Black dandyism is a cultural movement and fashion style where Black individuals use clothing and personal style, particularly drawing inspiration from the European tradition of dandyism, to express themselves and assert their identity. It's a form of self-expression and resistance, particularly relevant in the face of societal limitations and historical injustices.
Key aspects of Black dandyism:
Self-expression and identity:
Black dandies use clothing, accessories, and overall style to express their individuality and challenge societal norms.
Resistance and assertion:
In a world that often denies Black people dignity, the Black dandy's sartorial choices become a form of resistance, a way of asserting their right to exist on their own terms.
Historical context:
Black dandyism has roots in the post-Emancipation era, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Atlantic slave trade, where enslaved and formerly enslaved individuals adopted dandyism as a means of asserting their identity and challenging societal expectations.
The Met Gala 2025 theme:
The Met Gala in 2025 featured "Black dandyism"