US EditionWhy the dandy is central to the history of Black male style
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute opened its spring exhibit 'Superfine', highlighting Black style and dandyism from the 18th century to today.
- The exhibit draws on Monica Miller's book and explores how dandyism evolved from Regency England aristocratic style to a symbol of Black liberation and resistance.
- Dandyism shaped Black menswear through eras like the Great Migration and Harlem Renaissance, where bold styles such as the zoot suit expressed self-fashioning despite societal restrictions.
- Designer Ev Bravado noted that Black individuals, particularly Black men, are now being celebrated and acknowledged as genuine icons of style.
- The exhibit and accompanying discussions suggest dandyism remains a powerful form of identity, reclaiming autonomy and celebrating Black cultural history through fashion.
106 Articles
106 Articles
For Black men, fashion has been a tool of self-expression – and a way they've been judged
Clothing as message. Fashion and style as tools, signifiers of culture and identity, whether intentional or assumed. There’s likely no group for whom that’s been more true than Black men, both in terms of what they wear and how what…
Camello ‘Frenchie’ Casimir, the Haitian-American Hairstylist Who Defined Modern Dandy Style
Camello "Frenchie" Casimir was a trailblazing Black celebrity hairstylist who pioneered the popularity of natural hair trends and cultivated a love for fine tailored dressing. As a modern dandy, he crafted a unique persona defined by his sense of style.
Black Dandyism Is More Than a Moment for Me — Here’s How I'm Shopping It
The most wonderful time of year (for fashion), is upon us and the anticipation is stronger than ever. Not Fashion Week, but the annual Met Gala in tandem with the unveiling of the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition. Although the red carpet always gives us plenty of outfit inspiration, this year's theme of Black dandyism, which speaks to the brilliance and innovation of Black culture, has us even more galvanized. What Is the 2025 Met Gala The…
What Does The Met Gala's Black Dandyism Theme Mean For Beauty? Celebrity Hairstylists Weigh In
By India Espy-Jones ·Updated May 2, 2025 This year’s Met Gala theme, “, how the topic is interpreted in beauty is in the hands of celebrity hair, makeup, and nail artists alike.“Black Dandyism is more than just fashion,” Fenty Beauty global hairstylist Yusef Williams tells ESSENCE. “It was a time when being well-groomed wasn’t just about vanity. It was about power, pride, and presence.” Tuning into the visibility of a beauty culture often erased…
Why We Are Excited About the Met Gala’s Celebration of Black Dandyism
The 2025 Met Gala will center Black style and dandyism with the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," co-chaired by Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Lewis Hamilton. Learn why this marks a historic moment for fashion and cultural representation.
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