Sewing My Own Look for the Met Gala Exhibit
When I first heard about the Met’s Dandy Exhibit, I knew I had to be there. As a Black designer and sewist, the concept of the “dandy” is not something I was familiar with, even though my own personal style has always had elements of dandyism, and I just never knew it! I love the way it uses fashion as a form of power and self-expression. The dandy style and person is more than just a sharply dressed person; it’s someone who refuses to be invisible. To be dandy is to create a style and an identity with personal details, styles, and pride. You can’t be afraid to take risks, try new things, and most importantly, to be yourself. That spirit has always guided my work and my style, so attending the exhibit with the Black Sewing Network group wasn’t just about fashion; it was about representation, history, and most importantly, Black joy.
What the Dandy Represents
The term dandy has long been associated with things like refinement, flamboyance, and self-expressive style. When we look at the dandy movement, people like Beau Brummell defined it in the 19th century, but over time, Black culture redefined it. Black dandies like André Leon Talley, my personal favorite and my inspiration, brought new meaning to the aesthetic. They used fashion to challenge stereotypes. They blended luxury and creativity with identity and resistance. A perfect example of this was with André and his flowing and extravagant caftan dresses and dusters. They were always so showstopping and beautiful. I was so excited to see him during the exhibit.
For me, the dandy is a symbol of freedom of expression and being unapologetically yourself. Embracing the dandy look means you tell yourself and the people around you, “I am here, and I am worthy of being seen.” That message has always resonated with me, both as a person and as a maker. It’s what I try to capture in every design I sew: confidence, beauty, and belonging. It always reflected in my personal style with the bright colors, bold designs, and genderless patterns and styling. I have always dressed to the beat of my own drum and tried to empower others to do the same!
Designing My Dandy-Inspired Look
When I decided to attend the exhibit, I knew I wanted to create my own dandy-inspired outfit. I wanted something that blended classic tailoring with my own creative style. I had so much fun creating this two-piece set with this gorgeous linen from my Minerva fabric collection! I have been in my wide-leg pants era and knew this printed viscose linen would make such a great statement piece. I’ve seen that vests and coordinated pants are on trend now, and thought my fabric would make the perfect set! It features a crisp white background with hand-drawn blue and gold suns. I used gold buttons to match the gold accents on the suns. This linen is one of my favorite linens to work with. It’s breathable, comfortable, and easy to work with.
In typical fashion, I stayed up all night the night before the trip to finish the outfit. Sewing the outfit on my BERNINA B 790 PRO and then actually getting to wear the outfit at the exhibit made the experience deeply personal because it was a reminder of how far I’ve come on my sewing journey. Sustainability and craftsmanship are at the heart of my sewing, and this outfit was no exception. The finished outfit was me. It was bold and expressive. It was my love letter to the legacy of Black dandies who came before me, and a statement that we belong in every space where style and innovation are celebrated.
Walking Through the Exhibit
Stepping into the Met felt surreal. It was such an emotional experience. The exhibit was a visual representation of Black style and culture. Seeing how the museum celebrated the artistry of Black designers and creatives made me emotional. You were able to see everything from fine tailoring and streetwear to avant-garde looks. Each look told a story about our rich history and cultural impact.
I stood in front of displays that reminded me of why I started designing in the first place and inspired me so much when I got home. Displays like the ones from André Leon Talley to Olivier Rousteing for Balmain all tell stories through fashion that show how creative, expressive, and trendsetting Black designers are. Black style, which was once mocked, ignored, and dismissed, is now centered and celebrated in a world-renowned institution. It was powerful and awe-inspiring. For the first time, I didn’t just feel like a visitor. I felt like part of the narrative.
Why Representation Matters
As a gay Black designer, attending the Dandy Exhibit was important to me. Black stories, Black creativity, Black presence matter in fashion’s history and future. Representation in spaces like the Met doesn’t just inspire the next generation of creatives; it also validates the designers of now. It shows emerging designers that they belong, and it shows established designers that their designs are worthy of being seen, studied, and celebrated.
Fashion has long excluded or minimized marginalized voices, but moments like this remind me why I do what I do, and that is to make clothing that is for everybody. It’s always been important to me to make size-inclusive, genderless, and made-to-order clothing so no one is left out of feeling beautiful or feeling like they belong.
A Moment to Remember
Leaving the exhibit, I felt a deep sense of pride, not just in what I created with my B 790 PRO, but in what it represented. My outfit was my way of saying that Black creativity has always been at the heart of fashion and style. The dandy isn’t just a figure of the past. It’s a movement and one that lives on through every stitch, every design, every act of self-expression. For me, sewing my own dandy-inspired outfit for the Met wasn’t just about attending an exhibit; it was about stepping into a legacy and continuing it on my own terms. Fashion is freedom, and we deserve to wear it boldly!
