Over the course of 9 months, Vogue brought together a visionary cast of collaborators to create a one-of-a-kind issue. The May Issue celebrates Black identity, history, and the joyful act of dressing. Columbia professor Monica Miller, curator of the “Superfine:Tailoring Black Style” exhibition, sits down to talk about Black dandyism and the history that forged the museum’s exhibit. Featuring the talents of Lewis Hamilton, Adut Akech, LaKeith Stanfield, Jon Batiste, Coleman Domingo, Law Roach, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Noah Lyles, Janelle Monáe, Dapper Dan, Ayo Edebiri, Janicza Bravo, Danielle Deadwyler, Ib Kamara, Myha’la Herrold, Keith Powers, Teyana Taylor, Aaron Pierre, Yara Shahidi, Tyson Beckford, Justin Jefferson, Grace Wales Bonner, Jerry Lorenzo, Henry Taylor, Iké Udé, Jeremy Pope and more.
Vogue's May 2025 issue stands as a landmark celebration of Black dandyism and tailored menswear, aligning with the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This edition not only honors the sartorial legacy of Black culture but also amplifies contemporary voices shaping its future. The “Superfine” exhibition, curated by Andrew Bolton and Monica L. Miller, delves into the role of fashion in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora. Drawing inspiration from Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion and Zora Neale Hurston’s 1934 essay “Characteristics of Negro Expression,” the exhibition explores themes such as Ownership, Presence, and Cool. It marks the Costume Institute’s first menswear-focused showcase since 2003 .
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Pharrell Williams emphasizes the importance of a cross-disciplinary collective of Black voices, stating, “We’ve got to invest in each other... coalesce the force of Black and brown genius into one strong, reliable force.”
Lewis Hamilton reflects on fashion as a means of self-expression and cultural affirmation, noting, “I hope this year’s Met Gala sparks conversation and reconfirms the connection between fashion and self-expression, and how deep it runs in Black culture” .
Colman Domingo shares his emotional response to the exhibition, particularly the sight of Black mannequins, highlighting the significance of representation in fashion.
A$AP Rocky expresses anticipation for celebrating Black excellence at the gala, underscoring the event's cultural resonance .
Anna Wintour pays tribute to the late André Leon Talley, highlighting his iconic style and influence. A cherished 1988 photograph of Talley in a Morty Sills suit, now part of the exhibition, exemplifies his understanding of fashion as a personal narrative. The 2025 Met Gala will be held on Monday, May 5, with red carpet coverage beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch the exclusive livestream on Vogue’s digital platforms and YouTube. Hosts include Teyana Taylor, La La Anthony, and Ego Nwodim, with Emma Chamberlain returning as Vogue’s special correspondent.
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