The MET 2025 a Night of History & Style

By: NYABJ Staff

Bill Allen, Perception Media

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, held what many refer to as “fashion’s biggest night out” on Monday May 5, this year’s theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”. The event also made history, during a pre gala event the Met’s director and chief executive officer Max Hollein told the crowd “As many of you know, there is a little party here tonight,” and then shared the news that the Met Gala had raised $31 million this year, which is biggest gross in the event’s 77-year history.

USHER commented: “I’m honored to be part of such a long-standing tradition with The Met. The theme this year is not only timely but also speaks to our rich culture that should always be widely celebrated.”

The event brought out fashion insiders, A listers in film, television and music.

NYABJ’s Vice President Bill Allen was on the red carpet, and shares some of the best from the night.

Night may have ended but now the public has a chance to view the exhibit. The starting on

May 10 and will remain on view through October 26, 2025. 

About Superfine: Tailoring Black Style presents a cultural and historical examination of Black style from the 18th century to the present through an exploration of the concept of dandyism. To bring this rich subject to life, various artists have contributed to the exhibition through concepts that amplify topics explored in the curation. In her first-ever exhibition design, artist Torkwase Dyson uses her signature “hypershapes” to create a series of stand-alone monumental sculptures, or “architectural zones,” designed to hold questions around Black life—related to reflection, theatricality, scale, liberation, flight, and transcendence—and amplify moments of tension between motion, scale, and display in visitors’ experience. The two bespoke mannequin heads on display are by artist Tanda Francis and emulate bronze monuments. One of the works features numerous silhouetted profiles meant to represent a plurality of individuals and community as well as a visualization of the unseen: emerging from a central point is a face inspired by André Grenard Matswa of the Congo, the imaginative revolutionary who is considered the first Sapeur in that vibrant community that arose in the 1920s. Francis created this portrait within the theme of “protective styles” as a tribute to the unifying experience of function, style, and culture within the African diaspora. Artist and Special Consultant Iké Udé lends his unique expertise and experience as a dandy to curate a section of the exhibition that explores his own work and highlights Julius Soubise, whose style and behavior challenged societal norms in 18th-century London. Artist Tyler Mitchell’s images for the exhibition catalogue include a selection of dynamic object photography as well as a photo essay that portrays the camaraderie among well-styled Black men across generations. The catalogue also includes more than 30 essays by various thought leaders, artists, and other distinguished voices