IMO (In My Opinion), a recurring series where I share my personal insights and perspectives in regards to fashion.
The First Monday in May: One of fashion’s most anticipated days since 2001. This day, or couple of days with the rising focus on street style in the city leading up to the event, undoubtedly causes the most conversation surrounding design and dressing than any other day of the year. And, who would I be if I didn’t weigh in on the conversation?
While the need for speed is priority for major publications covering this momentous night, I’ve opted to fall back and take everything in before crafting my final thoughts. At first glance, I tend to feel positive or negative extremities. In the days that followed, my opinions changed completely. Maybe certain things needed to grow on me. Maybe I missed the subliminal messages the attendee was looking to send. Regardless, I needed to marinate.
A week later, I’m ready to transition my thoughts from the Notes app on my iPhone to SCNY.
This year, the Metropolitan Museum has dedicated its Costume Institute to examining the historical and cultural emergence of the Black Dandy. The theme of the exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, explores the importance of self-expression through style to the formation of Black Identities. With this in mind, the dress code for the infamous Met Gala was ‘Tailored for You’, allowing attendees to interpret the meaning of Dandyism in a variety of forms.
It goes without saying that this theme holds great significance. As a Black woman in the industry, I can confirm that this field reflects our society at large. Leadership and executive roles are primarily filled by white individuals— and Blackness is rarely outwardly celebrated. After all, it is European countries like Italy and France that are the fashion capitals of the world.
Ultimately, this night was larger than design. It was a celebration of the culture that has largely impacted the fashion industry as we see it today. To put it plainly, one could argue that style was built from the ground up by people of color— but I will save that discussion for another post.
Colman Domingo said it best, “God created Black people, and Black people created style.”
Read on for my favorite looks from this year’s Met Gala.
Pharrell Williams, the current creative director for Louis Vuitton Men’s, can do no wrong in my eyes. His custom blazer made up of over 15,000 pearls makes this seemingly simple outfit worlds more complex.
Leading up to the Met, I was particularly excited to see how Dandyism was interpreted through the woman’s lens. I don’t know what exactly I had envisioned, but fashion model Imaan Hammam exceeded any expectations that I once had. This one piece ensemble is the perfect fusion between historic Dandyism and modern chicness.
Jodie Turner-Smith in custom Burberry. Her look sports exaggeration in all the right places while the monochromatic color way adds a polished and sophisticated element. That hat is just the cherry on top!
Get into the proportions and patterns on Keith Powers. In my humble opinion, very few men can pull off a cropped blazer. Keith Powers is evidently one of those men. There is also something about a pant that is slightly too long/puddles on the floor that I find to be so chic.
Along with Pharrell, Rihanna can do no wrong. Her collaboration with Marc Jacobs embraces femininity while paying homage to the structure and tailoring that is Dandyism. Bonus points for the corset that flawlessly displays her (third) baby bump.
All heads turned when model Ugbad Abdi walked the Met carpet. The paisley, pinstriped, and cummerbund that make up this Michael Kors look take the prize for one of the most on-theme, and one of my personal favorite, looks of the night.
While many expressed that they expected more from Zendaya, there is something about a perfectly tailored suit that reminds me that less is truly more.
Lewis Hamilton, one of the co-chairs for the event, had one of the best men’s looks of the night. This sharply tailored suit by Grace Wales Bonner, adorned with intricate embroideries and embellishments, is a bold statement piece fit for the modern dandy.
What is the Met without Janelle Monáe? That is a question that I hope we don’t get the answer to anytime soon.
By definition, a Dandy is a man unduly devoted to style, neatness, and fashion in dress and appearance. The only requirement missed by Janelle, is ‘man’.
The precision, the accessories, and the transition between looks on the carpet. No notes!
Finally, Khaby Lame sports an effortlessly noteworthy look by Boss. This ensemble remains consistent with the remainder of my favorites from the 2025 Met Gala. Striking in all the right ways, this look maintains a sense of chic elegance and is tailored to absolute perfection.