Met Gala 2025:Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

Superfine is the second Met Gala theme in recent memory that pivots its spotlight toward men and the meticulous artistry behind menswear. If you recall Camp: Notes on Fashion in 2019, we saw men start to experiment with exaggerated silhouettes and unorthodox ensembles. But this year, the focus is on something more refined: Black dandyism. The term may evoke visions of sharply tailored suits, opulent details, and elegance embodied by the likes of icons from the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. For the men, this is their moment to showcase their versatility. Will they embrace the narrative of precision tailoring, or will they elevate it beyond expectation? Superfine calls for nothing less than sartorial excellence, and you can bet the men will feel the pressure.

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Now, let’s address the women. Every Met Gala, they ascend the stairs of The Met like royalty, effortlessly commanding the cameras and turning every head. This year, with the men positioned to shine, the question becomes: will the women share the spotlight, or will they once again assert their dominance, taking their crowns and transforming them into gowns that leave us breathless? Knowing the likes of Rihanna and Zendaya, it’s safe to say that we’re in for some unforgettable moments. Imagine how they might interpret the theme, intertwining traditionally masculine tailoring with the grace of gowns to push the boundaries even further. The potential is limitless, and we might even witness a blending of aesthetics in ways we haven’t before.

But let’s not forget what the Met Gala stands for. It’s more than just a red carpet event. It’s a moment for the fashion industry to celebrate its role as a cultural force, influencing not only how we dress but how we express identity, history, and art. Superfine will push the conversation on fashion as a narrative form, using Black style as a lens through which we explore both historical and contemporary expressions of elegance, resistance, and self-definition. What Monica L. Miller’s book captures so well—Black Dandyism’s reclamation of style as a form of identity and protest—will be center stage at the exhibit. This year’s gala, and the exhibition it supports, will remind us how fashion is never just about clothes; it’s about who wears them, how, and why.

Now, let’s be real—Thom Browne has to play a major role in this year’s theme. Who else could interpret the blend of structured tailoring and sartorial flair better than the king of suits himself? We’re expecting a masterclass in precision tailoring, possibly punctuated with unexpected flourishes that nod to the vibrancy of Black style. Picture Browne’s signature short suits reimagined with bold colors, patterns, and textures. He’s sure to bring his signature avant-garde twist, elevating the exhibit’s core message and taking it straight to the top of every best-dressed list.

The Met Gala 2025 is shaping up to be a night of extraordinary fashion, where both men and women will have the opportunity to challenge expectations. Whether this will be the year men truly steal the show, or if the women will rise to the occasion, one thing is for sure: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style is a celebration of the deep, rich history of Black style and its ongoing influence on global fashion. What this gala will contribute to the culture of fashion is more than just stunning looks—it’s a reminder of fashion’s power to convey identity, challenge norms, and tell stories that transcend time. 

You know you can’t get enough,  

Editor-In-Chief,  

Mariah Waldorf.