Met Gala 2025 TO Spotlight “Pure Black Excellence” And The Legacy Of Black Dandyism

May 02, 2025: The 2025 Met Gala returns with an unapologetic celebration of “Pure Black Excellence,” embracing the opulence and historical significance of Black menswear. This year, the iconic event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art will pay tribute to the enduring style and cultural impact of Black dandyism.

Rooted in the fashion of 18th-century Europe, the concept of the “Black dandy” emerged as Black men—often members of the servant class—used refined dress to assert identity and dignity. Dandyism, as defined by the Met, was “an opportunity to use clothing, gesture, irony, and wit to transform their given identities and imagine new ways of embodying political and social possibilities.”

Fashion’s biggest night will challenge designers and celebrity attendees to reinterpret this aesthetic with modern flair, elegance, and historical reverence.

This year’s star-studded co-chairs include musician and fashion designer Pharrell Williams, Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, rapper A$AP Rocky, and Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton. NBA legend LeBron James joins as an honorary co-chair, while Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour continues her role as presiding co-chair.

A powerful host committee rounds out the celebration, featuring cultural icons such as Usher, Regina King, Spike Lee, Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens, Janelle Monáe, Doechii, Ayo Edebiri, and more — all set to bring their sartorial best to the red carpet.

As the gala honors the evolution and excellence of Black fashion, it also solidifies its role as a cultural landmark where history, identity, and artistry collide.