Superfine: Tailoring Black Style
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute presents "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," an exhibition exploring the significance of Black dandyism in shaping identities across the Atlantic diaspora.This showcase delves into the evolution of Black sartorial elegance from the 18th century to contemporary fashion.Runs from May 10 to October 26, 2025.
The exhibition takes place at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028. Runs May 10 to October 26, 2025.
Exhibition Description
"Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" offers a comprehensive examination of Black dandyism, highlighting its role in the formation of Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora. Curated by Monica L. Miller, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, the exhibition draws inspiration from her 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The term "dandy" historically refers to an individual, often a man, with an exceptional devotion to style, approaching fashion as a disciplined art form. The exhibition traces the origins of Black dandyism to 18th-century Europe, where the Atlantic slave trade and burgeoning consumer culture led to the emergence of fashionably dressed Black servants. Over time, Black individuals harnessed dandyism as a means to challenge imposed identities, utilizing clothing, gesture, irony, and wit to envision new social and political possibilities. Visitors will encounter a diverse array of media, including garments, accessories, drawings, prints, paintings, photographs, and film excerpts. The collection features works from historical figures to modern designers such as Pharrell Williams and Virgil Abloh, illustrating the evolution and global influence of Black dandyism. By showcasing these narratives, "Superfine" underscores the complex interplay of power, race, and fashion in the Black diaspora.
Gallery
