Breaking Down This Year's MET Gala Theme

This year's edition is set to celebrate the rich history, cultural influence, and artistry of Black fashion. Here's everything you need to know about what this means, who’s behind it, and how it’s shaping up to be one of the most impactful Galas yet.

Who Decides the Met Gala Theme?

The Met Gala theme isn’t chosen on a whim — it’s carefully selected by Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bolton, known for his sharp cultural insight, crafts each theme to align with the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, which the Met Gala officially launches.

The process typically begins years in advance, as Bolton and his team research cultural moments, historical influences, and emerging fashion narratives. Anna Wintour also plays a major role in shaping the final concept, ensuring it resonates with both fashion insiders and mainstream audiences. Once the theme is locked in, designers, stylists, and celebrities begin interpreting it — often with wildly creative results.

What Does “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” Mean?

The theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, dives into the elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural depth of Black fashion throughout history. The term “superfine” references a type of high-quality wool fabric that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, often associated with tailored suits and sharp dressing — a cornerstone of Black style movements across generations. This year’s theme honors not just the aesthetics but the narratives behind those looks — from zoot suits and Sunday bests to hip-hop-inspired streetwear and modern high fashion.

By spotlighting tailoring, the exhibition is expected to explore how Black designers, stylists, and cultural icons have shaped global fashion conversations. Think Dapper Dan’s custom Gucci suits, Ann Lowe’s timeless couture, and the undeniable impact of Savile Row-inspired Black tailoring.

A Celebration of Cultural Storytelling

Fashion is rarely just about fabric — it’s about identity, resistance, and celebration. The Met Gala’s theme is set to highlight the social and political layers embedded in Black style.

Expect references to the Harlem Renaissance, where sharp tailoring was a statement of pride and defiance. Designers like Pyer Moss’s Kerby Jean-Raymond and Christopher John Rogers are likely to be key names in the conversation, known for blending traditional tailoring with bold storytelling. The exhibit is also expected to explore how Black musicians, from Miles Davis to Beyoncé, have used fashion as a powerful visual language.

Icons Who’ve Defined Black Style

Fashion’s most memorable moments owe much to Black creativity. The exhibit will likely pay homage to icons like André Leon Talley, whose commanding capes redefined red carpet drama, or Rihanna, who has consistently fused high fashion with Caribbean influence.

Expect nods to Black Hollywood legends — from Dorothy Dandridge’s sleek gowns to Chadwick Boseman’s regal Met Gala appearance in 2018. Even cultural staples like the dandy style of Black church fashion will likely have their well-deserved moment in the spotlight.