Met Gala 2022: A Celebration of Black Style and Dandyism
The highly anticipated Met Gala is just around the corner, and this year’s theme is set to be a groundbreaking celebration of Black style and dandyism. The Metropolitan Museum of Art recently unveiled its dress code for the annual event, themed “Tailored for You,” a fitting choice given the focus of the accompanying exhibit on suiting and menswear.
This year’s Met Gala marks the first time in over two decades that the event will exclusively highlight menswear, with a special emphasis on Black style in menswear throughout history. The Costume Institute at the Met also announced the revival of a longstanding tradition—a host committee, comprising a star-studded lineup of celebrities alongside the gala hosts.
The host committee includes a diverse array of luminaries from various fields, from athletes like Simone Biles and Sha’Carri Richardson to filmmakers like Spike Lee and Regina King, and musicians such as Usher and Janelle Monáe. Notable fashion figures like Grace Wales Bonner and Dapper Dan are also part of this esteemed group.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the menu curated by celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi, promising a culinary experience to match the extravagance of the gala. As a major fundraiser for the Costume Institute, the Met Gala plays a crucial role in supporting the museum’s spring exhibit, with last year’s event raising an impressive sum of over $26 million.
This year’s exhibit, titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” will run for an extended six-month period and draws inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.” The theme of the exhibit not only reflects the current cultural landscape but also celebrates the rich and diverse heritage of Black style.
According to Usher, one of the gala hosts, the theme of this year’s event is both timely and a testament to the vibrant cultural legacy that deserves widespread recognition. Joining him, Sha’Carri Richardson emphasized that style is more than just clothing—it’s a powerful form of self-expression and storytelling.
The exhibit promises a thought-provoking exploration of Black style from the 18th century to the present day, focusing on the evolution of dandyism within the Black community. From flamboyant expressions of individuality to refined tailoring, the exhibit will showcase the myriad ways in which fashion has been used to shape identities over the centuries.
Renowned artists like Torkwase Dyson and Iké Udé are contributing to the exhibit design, infusing their unique artistic perspectives into the showcase. With a total of 12 sections dedicated to different aspects of dandy style, the exhibit aims to offer a comprehensive look at the cultural significance of fashion within the Black community.
The Met Gala is scheduled to take place on May 5, followed by the public opening of the exhibit from May 10 to Oct. 26. As anticipation builds for this momentous occasion, fashion enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike are eagerly awaiting the chance to witness this groundbreaking celebration of Black style and dandyism in the heart of New York City.
