NEW YORK — “Well, it took a minute,” remarked Spike Lee as he gazed over the dazzling Met Gala assembly through his vivid orange spectacles, matching his cap adorned with the New York Knicks emblem. “But we’re here now, and that’s what matters most.”
For the first time in its storied history, the Met Gala dedicated its celebration to Black fashion and designers—a tribute that many, including Lee, deemed long overdue but enthusiastically welcomed.
“Long overdue,” Lee reiterated. “Yet, we’re here to celebrate. Who knows the global impact this event could have?” Lee’s sentiments echoed throughout the approximately 400-strong crowd of notable figures from sports, music, fashion, film, and theater. Guests mingled over cocktails or roved around the gala’s showcase, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” a journey through Black menswear, tracing back to the 18th century and unified by the theme of dandyism.
Film director Baz Luhrmann, wandering the exhibit designed by guest curator Monica L. Miller—author of “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity”—also contemplated the significance of the evening’s theme. “Why hasn’t attention been directed to this before?” Luhrmann pondered.
This night resonated personally for Whoopi Goldberg, who remembered André Leon Talley—a seminal figure in Black fashion and a dear friend—during the evening. Although Talley, who passed away in 2022, was not physically present, his spirit was evident in the exhibit, which featured a caftan he once wore.
“He’d appreciate this homage,” Goldberg mused while sipping on a cocktail, dressed entirely in Thom Browne’s black-and-white ensemble, from mini-top hat to intricately designed shoes.
“So what is dandyism?” was a recurrent question, with diverse interpretations observed among guests. Spike Lee simplified it as “doing your own thing,” while Broadway’s Audra McDonald described it as reclaiming one’s identity and innate worth.
The Rev. Al Sharpton interpreted dandyism as a form of activism. “In the face of social confines, we celebrate,” he asserted, praising the Met Gala’s decision to highlight Black style during a time of national discourse on diversity.
Colman Domingo, a co-chair of the event, spoke passionately about the personal significance of dandyism as an expression of resistance and individuality. Reflecting on his growing confidence with each age milestone, Domingo felt meaningfully in tune with the event’s mission.
For Broadway star Alex Newell, attending his third consecutive Met Gala, this celebration resonated profoundly. “It’s heartening to see us honored this way,” he said, pointing to the record-breaking funds raised, exceeding $31 million.
Inside the museum’s Great Hall, an awe-inspiring display of suspended flower petals greeted the guests, evoking a sense of cosmic splendor. As guests ascended the grand staircase, they found themselves amid a spectacle that intertwined myth and modern-day glamour. Iconic songs from artists like Al Green and Stevie Wonder filled the air, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.
Some attendees, like actress Sarah Snook—currently playing all 26 roles in the Broadway adaptation of “The Picture of Dorian Gray”—found creative parallels with historic figures like Oscar Wilde. Snook’s elegant black satin tuxedo drew direct inspiration, offering a modern nod to Wilde’s renowned dandy flair.
Notably, hats dominated the sartorial landscape of the evening. Top hats like Whoopi Goldberg’s featured prominently, alongside elaborate wide-brimmed styles occasionally concealing the celebrities underneath. Moments of guidance came in handy, and the presence of directors like Baz Luhrmann ensured hats struck the right balance between style and function, as witnessed in his interaction with Zendaya.
Among the fresh faces at this year’s gala was model Christian Latchman, who, despite the scale of the event, managed to capture the spirit of astonishment shared by many new attendees. Actor Keith Powers, another newcomer, captured his emotional mix of anxiety and inspiration.
As the evening transitioned from cocktails to dinner, the melodic fanfare of the High and Mighty Brass Band accompanied guests to the dining area. A sophisticated menu curated by chef Kwame Onwuachi awaited them, featuring courses such as papaya piri piri salad and creole roasted chicken.
While rules, including a ban on phone photography, were officially stated, some guests managed to discreetly bypass these restrictions to immortalize their memorable experiences of the gala.