Contemporary Black dandyism has been enlivening the red carpet at the Met Gala for years.
In advance of this mornings announcement, Miller said another definition is dressing wisely and well.
Since 2020, roughly 150 pieces by BIPOC designers have been acquired, some of which feature in Superfine.
Unknown (American). [Studio Portrait], 1940s–50s. Gelatin silver print. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Twentieth-Century Photography Fund, 2015 (2015.330)
Its very much about making fashion at The Met more of a gateway to access and inclusivity.
Whats interesting about Black dandyism is its not just an identity, he said.
Suit, American, 1939; Courtesy Benny Reese, Reese’s Vintage Pieces.
Livery, American, Courtesy Maryland Center for History and Culture, gift of Miss Constance Petre, 1946.3.3a-c.
The firstOwnershipshowcases an enslaved persons livery from 19th century Maryland.
In some cases they also have heritage in West Africa or the Caribbean.
Bolton, for his part, believes menswear is in the midst of a renaissance.
Zoot suit, American, 1940s; Alfred Z. Solomon-Janet A. Sloane Endowment Fund, 2024 (2024.2a, b).
Theyre all men who arent afraid to take risks with their self-presentation.
I think Black men and Black designers are very much at the forefront of this new renaissance in menswear.
Precious Moloi-Motsepe and Africa Fashion International, Tyler Perry, and Conde Nast.
Suit, American, 1939; Courtesy Benny Reese, Reese’s Vintage Pieces.
Ensemble, Virgil Abloh (American, 1980–2021) for Louis Vuitton (French, founded 1854), fall/winter 2021 menswear; Courtesy Collection Louis Vuitton.
Ensemble, Pharrell Williams (American, born 1973) for Louis Vuitton (French, founded 1854), spring/summer 2025 menswear; CourtesyCollection Louis Vuitton.
“Maya Angelou Passport” ensemble, Foday Dumbuya (Sierra Leonean) for Labrum London (British, founded 2014), fall/winter 2023; Courtesy Labrum London.
“L’E Goldwill” bullion, Dynasty and Soull Ogun (American, born 1984) for L’Enchanteur(American, founded 2017), 2023; CourtesyL’Enchanteur.
“Name Spell Name Plate” necklace, Dynastyand Soull Ogun (American, born 1984) forL’Enchanteur (American, founded 2017),2024; Courtesy L’Enchanteur.
“Kalinago Royal Coin #8” pendant, Dynastyand Soull Ogun (American, born 1984) forL’Enchanteur (American, founded 2017),2023; Courtesy L’Enchanteur.
