The Met Gala was last night and Black excellence was on full display as celebs showed us their take on this year’s theme; “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The theme is always intentionally open to interpretation and Black people played no games as we showed up and showed out on the blue carpet in suits, capes, canes, and larger than life hats. The night was full of awe-inspiring, jaw dropping moments —-all of which we’ll get into–but we can’t speed past why this night was so important and culturally relevant.
The theme, announced on October 9th, draws inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: BlackDandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.” It is supposed to, according to the MET, “present a cultural and historical examination of the Black dandy.” The exhibit features clothing, photographs, paintings and more that will embody the Black spirit and the contributions that Black men have made to the world through their style and fashion sense. Black fashion was often seen as “ghetto” “hood” or otherwise antithetical to what white people deemed as acceptable.
Dandyism was the answer to that. A Black man’s way of showing up in places where they were not accepted, Black men popularized so many of the looks that we saw on the carpet last night from long capes to perfectly tailored zoot suits. As time went on, Black contributions continued to be appropriated, clothing that once was deemed unacceptable was trendy and the people who popularized them? Forgotten. Not to mention that as a publication and juggernaut in the editorial and fashion space, Vogue is not exactly known for their commitment to diversity.
In 2018, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CDFA) and the Vogue Fashion Fund came under fire on social media after Eva Chen, director of partnerships at Instagram, announced who would sit on a panel of judges for a fashion design competition that culminated in a $400,000 prize and the chance to be mentored by an industry professional and spoiler alert: there wasn’t a Black person on it. Beverly Johnson became the first Black person to grace the cover of American Vogue in 1974—82 years after the magazine’s debut. A Black photographer was not used until over 40 years later when Tyler Mitchell was hand-picked by Beyoncé to capture her iconic 2018 Vogue cover.
We can go on for days about the lack of diversity in magazines and fashion but we get the idea; which brings us to last night. The idea this year, was to finally highlight Black men, Black people and celebrate their contributions to the fashion space which have been historically overlooked and simultaneously co-opted by white people who are famous for, in the words of Gabrielle Union in “Bring it On,” “putting blonde hair on it and calling it something different.” Naturally, we rose to the occasion.
The people showed up and out for the culture and we loved every single moment of it! Drawing inspiration from African American spirituality to African tribes, this year was Black excellence personified. All in all, the night was a smash success! Black designers, stylists and Black stories were showcased on the greatest fashion stage in the world in a way that was long overdue. It was so refreshing to see us being celebrated and recognized by an industry and in a world that has tried to erase us for so long.
Here are some of the best moments of the night:
Diana Ross attended her first Met Gala in 22 years wearing a coat by Nigerian Designer Ugo Mozie with an eighteen-foot train. She was accompanied by her son Evan Ross and later on by her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross.
Lauryn Hill made her first ever Met Gala appearance in a yellow suit.
Rihanna announced that she is pregnant with her third child with Met Gala Co-Chair, A$AP Rocky.
Teyanna Taylor embodied the dichotomy of Black people and reminded the world that we were never a monolith as she donned a three piece Marc Jacobs suit, red cape and a feather cap which she took off to reveal a red velvet durag.
A gospel choir performed “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell on Met Gala Steps
Coco Jones looked amazing in a floor length embroidered coat and pants by Indian designer, Manish Malhorta.
Zendaya reminded us that she is still that girl as she looked perfectly bridal in a tailored white suit by Louis Vuitton (and yes, the ring was on display)
Doechii gave us logomania in Louis Vuitton
Coleman Domingo celebrated Black spirituality and African tribe, The Moors in Valentino
In the end, the night was a triumphant celebration. Black designers, stylists, and stories took center stage on fashion’s most prestigious platform—finally receiving the recognition they’ve long deserved.
