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‘An incredibly political moment’ – why fashion and the Met Gala are celebrating Black dandyism

This year’s Met theme is ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ and focuses on Black men’s strategic use of fashion. Author of the text the show is inspired by, Monica L. Miller talks about why it’s being celebrated at this year’s show and gala

Having honed his trademark tight trousers and unbuttoned shirts waiting tables in San Francisco, on the red carpet he set himself apart in suits with Nehru collars, bow ties, dramatic cloaks and sparkling brooches. Speaking to Miller over Zoom from her office at Barnard College in New York City, where she is professor of Africana studies, she’s clearly still processing the unexpected turn of events that brought her research to the red carpet of the Met Gala, the Anna Wintour-organised, star-studded extravaganza widely considered fashion’s biggest night of the year. It’s a timely choice by the Met, given we find ourselves in what Miller euphemistically refers to as “this incredibly political moment”, also noting how the past 15 years have seen Black culture – and designers – play an increasingly central role in western fashion.

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