Suit up! Met Gala reveals dress code and slate of celeb hosts

The highly anticipated Met Gala is fast approaching, and this year’s theme is “Tailored for You.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has set the dress code for its annual celebration of fashion in May, focusing on suiting and menswear. This marks the first time in over two decades that the Met Gala exhibit will exclusively showcase menswear, with a specific emphasis on Black style in menswear throughout history.

In addition to the star-studded lineup of gala hosts including Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, LeBron James, and Anna Wintour, the Met’s Costume Institute has announced a new host committee comprising of prominent figures from various industries. From athletes Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens to filmmakers Spike Lee and Regina King, this year’s Met Gala is sure to be a star-studded affair.

Celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi is set to create a delectable menu for the gala, which serves as a major fundraiser for the Costume Institute. The event also marks the launch of the spring exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.” This groundbreaking exhibit will run for six months, offering a cultural and historical exploration of Black style from the 18th century to the present day.

Usher expressed the timeliness and cultural significance of this year’s theme, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Black culture. Sha’Carri Richardson highlighted the significance of personal style as a form of self-expression and storytelling. The exhibit will delve into the concept of dandyism and its role in shaping Black identities through fashion and dress.

The exhibit design will feature monumental sculptures by artist Torkwase Dyson, known for her “hypershapes,” as well as a curated section by artist Ike Ude focusing on Julius Soubise, a trailblazing Black dandy from 18th-century London. The show will be divided into 12 sections, each representing a different aspect of dandy style, from ownership to cosmopolitanism.

The Met Gala is scheduled for May 5, with “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” open to the public from May 10 to Oct. 26. This year’s celebration promises to be a dazzling showcase of fashion, culture, and history, paying tribute to the enduring influence of Black style in the world of menswear.