Louis Vuitton Understands Black Dandyism
This year’s Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, called, and Louis Vuitton (LV) answered.
The theme was all about celebrating Black dandyism, a type of style Black men use to express themselves, generally rooted in elegance, class and perfect tailoring. Black dandyism dates back to as early as the 18th century, but is still very prevalent in Black culture today. Having trouble imagining the concept? Think zoot suits, tailcoats, pinstripes, pleats and even the late great André Leon Talley’s style.
Louis Vuitton, one of the many designer brands displayed on the Met Gala carpet, dressed celebrities such as Doechii, Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter and more. A lot of these looks were designed by Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s creative director for menswear, who also happened to be one of this year’s co-chairs. With every custom LV look, the theme was clearly exuded.
Pharrell, flaunting a custom Louis Vuitton look designed by none other than himself, wore a flawlessly tailored suit that included a white double-breasted blazer and black flared trousers. A close-up of his blazer also reveals his jacket is made up of 100,000 pearls. The black and white combination exuded dandyism at its finest.
Zendaya, outfitted by her longtime stylist Law Roach, wore a 3-piece custom cream monochromatic suit. The chic suit included flared pants with pleats running down the front of each leg, along with a perfectly tailored suit jacket, and matching tie. She completed her look with a white wide-brimmed hat and silver jewelry, including a silver brooch pinned to the back of her suit.
Though many internet critics “expected more” or found her look “basic,” I thought it was perfectly on point for both the theme and her style. Zendaya never disappoints on a red carpet, and this suit was nowhere near disappointing. I thought it was crisp, clean-cut and to the point – and the cinching of the waist? Chef’s kiss.
Sabrina Carpenter opted for a darker look, wearing a wool burgundy corset-style pinstripe bodysuit. Along with the bodysuit, she wore a matching pinstripe tailcoat with an elongated train and crystal buttons. The combination of the bodysuit and the cropped coat adds a modern take on the theme, while still keeping a clean, sophisticated look.
This was by far one of my favorite looks, both of the whole night and out of all the people wearing Louis Vuitton. While it wasn’t necessarily extravagant, it still very much reflected Carpenter’s style, and wasn’t just a regular pantsuit. The color made it even better, adding an emphasized sophistication to the look.
Doechii, who made her Met Gala debut this year, also wore a custom suit designed by Pharrell. Doechii’s short-suit combined the infamous Louis Vuitton monogram with its signature damier pattern. The monogram was the sole pattern on her tailored tuxedo jacket, while the damier pattern was used on her shorts. Though both the tuxedo coat and shorts were white and gray, the rapper added a pop of color, wearing burgundy knee-high socks, burgundy shoes, and a burgundy lavallière, also known as a pussybow. To pull it all together, she carried a mini Louis Vuitton Speedy bag in one hand, and a cigar in the other.
Doechii absolutely killed this look. Again, I think a lot of internet critics didn’t like the shorts for her debut look, but it matched the theme. I think a lot of times people forget about the theme, especially if they don’t know the culture or meaning behind it. I thought this perfectly embodied Tailoring Black Style. Not to mention the little details that pulled the look together like her afro, cigar, and special effects monogram detailing on her face.
Other stars dressed by the house include: Jeremy Allen White, Future, Pusha T, Callum Turner, Lisa, Henry Taylor and Malcolm Washington.
It’s safe to say that Louis Vuitton understood this year’s theme with each tailored look it produced, respectfully and elegantly paying homage to Black dandyism style.
Monday May 5th, 2025 marked the 77th year of the gala, raising $31 million in donations, making it the most money ever raised in the history of the event. The Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibit will open to the general public on May 10 and run until October 26.
All photos via Getty and Louis Vuitton.