Janelle Monae and her Minade earrings by Selim Mouzannar. (Credit: DR.)
What would contemporary fashion be without Black dandyism? More than just a style, it is a powerful form of self-expression — born from a history of oppression and transformed into a declaration of pride, visibility, and dignity. From communities once reduced to invisibility, clothing became a tool of resistance: a way to be seen, to assert presence, and to embody elegance in a world that too often looked away.From the flamboyant flair of African sapeurs to the commanding presence of Andre Leon Talley — Anna Wintour’s longtime right hand at Vogue and a central figure in shaping the Met Gala — Black dandyism has left an indelible mark on fashion. It remains a vital thread in the story of the Met Gala, an event whose proceeds support the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.On May 5, the steps of...
What would contemporary fashion be without Black dandyism? More than just a style, it is a powerful form of self-expression — born from a history of oppression and transformed into a declaration of pride, visibility, and dignity. From communities once reduced to invisibility, clothing became a tool of resistance: a way to be seen, to assert presence, and to embody elegance in a world that too often looked away.From the flamboyant flair of African sapeurs to the commanding presence of Andre Leon Talley — Anna Wintour’s longtime right hand at Vogue and a central figure in shaping the Met Gala — Black dandyism has left an indelible mark on fashion. It remains a vital thread in the story of the Met Gala, an event whose proceeds support the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.On May 5, the...