Through October 26
The Met
The Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, offers an insightful exploration into over three centuries of Black style, focusing on the rich cultural and historical narrative of dandyism within the Atlantic world. Emerging in the 18th century against a backdrop of slavery, colonialism, and imperialism that facilitated access to luxury goods and sartorial expression, Black dandyism represents a powerful fusion of African and European fashion traditions.
This exhibition delves deeply into the role of style in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora, with a particular emphasis on the United States and Europe. Through an impressive collection that includes clothing, accessories, paintings, photographs, and decorative arts from the 18th century to modern times, Superfine reveals dandyism as both an aesthetic choice and a strategic social practice. It provided avenues for new social and political opportunities, challenging established norms and creating modes of distinction and resistance amid the intersections of race, gender, class, and sexuality.
Organized into twelve thematic sections — such as Champion, Respectability, Heritage, Beauty, and Cosmopolitanism — the exhibition illustrates how self-presentation functions as an essential form of identity politics and cultural commentary. Each section highlights unique facets of Black style that have evolved yet remain profoundly resonant today.
Superfine is also supported by major funders including Instagram, the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation, Africa Fashion International, founded by Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, and The Perry Foundation, with additional support from other partners. The exhibition is located at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 999 and is free with museum admission.
The exhibition is not only a tribute to the enduring legacy of Black dandyism but also a contemporary dialogue on fashion’s role in identity formation, social empowerment, and cultural exchange. Visitors are invited to engage with this vibrant, dynamic narrative that brings history, art, and fashion together in unprecedented ways.
For more details and to explore this important cultural event, please visit the official exhibition page at The Met Museum.
