Let’s Talk Met Gala

With the theme of this year’s Met Gala being Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, centering the concept of black dandyism, I thought it was important to highlight the history behind the several looks that the celebrities are serving.

“From Slaves to Fashion”

This theme was based on Guest Curator Monica L. Miller’s book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.”

Black dandyism was a way to defy the societal stereotypes forced unto black people as early as the 1700s.

It began when slave owners would dress their slaves nicely to flaunt their wealth.

But over time, and specifically during the Harlem Renaissance, it became a practice in which black people used clothing to defy the negative perceptions on race, class, and gender.

Characteristics

Important characteristics of Black Dandyism include: polished shoes, ties (bow ties), sharply tailored suits, fedoras, vibrant patterns, LOTS of jewlery (which is a newer aspect), and cross-cultural influence (i.e. influence from Africa or the Carribean).

The Zoot Suit

A zoot suit is a distinctive men’s suit characterized by high-waisted, wide-legged trousers, tight cuffs, and a long coat with wide lapels and padded shoulders. It was one of the most distinct forms of clothing popularized by black dandyism.

So, Who Was On Theme?

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor is known for her outfits that marry masculine and feminine, so I only expected the best from her Met Gala look – and she did not disapoint.

Taylor sported custom Marc Jacobs styled by the exceptional Ruth E. Carter. She wore a tan zoot suit, with a red button-up vest underneath. In addition to a glamourous red floor-length cape and a red fedora with a matching durag underneath. She had tons of silver jewelery all over her body, from head to toe. And she had a red cane to top it all off. As a host, she was one of the first people on the carpet and she was one of, if not the best dressed.

P.S. Her cape has the phrase “Harlem Rose” engraved in the bottom, as a reference to her hometown & album A Rose in Harlem, but also the Harlem Renaissance, a pivotal time for black dandyism.

Joey King

Joey King really shocked me, I cannot lie. In a room full of black, white and grey suits, King really grabbed my attention with this vibrant green. This custom Miu Miu suit had several small mirrors and diamonds all throughout. And though it could seem “too chaotic”, it’s not!

Underneath she has a black and white checkered button up with a burgundy and gold ascot and a brown belt. Her outfit was absolutely stunning.

Normally outfits like these don’t make my best-dressed list, but this is

Several people have been raving about her look. For her first Met Gala, she defintely did a great job. I’m looking forward to next year’s look.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry is always dressed perfectly. He, like Teyana Taylor, regularly takes inspiriation from both the masculine and feminine.

Henry actually styled himself!!! He worked alongside Nigerian fashion brand Orange Culture to create this outfit for the gala.

The Atlanta actor is sporting a deep red suit, with a simple white button up and black tie underneath. On his feet he is wearing an almost knee high black boot. But my two favorite parts of his look: the sort of floor-length shawl and the brooches. The shawl adds another fabulous layer to this simple outfit, and it really just ties everything together. Amd the brooches are just a nice addition of detail. This outfit looks like it takes influence from the late Andre Leon Talley, which is why its so perfect. His look is absolutely stunning.

Whoopi Goldberg

This might be top 3. This suit dress is so cvnty to me, I love everything about it. And the white off the shoulder aspect on top adds the perfect flair. She also had a black top hat with a veil attached paired with a black and white clutch. Her jewlery choices add depth to her outfit as well.

Goldberg’s fashion sense has always been out-of-the-box. But this look is definetly one of her bests.

Also her shoessss are perfect for this look!!!

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae has been emulating dandyism her entire career, so I knew that she would have no problem executing these theme properly. And boy did she!

Her first look was a half-striped oversized overcoat with an illustration of a suit, and a purse. To top it off, she added an assymetrical striped fedora and a futuristic looking monocle.

Her second look was reminiscent of the illistruation in the first look. She had a Thom Browne suit-dress, half red and white/black pinstripe. And a striped tie.

Her final look for the after party included the same hat, tie, shoes, and monocle. She sported a new black blazer, and went shirtless with designer pasties.

Her and Teyana Taylor are defintely tied for number one.

Damson Idris

Idris’ new movie centers him as an F1 driver, so where better to promote it than one of the biggest events of the year. When he arrived, he had on a white fire suit with a bedazzled (with 20,000 Swarovski crystals) helmet. And he was immediately ripped out of the suit to debuit a red zoot suit by Hilfiger. His look was simple but very on theme. The jewlery and brooches add much-needed flair to his outfit.

Damson was easily one of the best dressed men in the Met that night.