One of the most acclaimed nights out of the whole year for Hollywood is the Met Gala: a high-profile fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
The funds are most often used for preserving garments displayed in or owned by the museum. Although most people see the event as a fashion show for the rich, it does have meaning and history behind it.
The Met Gala takes place annually on the first Monday in May with a designated theme, and this year’s theme was prominent. This year’s installment: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” drew insight from the book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.” This theme highlighted the historical significance of Black dandyism.
A dandy is a man who is concerned with his appearance and flaunts his style. The attention spent on appearance elevates his look, and causes him to be seen as a sophisticated presence. More specifically, National Geographic defines Black Dandyism as, “…the strategic and often subversive use of style by people of African descent to assert individuality, challenge stereotypes, and reimagine black identity.”
This years Met Gala featured a Costume Institution exhibit inspired by menswear: the first since 2003. The theme is thought out and displays that fashion is more than just clothes people wear; it is also backed with cultural significance and history. Many fashion styles today are here because of Black dandyism.
This year had a mix of outfits, some on theme, some totally off. Regardless of attire, the Met Gala unites attendees for a night dedicated to showcasing fashion in support of The Costume Institute.
Although there were several eye catching looks on the carpet, here are my top five:
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Demi Moore: While this look isn’t the best representation of the theme, it still has connections with elements of tailoring and elevated style. Her dress is an oversized tie, which not only brings a stylish element, but the element of camp shines through in this look as well. While it is not the strongest look out of the five, it stills holds creativity and stands out. (Photo by Michael Buckner via Getty Images)
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Doja Cat: This theme has many elements that can be especially appealing when creatives pull from the deep history within it. This was perfectly executed in this custom Marc Jacob’s look, with the exaggerated makeup, pinstripe shoulders combination, cheetah print bodice and tall patent leather heels. It merged the ‘80’s bold patterns and elevated individuality within fashion to create something special. Doja Cat knows how to shine in any garment, without letting it steal attention away from herself. (Photo from Michael Buckner via Getty Images)
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Ugbad Abdi: This outfit mixes this year’s theme with the 1920’s in a glamorous way. The crystallized pinstriped suit, paired with a bold, psychedelic adorned coat featuring fur trim was spectacular. It achieved simplicity and elegance with over the top details that elevated the whole look. The designer successfully drew inspiration from vintage garments, translating them into a fresh design that avoided appearing like a costume from 1920s Harlem. (Photo from Jamie McCarthy via Getty Images)
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Teyanna Taylor: This is a look that came close to taking first place; from the chains, the feathers and the cane this outfit encapsulated perfection. This is another design that was able to expertly mix different elements together to create something out of this world. This outfit held an energy that took over the carpet, especially since Taylor was one of the first to show up. This look set a standard for the night and filled the atmosphere with an energy and creativity that outshined many later outfits. (Photo from Dia Dipasupuli)
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Janelle Monae: This was an outfit that left many speechless. Every year Monae outshines other attendees of the Met Gala, and this year was no different. Her deconstructed boxy suit with bold color blocking and pinstripes showed how you can follow a theme and still make it your own. This look tends to speak for itself in why it takes first place. (Photos from Even Agostini and Angela Weds via Getty Images)
This year’s Met Gala theme was on point. Though some guests disregarded it, many delivered stunning looks that captured the essence of both fashion and cultural significance.
