This spring, the annual Met Gala in New York City, one of the bigger fashion events of the year will highlight the indelible style of black men.

The Mets 2025 exhibition titled Super Fine, tailoring black style opens in May and explores the emergence and significance of the black dandy.

We looked into the rich and complicated historical style, and its relevance

today. It's part of our ongoing series, Race Matters. Now, as you may have noticed, I always

have not one, but two wardrobe setups in this office. Growing up in New York City, Dandy Wellington

says he started paying special attention to his appearance

at an early age, his style inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.

And the name fits his persona.

He's a dandy, clothes tailored, hats pristine, and attitude refined.

It's a worldwide community.

So I'll be inspired by people who are in Paris, who are in L.A., you know,

people who are in the Congo. There is such a connection to style and also a connection to culture.

You know, the history of black dandyism and black s certorial style is complicated.

It's wrapped up in migration and civil rights.

Dandyism was first introduced to black culture during the transatlantic slave trade.

Well-dressed, enslaved men were seen as fixtures of wealth for their enslavers.

But tailored attire and wit also offered a path for black

men to imagine possibility and power. From 18th century England to today, it's a way of being

that has evolved with the times.

The black dandy is a complicated figure throughout history.

We spoke recently with Washington Post senior critic at large, Robin Givon,

who has long covered the fashion industry. There was, you know, the sort of early idea of

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