The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced its 2025 spring exhibition for The Costume Institute, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, opening May 10, 2025, at The Met Fifth Avenue. Drawing from Monica L. Miller’s acclaimed 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the exhibition will chronicle the evolution of Black dandyism, tracing its origins from 18th-century Enlightenment Europe to modern-day expressions in London, New York, and Paris.
To celebrate the launch, the 2025 Met Gala will be co-chaired by an all-star lineup, including Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, with honorary chair LeBron James. Chef Kwame Onwuachi will craft the evening’s menu, while artist Cy Gavin will collaborate with Derek McLane and Raúl Àvila on the décor concept. The Gala, scheduled for May 5, is The Costume Institute’s primary fundraising event, supporting exhibitions, acquisitions, and operations.
Sponsored by Louis Vuitton, with major funding from Instagram, the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation, and others, Superfine will examine the Black dandy as a historical and cultural figure. “This exhibition will showcase how sartorial elegance has been a powerful tool in shaping Black identities throughout history,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s Director.
Curator Andrew Bolton and guest curator Monica L. Miller will present a rich selection of historical garments, contemporary fashion, and artistic works. Miller highlights the transformative power of dandyism, stating, “Black dandyism reflects a dynamic narrative of identity, power, and resistance across centuries.”
With additional support from Condé Nast and the artistic contributions of Torkwase Dyson and Tyler Mitchell, Superfineis set to be one of The Met’s most groundbreaking explorations of style, race, and identity.
