The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City also announced the Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which is inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
According to Vogue, the exhibition will include clothing, paintings and photographs that explore “the indelible style of black men in the context of dandyism, from the 18th century to the present.”
Vogue shared the news on instagramand some fashion fans were concerned, with some noting that it could be “a recipe for appropriation.”
Commenters were divided on the announcement, with some people saying it was highly anticipated and others worried that black designers were not well represented.
On Wednesday, Vogue announced the co-chairs of the 2025 Met Gala, including Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Anna Wintour (pictured) and LeBron James.
Commenters were divided on the announcement, with some people saying it was highly anticipated and others worried that black designers were not well represented.
Many commenters said they couldn’t wait to see how stars like Zendaya, her stylist Law Roach, Janelle Monae, Rihanna, Teyana and Jonathan Majors perform the song.
However, others were more concerned with appropriation and representation.
‘Am I the only one nervous about this?’ asked one fashion fan while another said, “It’s a good topic, but let’s hope no one appropriates cultures.”
One comment read: ‘Sounds like a recipe for appropriation disaster… Stylists study!’
“I love the theme but I wonder if they will use black designers (American, African, British) this year as many have been ignored,” another commenter wrote.
‘Congratulations… now let’s pray that no one shows up in blackface,’ another person chimed in.
Some people were simply concerned about the guest list, explaining: “It’s TIME for BLACK CREATIVES to be honored for their contributions to the fashion industry, I hope the guest list reflects the theme.”
Others were a bit more optimistic, writing: ‘There is plenty of time to get this thing right, I wonder how other ethnicities will style this and not be culturally appropriate or disrespectful/stereotypical.’
Many commenters said they couldn’t wait to see how Zendaya performed the track, as well as Janelle Monae, Rihanna (pictured) and Jonathan Majors.
Fashion fans flocked to the comments to say who they thought would rock the Met 2025 red carpet, with many naming Teyana Taylor, above.
‘Now THIS is an issue we deserve to see. How exciting. Zendaya is finally going to eat this one,” one commenter wrote, while another said, “I know a topic like this hates to see Janelle Monae coming.”
One commentator wrote: ‘Black style throughout history has had an immeasurable influence on global fashion identity and commercialism. This Met Gala theme is tremendously overdue.
‘This is brilliant. This is classic. “This is history,” declared one fashionista, while another person agreed: “Black people are the standard of excellence, since we are their suppliers.”
‘Nice! I’m a little nervous due to the lack of recognized African Americans in the fashion industry in general, it’s great, but it saddens me that there will be very few African American fashion houses able to showcase their art because, well, they just don’t allow it. really exist, but I hope this changes the trajectory. Excellent choice Ana!’ someone else wrote.
Some people got excited and commented, “This rug will go down in history,” “This is going to be legendary,” and described the lineup as “Black Royalty.”
The Met Gala will return to Manhattan on May 5, 2025, and the dress code will be announced in early 2025.
The Superfine exhibition will begin on May 6 and run until October 26, 2025.