Black Dandy: The Met Gala gives Black fashion, culture and history
- Lawrielle West
- 5d
- 2 min read
This year’s Met Gala sent a powerful message to the world: Black style isn’t derivative—it’s origin. With a 2025 theme centered on Black Dandyism, the global fashion event acknowledged what Black communities have always known—our style is resistance, joy, heritage, and innovation. At KwanzaaMe, we celebrate culture not just in Decemberduring Kwanzaa , but year-round—and we believe Black Dandyism is a perfect expression of how our traditions continue to influence and shape the current world.
Black Dandyism: A Legacy of Resistance and Refinement
Black Dandyism is not new. It’s a centuries-old cultural tradition that emerged as a response to oppression, exclusion, and erasure. From the time of slavery and post-emancipation, Black people have used fashion as a way to reclaim dignity and assert presence in spaces that were not built for us.
Clothing became more than fabric—it became armor, narrative, protest, and pride. Think of Frederick Douglass’s tailored suits, the swag of Harlem Renaissance creatives, or the polished precision of church Sundays in Black communities. This style wasn't about assimilation—it was about showing up fully, brilliantly, and unapologetically.
A Cultural Conversation, Not Just a Trend
This year’s Met Gala theme—focused on Black Dandyism—sparked new conversations about how we center Black creators in global fashion. Cultural historian Nygel Simons put it perfectly: “Black style has never just been about fashion, it’s been about freedom… we’ve always had to dress ourselves into existence.”
This is the heart of Black Dandyism. It invites a fuller definition of expression masculinity—one that embraces softness, imagination, and extravagance, not just control or utility. From vibrant colors to statement fabrics, from bow ties to pearls, the Black Dandy is a reminder that style is political, ancestral, and spiritual.
As we reflect on Juneteenth, a day that marks freedom delayed but never denied, we honor how fashion continues to be one of the ways we claim space, tell our stories, and carry our legacy forward.
At KwanzaaMe, we’re committed to amplifying Black cultural traditions and affirming our community’s value through programming, products, and partnerships. Black Dandyism is not just a fashion moment—it’s an embodiment of Nguzo Saba (the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa ), especially:
Kuumba//Creativity: Designing new ways to present ourselves to the world with pride and vision.
Umoja//Unity: Reclaiming space and influence that honors our collective past.
Imani//Faith: Believing in the beauty, brilliance, and future of Black identity.
By spotlighting the historical and contemporary significance of Black Dandyism, we align with our mission to make Black culture visible, valuable, and celebrated—not just at the Met, but in everyday life.
To Wrap Things Up....
To dress with intention is to declare: I am here, I am worthy, and I will be seen. That is the spirit of Black Dandyism. That is the spirit of Juneteenth. And that is the spirit of KwanzaaMe.
As we continue to celebrate Black culture 365 days a year, we’re proud to uplift histories jsut like this —reminding the world that Black tradition isn’t just relevant; it’s revolutionary.