The Met Gala 2025 showcased the enduring influence of Black dandyism in fashion, highlighting its roots in the 17th century but particularly its evolution during the Harlem Renaissance. Guided by Monica L. Miller's exhibition 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' the gala celebrated vibrant displays of menswear while addressing how Black dandyism challenged societal perceptions of Black identity. Venues like juke joints and ballrooms served as critical spaces for Black dandies to express their distinct styles and assert their place in a society that often marginalized them.
The practice of dandyism isn't just about wearing beautiful clothing. Historically, the term dandy was used to describe someone devoted to aesthetics as a lifestyle.
Gathering spots like ballrooms and juke joints became places for the Black dandy to parade their fashions and define their own place within a society that sought to disenfranchise them.
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