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Janelle Monáe lit up the Met Gala, feeling like a student eager to share a project. She described herself as “a kid in class ready to give the presentation.” This year’s theme was Black dandyism, a style deeply rooted in self-expression.

Monáe’s look, crafted by designer Thom Browne, reflected her unique take on dandyism. Since her early music days in the 2000s, she has embraced tailored suits, adding her signature twist with playful hats and bow ties. Her childhood experiences shaped her style. Observing her parents—her mother was a janitor, and her father worked sanitation—Monáe found inspiration in their uniforms: black slacks, white shirts, and bow ties.

“I’m a very free-spirited person,” she shared. Monáe believes in redefining who can wear a suit, challenging traditional norms.

Dandyism, historically linked to Black identity, represents empowerment and creativity. It evolved from a style imposed on enslaved individuals into a vibrant expression of identity. Monáe’s Met Gala persona, “the time-traveling dandy,” symbolizes her connection to the past while looking forward as an Afro-futurist.

“What would dandyism from the past, present, and future look like?” she pondered. Her outfits included unique elements like a monocle that functions as a clock and an extravagant cape designed to create the illusion of stepping out of a time machine. “It feels like you’re getting a glimpse of somebody moving through time,” she explained.

Monáe’s identity as nonbinary further illustrates how dandyism transcends gender. For this event, she collaborated with award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell. The sweeping cape nods to Fritz Lang’s iconic film “Metropolis,” while her derby hat recalls blues legend Gladys Bentley, known for her bold style in the 1920s. Monáe wore an asymmetrical suit—one half a classic pinstripe, the other a striking red.

As Tazewell noted, "You almost go from the traditional male to the red exuberant female, all on the same figure.”

Monáe’s choice to deconstruct her suit symbolizes her broader mission. “I’ve tried to deconstruct systems for many years through my work, through my art and activism,” she said. She wants to challenge norms around how Black people present themselves in fashion. “I want to show that we get to decide who we are.”

This year’s Met Gala highlighted the evolving landscape of fashion and identity, with Monáe at the forefront, encouraging all to embrace their authentic selves.

If you’re interested in the historical impact of dandyism and its cultural significance, check out this BBC article for a deeper dive into its roots and evolution.

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Met Gala,Metropolitan Museum of Art,Fashion and Apparel,Costume Institute