Back in October, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced that the forthcoming Costume Institute exhibition would examine and celebrate the Black dandy, a few images began to crystalize in my mind: a family photo taken at my great-uncle Charles’s wedding to Aunt Nan, the fine tailoring of his tuxedo discernible even in a 1950s-era black-and-white picture; my father on the way to work in the ’90s, wearing a tailored Armani suit and carrying a black leather briefcase; the sea of impeccably dressed Morehouse Men at my brother’s college graduation. As resonant as past exhibitions have been, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” is deeply personal—to me, and to scores of others with familial ties to Black dandyism. As Monica Miller writes in Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the book that inspired this year’s exhibition, “Black people are known for ‘styling out,’ dressing to the nines, showing their sartorial stuff, especially when the occasion calls for it and, more tellingly, often when it does not.”
In honor of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”—and ahead of the 2025 Met Gala—staffers and friends of Vogue shared photos and stories of the Black dandies in their lives for the album below. From uncles in three-piece suits to grandfathers fashioned in ties and pocket squares, these are the dapper Black men we’re celebrating now, on May 5, and always.
Taylor Anderson—Associate manager, Social Media, Vogue
My father (far right), famously known as “The Gentleman” in our house, has always looked the part. From dapper suits to his Lululemon workout sets, my dad takes no breaks when it comes to putting an outfit together. In this photo, he’s pictured with two of his best friends in high school—a bond that remains solid to this day.
Brandon Blackwood—Founder, Brandon Blackwood New York
My grandfather Hubert Haughton was always dressed. No matter the time of day or event. He’d even wear a suit just to get groceries. A true dandy through and through.
Cortne Bonilla—Senior Shopping Writer, Vogue
My cousin Craig Constella is the tried-and-true definition of a dapper dandy. My entire life, I’ve known him to be dressed up, no matter the occasion. He’s chic, intelligent, creative, and well-traveled, evident through his personal style. He’s 62 going on 63, and a Taurus who worked as a presser in the St. Regis hotel in New York for 14 years. If he’s not smoking cigars and eating fine food with friends, he’s traveling the world and listening to music from every genre. Where does he get his personal style ethos? His mother. “My mother used to make my clothes for me at a young age,” he told me. “I had workable sleeves before I knew that was something special. Clothes and style mean everything to me—it’s a respect for the shoulders I stand on and all the people that made it possible for me to be proud of being me.”
Shelton Boyd-Griffith—Writer and Editor
My dad, Lindell Boyd, at his junior prom in 1981. Pressed shirts with cuff links, starched jeans with Magnanni loafers, a suit in every color for every occasion, driving gloves, and wide-brim hats —he’s always been guided by a sartorial finesse.
Sandrine Charles—Founder and CEO, Sandrine Charles Consulting
The first image is of my maternal grandfather in Haiti. He was consistently wearing a suit and exuding class and character. He was the introduction to dandyism for me. The second image is a photo of my mother, her siblings, and my maternal grandparents in Queens. Their classy but chic ’70s attire with traditional flair represents their dressing from Haiti to the US and beyond.
Leah Faye Cooper—Digital Style Director, Vogue.com
I could stare at this family photo all day. How dapper is my great-uncle Charles on his wedding day? And how stunning is his beautiful bride, Aunt Nan? Everyone looks fantastic, but I’m partial to the suit and bowtie on the young man kneeling on the right. That’s my father, Samuel Cooper III. He grew up to be an incredibly well-dressed lawyer, and my all-time favorite Black dandy.
Chelsea Daniel—Producer, The Run-Through With Vogue
My father was about six or seven years old and moving to America. I love the shirt he’s wearing in this photo—it’s what a lot of young boys in Trinidad wore for fancier occasions.
Milton Dixon III—Stylist Program Director of Empowered Vision Award
This is Milton Dixon Sr., my paternal grandfather—a man I’ve never met, yet feel I’ve always known through these rare photos. His crisp light-colored suit, single ring, and radiant smile speak of joy, intention, and style that aligns to the stories I’ve heard. In these images, I see both a piece of my past and a compass for how I try to carry myself day to day: bold, bright, and full of life.
Naomi Elizée—Fashion Market Director, Vogue
My late father, Marc Julio Elizée, was a man of incredible style. He taught me from an early age that there’s power in looking good and feeling confident while doing so. His inherent strength and self-assurance were shaped during his childhood in Haiti, and those qualities became a foundation he lovingly passed on to my sisters and me. His style was always polished and crisp—classic in many ways—but he never shied away from adding a touch of flair. Whether it was a bold accessory, a pop of color, or simply the way he carried himself, he made a statement without ever saying a word. He wasn’t afraid to take risks, sartorial or otherwise, and through that, he showed me the importance of being unapologetically myself.
Jonathan George—Visuals Editor, Vogue
My mother and father, Roxanne and Derrick, on their wedding day in Georgetown, Guyana, featuring a handwritten note that my mom wrote on the back of the photo: “The best day of our lives.” August 12, 1989.
Bernard James—Founder, Bernard James
The ultimate Black dandy in my life is my father, Bernard Sr. Yes, I’m named after him. Some say I look like my mother, but others think I’m his spitting image. Growing up, I always admired his dress. From his office to church, my father always showed up suited. But even more importantly, he knew the art of accessorizing with jewelry. Even to this day, his every day pieces are a statement watch, his diamond-studded wedding band, and layered but tucked necklaces. A few years back, I was proud to make him a gold signet ring with a mother-of-pearl inset that he added to his rotation.
Stephanie Kariuki—Executive Producer, Audio, Vogue
My grandfather—or Guka as all his grandkids call him in our tribal tradition—and his mother took this photo together just a few years after Kenya’s independence. As an entrepreneur, Guka spent most of his time building his farming business in post-colonial bliss. Despite his business, Guka walked for miles every month in his oxfords, white button-up, and pocket square to visit his mother. Dressed in pre-war Kikuyu accessories and attire, together they represent a dichotomy of what Kenya was and where it was heading.
Taylor Lashley—Manager, Social Media, Vogue
Constantine Emmanuel Smith was my grandfather on my mother’s side and a bonafide Black dandy. My mom’s love for fashion has definitely influenced my own and it’s clear that it runs in the family. Whenever I see pictures of my late grandparents Constantine and Lucille Smith, they’re always dressed to the nines no matter the destination.
Qieara Lesesne—Associate Talent Manager, Condé Nast
The life journey of a Black man in the early ’70s could be unpredictable and tumultuous. My grandfather, Bishop Arnold Thornton, used his style as a symbol of his strength and wit. Looking and feeling sharp provided a sense of escapism and fun.
Madison McTaggart—Creative Operations Assistant, Vogue
Known for her dedication to fashion and dress, my grandmother, Martha McTaggart—most commonly known as “Mrs. D.”—is a pillar of her Seventh-day Adventist community in Long Island, New York.
Jason Rembert—Stylist
This is my kids’ maternal grandfather, Guy Wood, one of the first dandies I ever met. His style, attention to detail, and effortless cool say it all. Always sharp, always smooth, he makes elegance look easy.
Amber Venerable—Creative Director, Allure and Self
My grandfather, who flew planes, took this picture next to one of the main ones he flew. The other photo is of my uncle; he had passed by the time I was born, but was the epitome of a dandy. The picture was taken at the annual State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Tia Williams—Author
This is a pic of my paternal grandparents. I always thought that Grandpa looked super-sharp in his fedora.
London Wilmot—Stylist
My Pop! Always knows how to keep on a clean ’fit. I learned to always make sure to keep a good combination.
