’ve crafted a presence.
Colman Domingo
If the carpet was a battleground, Coleman Domingo didn’t just conquer, he got the whole crowd to throw in the towel. In two Valentino looks, this co-chair gave us layers of meaning. His arrival look was a royal blue robe, symbolizing the black church and paying homage to André Leon Talley. Then came the reveal, and what was underneath? Our eyes don’t even deserve the luxury. A checkered oversized blazer, wide-leg trousers, a polka-dot silk scarf, and a black flower at the lapel. If history repeats itself, I hope it keeps doing it in custom Valentino.
The second look drew inspiration from the Moors, a North African people known for their aesthetic and cultural influence in Medieval Europe. Coleman didn’t just dress to impress, he dressed to educate, to honor, and to expand the narrative. In simple terms, Coleman Domingo is our fashion overachiever #1.
Pharrell Williams
Talking about a fashion overachiever, as a Met Gala co-chair and creative partner to Louis Vuitton, it was Pharrell’s destiny to not only deliver a look on himself, but many others on the carpet. But his look is what truly knocked the ball out of the park. He wore an off-white and gray pinstripe suit with black wide-leg trousers. And the best part? The pinstripes were pearls. A quiet detail that made a major impact.
Pharrell took a page, literally, from Monica L. Miller’s novel, the source material that launched this year’s event. And fun fact: Anna Wintour asked Pharrell to be co-chair back in 2023 over their annual Ritz breakfast. Showing that this theme and Pharrell are just a match made in heaven.
Gigi Hadid
If Coleman and Pharrell were the kings of the carpet, Gigi may have just snatched the queen’s crown. Draped in a shimmering gold Miu Miu gown, Gigi paid tribute to the legendary dressmaker, Zelda Wynn Valdes.
Zelda is a historic pillar in the fashion industry and definitely deserves this recognition. She grew up in Harlem and studied tailoring in her grandfather’s shop. She later became the first black woman to own a boutique on Broadway. Her dresses were figure-hugging, body-celebrating, and unapologetically glamorous. Gigi’s look celebrated Zelda’s legacy, the drama, and feminine power all at once, and yes — she definitely walked that carpet like a royal.
The Met Gala is the most vulnerable red carpet to exist. Celebrities step into the area, knowing that every little detail will be up for critique. But there is no fashion without the risk, no legacy without the frame — that’s the beauty of it.
This year’s gala didn’t just show off style, it brought back history, it honored rebellion, elegance, and self-expression. And who said looking good never mattered?
This year’s Met Gala wasn’t just a fashion show, it was a history lesson… only with better lighting.