New York City, May 6, 2025 — The 2025 Met Gala, themed "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," transformed the Metropolitan Museum of Art into a vibrant showcase of African artistry and heritage. African artists and designers took center stage, weaving cultural narratives into high fashion fabric.This year's exhibition, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s seminal work Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, delved into the evolution of Black dandyism from the 18th century to the present. The exhibit featured garments, photographs, and artifacts that showcased how Black individuals have used fashion as a form of resistance and self-expression .
Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems captivated attendees with a deep blue shirt dress adorned with green prints, designed by British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng. The ensemble paid homage to Black dandyism and Boateng’s 2019 womenswear debut at New York’s Apollo Theater, celebrating the Harlem Renaissance's centenary. Accessories like a nep tie, hair ribbon, and umbrella completed the look, solidifying Tems's status as a fashion trailblazer.
Fresh from a historic performance at Stade de France, Burna Boy graced the Met Gala in a red wool tuxedo paired with an oxblood eelskin cape, also crafted by Boateng. The cape symbolized survival and cultural continuity from his Niger Delta roots. Originally planned differently, the design was reimagined overnight to align with the event's theme, emphasizing fashion as a powerful language of identity and legacy.
Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o showcased an intricately styled ponytail by Vernon François, reflecting heritage and refined artistry. The organic hairstyle merged sharpness with subtle adornments, embodying the precision of haute couture and themes of Black dandyism. François emphasized the importance of scalp and hair care using Olaplex products to support Nyong’o’s natural hair texture.
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie also made notable appearances. Starr's ensemble blended contemporary fashion with traditional motifs, while Adichie's attire paid homage to African storytelling and elegance.
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