The Met Gala holds a gala every year to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum. The theme this year is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which honors the style of African Americans during the 1800s.
An overview of the exhibit informs that during enslavement, African Americans would wear clothing that symbolized their “masters’” wealth. Now, the style represents a way for African Americans to express their positions on social and political issues.
The Met then explains their exhibit and the importance of this theme by stating, “Inspired by Guest Curator Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book ‘Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,’ the exhibition will explore the importance of sartorial style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora.” This idea of social justice continues from the book and is exhibited in this year’s Met Gala theme.
“It is something we watch, [the Met Gala] in COMPASS’ fashion classes to review, and I look forward to looking back at everyone’s outfits,” states Natalie Dempsey, COMPASS Senior.
“It could be a redemption, I think it could also just bring up more controversies based on people’s opinions on how people take on the theme and use it,” Dempsey states.
With the 2023 theme in mind Met Gala, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” which was extremely controversial in the morality of Karl Lagerfeld.
Millikan’s fashion teacher, Ms. Palsgrove, says, “I think there will be a lot to discuss after the show as the theme asks questions about race, identity, class, gender, sexuality, and power. I hope to learn a lot from the show and as always I hope it’s entertaining!”
Will the Met Gala be off-the-shelf? Watch to see these amazing outfits curated by extremely talented fashion designers on E! or Vogue.com this May 5th.
Kyle Kao • Apr 23, 2025 at 7:52 am
On April 2nd, 2025, Alisa Barth wrote an article titled “Met Gala 2025”. When I first saw that The Corydon wrote about the upcoming Met Gala and its theme of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, I couldn’t say that I wasn’t too surprised that it was covered. I also saw possible controversies that could appear, and I agree with COMPASS senior interviewee Natalie Dempsey that many controversies may arise due to the theme and how it is interpreted by the attendees.
Our fashion teacher, Ms. Palsgrove, brings up a valid point about how the 2025 Met Gala theme can pose questions about race, identity, and more. With the theme of the gala being to reawaken fashion and revisit historical garments, old and even new societal ideals and norms will be questioned. The problem with that is the aftermath that is brought upon the American society, though, as per usual, I am sure that the Corydon will do an amazing job at covering the topic.
Ethan Enriquez • Apr 21, 2025 at 4:51 pm
Dear Corydon Editor,
On April 2nd, 2025, Alisa Barth wrote an article called “Met Gala 2025” discussing the theme for this year’s Met Gala. Barth explains how the theme chosen was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which was selected as a way to “explore the importance of satorial style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora.” This theme takes the traditional clothing of what slaves wore during the 1800s and turns it into a style highlighting African Americans’ strength, as they can add flair to it. Barth explains the significance the theme has to those at Millikan as she states that one of our pathways, COMPASS, will be actively watching the event happen, as students who are in fashion classes in this pathway can use some of the Gala’s designs as inspiration for their own. However, Barth interviewed Natalie Demsey, a senior in COMPASS, who highlighted how this theme “could also just bring up more controversies based on people’s opinions on how people take this theme.” Barth does a good job of including this interview, as it gives insight into how Millikan students may feel about this year’s Met Gala. Barth also interviewed Millikan’s fashion teacher, Ms. Palgrove, as she added on to the claim from Demsey about the controversy surrounding the theme. This interview was also a good statement to include because it also shows the opinion of the Millikan faculty. Additionally, Barth does a good job of providing an overview of this year’s Met Gala and the possible impact its theme may have on its viewers. However, Barth could do a better job of explaining how the theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” helps “represent a way for African Americans to express their positions on social and political issues. Overall, Barth does a great job providing an overview of this year’s Met Gala’s theme and what students and faculty think about it.
Sincerely,
Ethan Enriquez
David Fender • Apr 10, 2025 at 3:30 pm
On April 2, 2025, Alisa Barth wrote an article titled “Met Gala 2025.” The main purpose of the article was to introduce the theme of this year’s Met Gala and what its implications could be on the cultural landscape. Specifically, Barth reveals how the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” serves as a reflection on African American fashion during American history and how this fashion has changed in recent years. She discusses how Black fashion today often illustrates a statement on social and political issues and how this year’s theme could cause some controversy on how people utilize the theme.
I often view the Met Gala without knowing the reasoning or history behind the theme, so this article was very insightful for me. I appreciate Barth’s discussion on how this theme can cause controversy depending on the preconceived notions people may possess when viewing it. However, I wish she included some examples of the fashion styles that we may see during the Gala this year. Whether it be through pictures or even descriptions in the text, it would have been nice to gain a little insight on what we could expect to see.
I also appreciate how we got some information from Millikan’s fashion teacher! Hearing the opinion of a professional in the field of fashion establishes some credibility to the article. It was also interesting to hear Ms. Palsgrove’s thoughts on how the show can cause discourse and discussions. Overall, I’m excited to see all the outfits this year, and this article made me more appreciative of the history behind the fashion we’re going to see.