Styling the Elite Creators of Our Time

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Hey honeys and hustlers,

Just for a moment, let’s all pretend we’re Andre Leon Talley and take a look at the biggest night in fashion. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Benefit, commonly known as the Met Gala, has been fashion's most prestigious event since its inception in 1948. What began as a midnight supper fundraiser has transformed into an extravagant celebration of fashion, art, and culture. The event annually raises millions for the Costume Institute, enabling groundbreaking fashion exhibitions, educational programs, and the preservation of historical garments. They raised their highest amount yet this year, $31M, with considerable help from Tyler Perry, so I hear. Andre Leon Talley, the former Vogue editor-at-large and fashion icon, left an indelible mark on the Met Gala. As one of the first Black editors in high fashion, Talley brought a unique perspective and helped diversify the event. His larger-than-life presence, distinctive style, and profound knowledge of fashion history helped shape the Gala's cultural significance.

A little housekeeping before we begin: Tonight, I’ll be on Substack Live with the homies Michelle and Corey to talk about how we’re preparing our creator businesses for the summer. I also left a little musical surprise for you at the end. 🤙🏾✨

2025 Met Gala Theme - Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

This year's theme celebrates the rich history and contemporary expressions of Black Dandyism. The tradition, rooted in 18th-century England and reimagined through Black culture, represents both a fashion statement and a form of social resistance. Black Dandyism embodies elegance, self-expression, and cultural pride through meticulous attention to dress and presentation. This year's theme not only celebrates Black excellence in fashion but also highlights the historical significance of dress as a form of resistance and self-expression in Black culture. The event serves as a platform to showcase how contemporary artists and celebrities interpret and honor this rich tradition.

Black Dandyism transcends geographical boundaries, manifesting uniquely across the African diaspora. From the Sapeurs of Congo to the Swenkas of South Africa, and the Harlem Renaissance in New York, this aesthetic movement has represented both cultural pride and social resistance. Several distinctive styles have defined Black dandyism throughout history:

• The Zoot Suit: An iconic symbol of resistance and style in the 1940s, characterized by high-waisted, wide-legged trousers and long coats

• The Train: Long coat tails that would "trail like a train," often adorned with intricate embroidery and elaborate buttons

• Bespoke Accessories: Walking sticks, pocket watches, and carefully chosen jewelry that complemented perfectly tailored suits

This year's all-Black hosting committee marks a watershed moment in the Gala's history. The committee includes cultural innovators from sports, film & TV, and fashion who have shaped contemporary fashion while honoring their heritage. Several key figures have shaped this year's interpretations of Black dandyism:

• Law Roach: Though officially "retired" from celebrity styling, his influence continues to shape red carpet fashion (aka this look from Zendaya continues to tell us everything about the connection he has with his muse).

• Ozwald Boateng: The British-Ghanaian designer known for revolutionizing Savile Row tailoring. He dressed Burna Boy, Jaden Smith, Tems, and more for this year’s event.

• Dapper Dan: The Harlem couturier who bridged luxury fashion with street style

• The hosts with the most, Colman Domingo and Lewis Hamilton. Colman Domingo, known for his impeccable red carpet style, consistently delivers fashion moments that blend classic elegance with bold contemporary touches. (His afterparty look was to die for.) His expert navigation of formal wear has earned him numerous spots on best-dressed lists. Lewis Hamilton made history at his second Met Gala appearance by intentionally collaborating with Black designers, setting a precedent for celebrity-designer partnerships that spotlight underrepresented talent in the fashion industry. This year, he brought his own table to the event to honor Black women. I have to stan.

Securing an invitation to the Met Gala remains one of fashion's most coveted achievements. Anna Wintour personally approves each guest, with tickets costing upwards of $75,000 per person and tables for multiple guests starting at $350,000. Invitations typically go to cultural influencers, including artists, musicians, actors, and fashion industry leaders who have made significant contributions to contemporary culture. I think it was a major miss not to invite Jidenna, Wisdom Kaye, Terrell, and Durand Bernarr. But I am filling that gap with these incredible behind-the-scenes images. Beyond individual invitations, major fashion houses purchase tables and invite celebrities who embody their brand aesthetic. These relationships often result in memorable custom designs that interpret the gala's theme while showcasing the designer's vision. These could be considered some of the most high-profile creative collaborations we see all year – right next to joint music albums, song features, and director-actor duos. My lingering question, always (aside from whether we’ll see the infamous Derek Guy in attendance one of these years):

Without further ado, here are some of my favorite celebrity highlights of the night:

• Scott Evans, pictured below (who I wrote about last year)

• Diana Ross, she arrived with an incredible train. As she should.

• Cardi B. Loved the green look on her, a beautiful tribute to Prince.

• Doechii. The LV logo on her face is chef’s kiss.

• Damson Idris, pictured below. Can you tell that a new F1 movie is coming out? The outfit change was stunning.

• Angela Bassett, pictured below. The cane? Yes.

• Janelle Monae. That’s all I have to say.

• Teyana Taylor, pictured above. Taylor’d to you, indeed.

What were some of your favorite celebrity looks of the night? Respond or leave a comment and let me know!