How Women Redefined Dandyism at Met Gala

This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” centered on the elegance, defiance, and history of Black dandyism. Grounded in the work of Dr. Monica Miller and her book Slaves to Fashion, the night paid homage to how Black communities have long used style—particularly tailoring—as an act of self-definition and resistance. And while the theme was rooted in Black masculinity and suiting, the women took that foundation and ran with it, pushing the boundaries of tailoring in breathtaking ways.

From Zendaya’s exquisitely tailored Thom Browne masterpiece to Janelle Monáe’s sculptural homage to Zora Neale Hurston, women showed that Black dandyism is not limited by gender. It is expressive, powerful, and deeply personal. They stepped onto the carpet not as guests, but as statements—embodying freedom, theatricality, and ownership with every pleat and pinstripe.

With this year’s dress code, “Tailored for You,” the women embraced masculine silhouettes with confidence and creativity. They flipped the script on traditional gendered suiting—fusing corsetry with frock coats, wearing top hats with bare shoulders, and turning menswear tropes into high-art statements. It was a masterclass in redefinition.

On the heels of this powerful night, we also approach Mother’s Day. Let’s remember: women have always been the arbiters of transformation. Those who choose to mother do so with strength, adaptability, and deep style. They tailor lives, families, and futures—often invisibly. But like the best tailoring, their work shapes the form beneath.