The Met Gala, held as a benefit for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, takes place every year on the first Monday of May. The fashion magazine Vogue organizes the event, with final decisions such as the guest list dictated by Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. The theme for this past May was “Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion,” based on the short story, “Garden of Time” by J.G. Ballard. Attendees interpreted the theme in several ways, but floral patterns and earthy tones made frequent appearances. That theme was mocked for its general nature and lack of uniqueness. 

Each year the theme is decided several months in advance and determined by Andrew Bolton, the Chief Curator of the Costume Institute. Once Bolton and his team finalize the concept, the theme must also be approved by the museum’s director and Anna Wintour. Along with the guest list, several co-hosts and an honorary co-chair are chosen to demonstrate the exclusivity and prestige of the event. This upcoming May, the theme will be Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, with Colman Domingo, Pharell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, and A$AP Rocky as the co-hosts and Lebron James as the honorary co-chair. 

The museum’s exhibition will examine the historical emergence of the Black Dandy and is inspired by the book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” written by Monica Miller. Dandyism refers to a style and cultural movement that emphasizes flamboyance and attention to detail. A black dandy refers to a black man known for their fine tailoring and elegant style. In Miller’s book, she positions black dandyism as a political statement that utilizes fashion to defy stereotypes and reframe identity. 

Critics and fashion experts have expressed their anticipation to see men finally dominate the carpet, who generally are historically mocked for their lack of individuality and their frequent appearances in mundane suits at high fashion events. A menswear theme should also encourage women to defy gender stereotypes and experiment with clothing outside of the usual gowns that dawn the Met’s red carpet. The theme is also set to give an opportunity to celebrate successful black designers such as Maximilian Davis–who is expected to dress some of the most famous guests.