Just this morning, the illustrious Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the costume institute’s 2025 theme would be a groundbreaking one for the exhibition and subsequent gala-the theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”.
Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the exhibition will center the expansive universe of Black Male Identity through the medium of style; traveling back to the time of dandyism (a “dandy” is “a man who places particular importance upon physical appearance and personal grooming, refined language and leisurely hobbies”), through the 18th century to present-day.
Also announced alongside the theme was the event’s co-chairs–which for the first time will be all Black Men. In the collective are actor, activist and style star Colman Domingo, race car driver and the always fly Lewis Hamilton, Louis Vuitton men’s creative director and music icon Pharrell Williams, fashion maven and rap star A$AP Rocky, and NBA legend Lebron James as an honorary co-chair.
And besides this being a major moment for Black Men in the style scene and as a historic moment for fashion at-large, this theme also brings on a legion of inspiration to glean from for 2025 Brides and Grooms.
The art of tailoring is one that goes back to the genesis of our style inception in the earth and through eras such as dandyism, the Civil Rights movement of the 60s and even the Harlem Renaissance, we watched our people take pride and great detail in their overall appearance and aesthetic, regardless of what they were facing in the world. For them, fashion at large and dandyism in particular was a political confrontation to the system; a protest against all they were facing that demanded their voice be heard, their face be seen and their being be respected.
For them, greater was what was on them than what was in the world.
When you think of dandyism, what should come to mind are the Nat King Cole’s, Duke Ellington’s, Pharrell’s, Miles Davis’, Janelle Monae’s, Zendaya’s, and Cab Calloway’s of the world. And when we think of them, we picture the grandeur that came with their luxurious tailoring; whether in suits or otherwise, each of their style perspectives scream class and intentionality-begging their onlookers to take a second look and examine all the work they put in, from buttoning their suit jackets perfectly to styling their brooches and ascots, and revel in it.
Your wedding day fashion plans offer you the same opportunity: to honor the courage of Black Style and show up as your highest self by using the vehicle of fashion to do so.
So, to stay in the style loop and not miss out on a chance to be fashion-forward for your big day in 2025, here are 5 bridal fashion forecast trends inspired by dandyism via the Black Male style perspective we think you should add to your mood boards ASAP.
Images by Getty Images, @tulieyaito on Instagram, Associated Press, Vogue.com.
Don’t Sleep On the Skirt Suit
Although dandyism has been historically associated with the style perspectives of men, women can take a lot of inspo from this fashion era/genre and take a spin to make it feminine. A skirt suit is oftentimes deemed “outdated” and “out of trend” in today’s fashion culture but it all comes down to the styling of it. Take a page out of dandy fashion and keep it short and classic; bring out your gloves and make sure your tailoring is immaculate, fitting you like a glove and you’ll be sure to have a dandy-approved skirt suit style moment.
Images by Getty Images and Backgrid.
Suit & Shorts
Seemingly an odd and unconventional combination for such a formally-notioned garment, the short suit actually has a lot to offer. Due to its weather conscious construction, the short suit is a great choice for those looking to make a statement during their spring or summer nuptials. The key to mastering it is to make great tailoring and styling choices. By ensuring your fit is exactly how you want it, you make the rather hard to pull off look appear intentionally captured. And by styling it with the perfect shoe and glam, you let onlookers know that you are detail-oriented.
Images by Getty Images, @kamiecrawford on Instagram, 20th Century Fox, @juneambrose on Instagram, @sirjohn on Instagram, Undivided Ent., fashionandrace.org.
Brooches, Chains, Hats: OH MY!
To master the art of the dandy, one must know that its grandeur and greatness lies in its styling. Dandys were known to take their suit to the next level by accessorizing well. Whether it was with an ascot, a statement bow, a brooch or killer shoe; styling the suit was just as important as the suit itself. So, when crafting your suited look for your big day, don’t negate the styling of it all! Merchandise your look up with the right accents to create a fashion moment that is truly one-of-one.
Images by Vanity Fair, Rahim Fortune, Getty Images, Pinterest, GQ, Steve Simko for Vogue.
Keep Classics Classic
There’s a saying that goes, “keep the main thing the main thing”, and that principle can also be applied here when approaching the style of dandyism past. It’s easy to get caught up in feeling like you have to modernize a classic, but the truth is that classics can also, very easily, stand on their own. If you’re someone who appreciates dandyism simply for what it is, then embrace it and keep the classic, classic by prioritizing fit, fabrication and fabulousity.
Images by @bhampton on Instagram, Getty Images, @therealwourivice on Instagram/Ralph Lauren, Vogue.com, Emma McIntyre.
Go Mod With It
While we just argued that classics should be kept classic, modernization of certain styles can do well when done right! To modernize dandyism to work for you in 2025, keep in mind looking for designers and brands that balance the classic and chic with the modern and majestic. Brands like Bianca Saunders, Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson do a magnificent job at balancing these two degrees with their suited designs and are standouts for our Met Gala top designer predictions for next year’s Met Monday.
Written by Fashion & Beauty Writer, Kennedi LéShea.