Obsessed: The 2025 Met Gala Looks That Redefined Black Dandyism
The 2025 Met Gala’s theme of Black Dandyism brought a powerful celebration of individuality, style, and cultural pride, highlighting the enduring influence of Black dandyism in both fashion and society. From bold statements of self-expression to refined elegance, this year’s attendees truly embodied the essence of the theme. As pop culture enthusiasts, we couldn’t help but gravitate toward the standout looks that made history. From Nicki Minaj’s regal revolutionary flair to Rihanna’s unparalleled mastery of dandyism, we’ve picked our favorite moments that resonated the most with us. Here’s why these iconic stars—Nicki Minaj, Doechii, Teyana Taylor, Sabrina Carpenter, and Rihanna—were absolute showstoppers at the 2025 Met Gala.
What made these looks stand out to us wasn’t just the incredible fashion, but how each star made the theme of Black dandyism their own. From the powerful elegance of Nicki Minaj to the boundary-pushing style of Doechii, these stars showed us how Black dandyism continues to evolve, all while paying homage to its roots. Each outfit was a bold statement—an expression of individuality, confidence, and the rich cultural history behind the theme. It wasn’t just about looking good; it was about redefining what it means to be a dandy in today’s world, and each of these artists did it effortlessly. Here's why we couldn’t take our eyes off them.
1. Nicki Minaj – "Regal Revolutionary"
Why It Was Iconic:
Empowered Elegance: Nicki’s look paid homage to Black dandyism by merging high fashion with bold, luxurious elements. The juxtaposition of opulent materials, structured tailoring, and unexpected details elevated her look to a level of royal elegance.
Reinforcing the Legacy of Dandyism: Her look reflected the roots of Black dandyism—where sartorial excellence and self-expression are key. Nicki used her style to challenge beauty norms and celebrate unapologetic femininity and power.
Showcasing a Modern Queen: Nicki embodies the spirit of Black dandyism by making a grand statement while remaining in control of the narrative—an influence of both traditional and contemporary Black culture.
2. Doechii – "Edgy Elegance"
Why It Was Iconic:
Pushing the Boundaries of Gender and Fashion: Doechii’s bold, gender-fluid look at the Met Gala captured the essence of Black dandyism by playing with both masculine and feminine codes. Her style was a playful yet respectful take on dandyism’s roots in rebellion and self-expression.
Bold and Individualistic: Like the dandies of the past, Doechii embraced extravagance and avant-garde style, but with a modern twist. Her outfit incorporated elements of punk and high fashion, showcasing how dandyism has evolved while maintaining its rebellious spirit.
Cultural Reinterpretation: Her look also spoke to the fluidity of Black dandyism today, challenging societal norms of beauty and gender, and carving out a space for bold, Black voices in fashion and music.
3. Teyana Taylor – "Sculptural Majesty"
Why It Was Iconic:
Reviving the Black Dandy’s Resplendence: Teyana Taylor’s ensemble was a powerful nod to the refined elegance of Black dandyism. Her look combined sculptural elements and sharp tailoring, embodying the sophisticated masculinity and femininity that dandyism celebrates.
Refined Confidence: Teyana has always used her body as a canvas for expressing confidence and strength, aligning with the tradition of dandyism where personal pride, style, and grace are paramount.
Rebellious Elegance: Her fashion choices speak to a legacy of Black dandyism, which often involved rejecting mainstream standards and opting for radical, artistic self-expression. Teyana’s ensemble was a reminder that Black dandyism is not just about looking good—it's about making a statement.
Sabrina Carpenter – "Soft, Yet Strong"
Why It Was Iconic:
Reinterpreting Black Dandyism Through a Soft Lens: Sabrina’s look was more subtle compared to some of the other more extravagant choices, but still nodded to the refinement and elegance that defines Black dandyism. She incorporated softer textures and silhouettes, aligning with dandyism’s ability to merge strength and grace.
Balancing Youth and Tradition: While Sabrina’s style might seem more delicate, it still captured the essence of dandyism by balancing sharp tailoring with a fresh, youthful take on fashion. This allowed her to connect with the theme while also establishing herself as a rising figure in the fashion world.
Fashion as Storytelling: Sabrina’s soft yet elegant approach reflected dandyism’s long history as a tool for social commentary. Her look wasn’t just about beauty—it was an exploration of youth, grace, and sophistication, with a subtle undercurrent of defiance.
5. Rihanna – "The Ultimate Dandy Icon"
Why It Was Iconic:
Master of Black Dandyism: Rihanna’s Met Gala look was the epitome of Black dandyism—bold, unapologetic, and dripping with luxury. Her ensemble combined high fashion and avant-garde elements, cementing her as an enduring figure who reshapes the boundaries of style.
Playing with Tradition: Rihanna expertly balanced elements of traditional dandyism—such as tailored suits and waistcoats—with bold, modern twists. Her look showed how dandyism is continuously reinterpreted, reflecting how the past informs the present in both fashion and culture.
Unyielding Confidence and Self-Expression: Rihanna has long been a cultural icon who uses her fashion to defy conventions. At the Met Gala, her look was a modern take on dandyism’s rebellious roots, speaking to the pride and individuality inherent in Black dandy culture.
Each of these artists brought something unique to the Black Dandyism theme, blending history with modernity and showcasing the versatility, creativity, and cultural significance of Black Dandyism in today’s fashion landscape. Their looks were not only fashionable but also reflections of individuality, pride, and the ongoing evolution of this powerful cultural movement.