Superfine: Tailoring Black Style—The Legacy of Black Dandyism and Fashion as Resistance

In today’s deep dive, we unpack the significance of the Met Gala 2025 theme—Superfine: Tailoring Black Style—and explore the powerful history behind Black dandyism. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion, this theme isn’t just about clothes; it’s about identity, rebellion, and self-expression.
For centuries, Black people have used fashion as a tool of resistance, flipping the restrictive dress codes imposed on them into statements of dignity and power. From enslaved individuals forced into European-styled clothing to Harlem Renaissance poets dressed sharper than Wall Street elites, Black dandyism became a way to reclaim space, demand respect, and reshape narratives.
This episode breaks down the origins of Black dandyism, its influence on civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., and its evolution in hip-hop through figures like André 3000, Janelle Monáe, and Pharrell Williams. We'll also discuss how modern designers continue this tradition—turning fashion into a medium for activism, storytelling, and cultural pride.
And of course, we’ll talk about Met Gala moments—the outfits that shocked, the symbolism behind certain designs, and the ultimate question: Did André 3000 really show up wearing a piano?!
Join us for an entertaining and insightful look at how fashion isn’t just style—it’s power.
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