The Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition delves into the cultural and historical evolution of Black style over three centuries through the lens of dandyism. The exhibition, titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” examines how a new culture of consumption in the 18th-century Atlantic world, influenced by the slave trade, colonialism, and imperialism, facilitated access to clothing and goods that signified wealth and taste. This intersection gave rise to Black dandyism, merging African and European style traditions.
“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” highlights the role of style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, focusing on regions such as the United States and Europe. It features garments, accessories, paintings, photographs, decorative arts, and more from the 18th century to present day. The exhibition interprets dandyism as both an aesthetic choice and a strategy for creating new social and political opportunities. It is organized into 12 sections representing characteristics like Champion, Respectability, Heritage, Beauty, and Cosmopolitanism. These sections illustrate how self-presentation can serve as a form of distinction and resistance in societies shaped by race, gender, class, and sexuality.
Major funding for “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” is provided by Instagram; the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation; Africa Fashion International founded by Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe; and The Perry Foundation.
The exhibition offers an exploration of Black dandy fashion’s representation in art and literature while highlighting its complex legacy from Enlightenment Europe to modern art and fashion circles.
