In this culture piece for The Free Press, Suzy Weiss and Elliot Ackerman review the 2025 Met Gala and its theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
The essay examines celebrity fashion, Black dandyism, menswear, red carpet spectacle, and the many ways guests interpreted the first Met Gala theme focused explicitly on men’s style.
Met Gala Fashion and Black Dandyism
Weiss opens with the women’s fashion, noting the prevalence of structured suits, hats, muted colors, and businesslike silhouettes. She highlights both misses and standout looks, including Cynthia Erivo, Sha’Carri Richardson, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Doja Cat.
Elliot Ackerman on Menswear
Ackerman then turns to the men’s looks, weighing in on Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, Al Sharpton, Barry Keoghan, and Dwyane Wade. His commentary focuses on tailoring, accessories, proportion, restraint, and what makes a modern dandy successful.
Culture, Style, and Spectacle
The result is a sharp, humorous review of fashion’s biggest night and a broader look at how clothing communicates identity, taste, confidence, and cultural meaning.