Black Designers That May, May Not, But Should Appear at the Met Gala
For this year's Met Gala, category is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” “Tailored for You” — a celebration of Black dandyism and its profound influence on fashion, identity, and cultural resistance.
What that will look like on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, we have yet to find out. But while we wait, it felt appropriate to compile the Black designers who could or should make an appearance — at the Costume Institute, and/or in your personal wardrobe.
With an array of brands to choose from, this SSENSE-backed showcase spans select mens- and womenswear designers of the moment.
Some more out-there, others more nonchalant, these creatives have each made a mark on the industry and are due the accordant praise. Met, Shmet.
Gala or Not, Here's Your Quickfire Showcase of Black Talent:
Stanley Raffington Leopard Tank
A Central Saint Martins graduate, the UK's Stanley Raffington expertly wields 3D printing and laser cut techniques for his knitwear designs. Inspired by Jamaican and Rastafarian influences, the FKA twigs- and Madonna-endorsed talent is all about blending heritage with innovation.
Spencer Badu T-Shirt
Spencer Badu is a Canadian-Ghanaian designer who launched his brand in 2015, and is known for takes on traditional uniform wear with modern functionality, minimalism, and West African touches. Kendrick Lamar is a known fan of the brand's uniquely enhanced basics, its community-focus, and unisex tailoring.
Fear of God Wool Blazer
Jerry Lorenzo's Fear of God came into existence in 2013 in Los Angeles. The designer considers the aesthetics to be more of a lifestyle than just pertaining to apparel, and is all about casual but luxurious elegance.
A-COLD-WALL* Hoodie
A-COLD-WALL* was founded in 2015 by British designer Samuel Ross, who'd previously worked with Virgil Abloh, amongst other big names. In his work, he draws from the British class system and personal experience.
Off-White Sunglasses
Off-White is the late Virgil Abloh's brainchild and a project at the intersection of youth culture and high-fashion. The brand's graphic approach had an immeasurable impact on the industry, and continues to fascinate its loyal fans, years after its founder's untimely passing.
Ferragamo Gold Bracelet
Under British-Jamaican creative director Maximilian Davis, Italian legacy house Ferragamo has undergone a radically bold makeover. With vibrant colors and edgy reinventions of bygone classics center stage, his vision put a once-dusty maison back on the map.
Martine Rose Khaki Trousers
British-Jamaican Martine Rose is, without a doubt, one of the most important players in menswear. She expertly interweaves London subculture references, and has won highest-tier industry accolades for her contributions to, well, the zeitgeist.
Mowalola Denim Maxi Skirt
Mowalola Ogunlesi is a Central Saint Martins graduate who made a name for herself with daring, subversive, and loud designs. Her clothes are expressive and experimental, with plentiful nods to her Nigerian roots.
Wales Bonner Ballerina Flats
Grace Wales Bonner's second-to-none namesake is a juncture of European and Afro-Atlantic elements. Her collections concentrate as much on illustrious storytelling and research as they do on precise craftsmanship.
