It’s the first Monday in May, which means the Met Gala is here.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” will see the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute present a cultural and historical examination of Black style over three hundred years through the concept of dandyism.
More from Footwear News
According to the museum, the exhibition explores the importance of style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora, particularly in the United States and Europe.
Ahead of this evening’s extravaganza and the exhibition opening slated for May 10, FN asked three footwear designers to weigh in on this year’s theme, what Black dandy shoe style means to them, and predictions for tonight’s red carpet.
Chris Echevarria, founder and designer of Blackstock & Weber
Chris Echevarria. Courtesy of Blackstock & Weber
What are your overall thoughts and reactions to this year’s Met Gala theme?
CE: “I think the theme this year opens up a lot of creative runway. There’s room to be poetic, literal, disruptive, or just go full fantasy … and I love when people lean into that freedom. The Met Gala is one of the rare spaces where fashion can be theatrical and thoughtful. I always appreciate when someone goes beyond the moodboard and taps into real storytelling.”
Are there any shoes you think could make an appearance in the exhibit? Any you would like to see?
CE: “I’d love to see something iconic that ties personal style to cultural history…maybe a pair worn by Prince, or some of André 3000’s more legendary moments. There’s something really powerful about footwear that carries not just design pedigree, but attitude. Even something like a custom Craig Green boot or archival Galliano would make sense in that setting.”
What about on the red carpet? What types of shoes do you think we could expect to see that will best represent the theme?
CE: “I’m expecting to see a lot of opulence … embroidered slippers, dramatic boots, sculptural shapes, unexpected materials. Maybe some surreal or dreamlike proportions. On the menswear side, I think we’re finally past the era of ‘safe’ black shoes at events like this. And without giving too much away, there will be a few people on that carpet in Blackstock & Weber.”
Which designers are you hoping to get some attention this year?
CE: “Wales Bonner, always. Her work blends elegance, narrative, and identity in a way that feels deeply rooted but still futuristic. Martine Rose, too — she’s shaping the next chapter of menswear with a quiet kind of precision. And I’d love to see more nods to independent designers who are telling original stories without compromise.”
What types of footwear do you think epitomize Black dandy shoe style?
CE: “Black dandy style is about nuance. You might see a velvet slipper with no socks… or a tasseled loafer in a wild color, but paired with a classic silhouette. There’s always flair, but it’s often subdued — never doing too much, but never doing nothing. A true Black dandy knows how to command attention without asking for it.”
What are some of your dandy design inspirations, if any?
CE: “I can’t say I have dandy ‘inspirations’ in the traditional sense… and that’s kind of the point. Dandyism isn’t something you copy, it’s something you interpret. It’s not just about dress — it’s a way of life. When we studied Oscar Wilde and the birth of dandyism, what stuck with me was that it wasn’t about material wealth, but about aesthetic and intellectual pursuit. The dandy is a character. Wit and nonchalance are just as essential as the garb. To me, dandyism is about how you show up in the world — comfortably, creatively, and with a point of view that’s unmistakably yours.”
Sunni Dixon, founder and designer of Sunni Sunni
Sunni Dixon. AMINA FOFANA
What are your overall thoughts and reactions to this year’s Met Gala theme?
SD: “I think it’s amazing. The theme was a bit of a shocker for me, because I think that sometimes, fashion does things maybe too on the nose when it comes to specific community or cultures that are ‘outside’ or the majority. But I’m happy to know that there’s going to be a lot of Black designers, Black stylists, and other Black creatives involved in the process. So, people that would not originally get a Met type of exposure, have a great opportunity or chance to shine. This is a big deal, so I’m very, very excited.”
What types of shoes do you think we could expect to see that will best represent the theme?
SD: “I feel like people are going to be wearing a lot of Louboutins this year because the brand has a lot of silhouettes that work with the theme – like opera pumps and evening loafers. I expect to see a lot of textures and fabrics like crushed velvet as well. I think we’re going to see a lot of customizing as well with different embellishments, which is the exciting part for me.”
Which designers are you hoping to get some attention this year?
SD: “There is a brand called BMC Studio ran by Brandon Murphy in Brooklyn that also designs his own footwear. He has done so many red carpets over the last two years that I think his stuff fits the theme well. I’d also love to see what Wales Bonner is going to do for the theme. I expect to see some really nice jewelry from her and some interesting trims on the suits. She has a smart eye for details.”
What types of footwear do you think epitomize Black dandy shoe style?
SD: “We are going to see a ton of derbies and wing tips. I’m also hoping that some of the men have some fun with the Black dandy theme and explore different silhouettes like the women who attend typically do. I also can see some guys wearing higher heels and getting more into an androgenous look. Other than that, I can expect to see some Chelsea boots and opera pumps.”
What are some of your dandy design inspirations, if any?
SD: “I think for me; I am inspired by the trims and whimsy of the theme. Like silk trims, cummerbunds, the draping, everything can be pulled as a source of inspiration. I can’t wait to see how creative the designs are this year.”
Omar Bailey, co-founder of FCTRY LAb
Omar Bailey. Courtesy of FCTRY LAb
What are your overall thoughts and reactions to this year’s Met Gala theme?
OB: “I think it’s super cool. It’s obviously a very different theme than the Met has gone in the past. So, I’m excited to see what comes of it. This actually seems like perfect timing also, with the ‘Sinners’ movie coming out, which sort of depicts the 1930s Jim Crow era, where I think you’ll see a lot of that type of fashion reflected in in the gala.”
What types of shoes do you think we could expect to see that will best represent the theme?
OB: “I was looking up some of the shoes from that time, and it was really just kind of a few different silhouettes. There was the classic Oxford wingtip boots and loafers, which are always fun, because you could go solids or two tone on them. And on the women’s side, I think the Mary-Jane or kitten heel will make an appearance on the carpet as well. I can also see a lot of custom shoes coming out as well, like the recent ones Michael B. Jordan wore, which were an updated Asics dress hybrid type shoe. I’m excited to see where it all ends up landing.”
Which designers are you hoping to get some attention this year?
OB: “I’m sure we will see designs from Jerry Lorenzo from Fear of God and Wales Bonner as well. I would love for some under the radar brands to use this moment to sort of jump onto the scene, too. It’s always exciting for me to see what new creators are doing and what statements they’re making through their designs.”
What types of footwear do you think epitomize Black dandy shoe style?
OB: “There really wasn’t too many bells and whistles on shoes back in the ‘30s and so on, so I expect to see a lot of leather shoes. It’s a nice contrast to where a lot of footwear is now, which is a lot of injected molded foam. So, natural materials will be at the forefront. I am thinking like classic Ferragamo dress shoes for this specifically.”
What are some of your dandy design inspirations, if any?
OB: “I have pulled some dandy influences for some past work before I launched FCTRY LAb. But, you know, it’s funny, after I saw ‘Sinners’ when it came out, my eyes were immediately going to what kind of shoes everyone was wearing. And, I love those Oxford dandy boots with the button closure going up the side of the shoe. I think is really cool. So, I think it’s just a matter of time before I land on something that references that design in some way.”
Best of Footwear News
Sign up for FN’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
