Colman Domingo’s meteoric rise to stardom is often attributed to his brilliant performance in Rustin, a biopic of Bayard Rustin. However, his journey to the Hollywood A-list was also fueled by his masterful embracing of Black dandyism.
Dandyism, a style that deliberately evokes political and historical ideas while showcasing charisma, has been a staple of Black culture for centuries. From enslaved West African Olaudah Equiano’s purchase of fine clothes to dance at his freedom celebration, to Josephine Baker’s strategic manipulation of her image, dandyism has been a tool for resistance and self-expression.
According to Monica L. Miller, professor of Africana studies at Barnard College, Black dandyism challenges social hierarchies by subverting expectations of how Black men should present themselves. “It’s about clothing that deliberately challenges these hierarchies,” Miller explains. “What was once used to mock Black people became their tool for resistance and self-expression.”
The exhibition at the Met Gala, which Domingo co-chairs, explores this concept through key themes such as ownership and intentionality. The tension between being dandified by others and adopting dandyism as self-expression is a recurring thread throughout Black history.
Miller hopes that attendees and viewers will appreciate the deep historical significance of what they’re seeing at the Met Gala. “It’s about understanding that the present moment is always informed by both history and our aspirations,” she says.
As Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and other co-chairs embody this tradition, their styles serve as a powerful statement – a way of claiming space, asserting dignity, and imagining alternatives to the present. In an era where prominent white men seem to be given permission to dress slovenly despite their ambitious projects, Black dandyism demands attention.
In essence, Black dandyism is not just about fashion; it’s about reclaiming power, challenging social norms, and asserting one’s identity in a world that often seeks to erase or marginalize them.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2025/apr/30/an-incredibly-political-moment-why-fashion-and-the-met-gala-are-celebrating-black-dandyism