The 2025 Met Gala takes place tonight, marking the opening of the Costume Institute's new exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year's display, titled "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," centers on the fashion choices of Black men.
The exhibition is the first from the Costume Institute to focus entirely on designers of color. It explores how Black men have historically used clothing as a form of expression, identity, and subversion throughout American history and the Black diaspora.
Curated by Andrew Bolton, the exhibition represents the culmination of several years of work to broaden the department's focus and collections. The show was first announced in October 2024. Costume Institute exhibition details were released earlier.
The gala and exhibition open in a political climate marked by increased scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The Trump administration has publicly questioned programming related to race in cultural institutions.
Government actions earlier in 2025 have included shifts in leadership at organizations like the Kennedy Center and an executive order addressing content at institutions such as the Smithsonian museums.
Against this backdrop, the Met's decision to proceed with an exhibition focused on Black male style draws particular attention. The Met Gala 2025, known for its celebrity attendance and elaborate fashion, occurs as debates surrounding museum content and government funding continue.
The Met Gala Theme 2025 and its associated exhibition are being viewed by some through the lens of the current political discourse. Brandice Daniel, founder of Harlem's Fashion Row, a group supporting designers of color, stated the event is being seen as a display of "allyship."
