MAY 5– The annual New York City Met Gala was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This event’s theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with the effort to celebrate the history of black dandyism.
Black dandyism is a fashion style that challenges racial and social norms by combining elegance with ostentation. It represents the elements of black power that have developed from years of oppression. It critiques and changes how Blackness is perceived in society, from “ghetto” to resilient.
In light of this, I have, in no particular order, the outfits that embodied and embraced the theme the most!
The first outfit of the night that left me speechless was Damson Idris wearing a white F1 race suit and helmet designed by Tommy Hilfiger. He drove to the event in a F1-inspired car as well, paying homage to his upcoming movie about the sport. With a perfect theatrical reveal, his suit was ripped off him and showed a red tuxedo with red and gold tartan print. Idris flawlessly represented themes of resilience and elegance with his performance.
Next, Cardi B had a custom Burberry suit inspired by Victorian fashion. The deep green floor-length coat had an open back to showcase her floral tattoos and was paired with a silk shirt and ruffles on it. The suit had matching velvet floral pants. The combination of masculine and feminine elements had the essence of the theme of that night.
Similarly, Rihanna wore a Marc Jacobs suit that had the same effect of combining masculine and feminine fashion to fight against gender norms and embrace the flamboyant style of dandyism. Rihanna also announced her pregnancy with A$AP Rocky at the event, marking a powerful stance on self-expression. She was able to celebrate a milestone with the world while still embracing her individuality.
Coco Jones had one of the most striking looks of the night. She stole the show with her almost floor-length braid and cream suit jacket (designed by Manish Malhotra) adorned with pearls and glittery accents. Jones not only leans into breaking down gender stereotypes but also brings all eyes in the room to her with the look.
And the recent up-and-coming rapper Doechii made her debut Met Gala in full Louis Vuitton. She had a monogrammed tuxedo jacket with the LV logo, which was paired with cream and grey plaid shorts. What made the outfit fit the theme was not the outfit itself, however, but the accessories she had with it. Doechii had a branded LV on her cheek, a burgundy bow that matched her knee-high socks and platform shoes. The mini Speedy bag in one hand and in the other a cigar. The blend of classic and traditional patterns with ornate objects shows how she embodied the theme.
As always, the night was filled with gorgeous outfits like Audra McDonald, but without these five, the night would have been incomplete. The Met Gala theme this year was one of my favorites and had, as usual, some of the best fashion we see all year!
