On Wednesday, October 9, Vogue and the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced their theme for the spring 2025 exhibition for the Costume Institute and annual Met Gala. This fashion filled evening is held annually on the first Monday of May. The purpose of this exhibition is to fund raise money for the Costume Institute found in the Metropolitan Museum. Throughout the years, this event has evolved from a small socialite dinner in New York to a global fashion phenomenon filled with worldwide celebrities. Moreover, the exhibit has been home to many iconic celebrity and fashion moments ranging from Princess Diana’s John Galliano slip dress and saphaire necklace, to Rihanna’s fiery red hair and long China gown. Every year, Vogue takes on the task of creating and announcing their theme for the year’s exhibition. This year, the theme will be,”Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” In addition to the theme, the co-chairs for the evening have also been picked. The event will take place on May 5th and will be co-chaired by: Rapper A$AP Rocky, Actor Colman Domingo, Race car driver Lewis Hamilton, Musician Pharrell Williams, and of course, Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour. For the first time in the history of the gala, the co-chairs will be all Black men who have made a significant impact in the fashion industry.
While many have been intrigued by the theme, the interpretation has caused some stir throughout social media. The public has shared their fear of the theme being misinterpreted. This is not the first time a theme has been feared of misinterpretation. In 2019, this was the case with the theme being “Camp:Notes on Fashion,” with many not knowing the true meaning. Therefore, many articles and social media personas have tried to create an explanation and possible interpretation for this year’s theme.
In order to understand the root of this theme, it is important to highlight that it was inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, “Slaves of Fashion:Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.” The Costume Institute has remarked that the theme’s purpose is to represent”the indelible style of Black men in the context of dandyism, from the 18th century through present day.” In addition, it will also be an exploration into how fashion has been applied into the self-expression and identity of the African-American community.
Many celebrities have remarked that they have started their months long preparation for the star studded night. As always, many are awaiting at the edge of their seats to see the incredible works of the designers and the appearances of the stars on the first Monday of May.