Last October, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced its upcoming Costume Institute exhibition would honor Black dandyism, certain images came to mind: my great-uncle Charles in his sharply tailored tuxedo at his wedding to Aunt Nan, the details still crisp in that old black-and-white photo; my father in the ’90s, heading to work in a fitted Armani suit with his leather briefcase; the impeccably dressed Morehouse graduates at my brother’s commencement. While past exhibitions have resonated, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” feels uniquely personal—not just to me, but to many with ties to this tradition. As Monica Miller writes in Slaves to Fashion (the book inspiring this year’s show), Black people have long mastered “styling out,” dressing impeccably whether the occasion demands it or not.

Ahead of the 2025 Met Gala, Vogue staff and friends shared photos and stories of the Black dandies in their lives—from uncles in three-piece suits to grandfathers in ties and pocket squares. These are the men we celebrate now, on May 5, and always.

Taylor Anderson—Associate Manager, Social Media, Vogue
Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Anderson
My father (far right), nicknamed “The Gentleman” at home, has always dressed the part. Whether in suits or Lululemon workout gear, his outfits are never an afterthought. Here, he’s with two high school friends—a bond that’s lasted decades.

Brandon Blackwood—Founder, Brandon Blackwood New York
Photo: Courtesy of Brandon Blackwood
My grandfather Hubert Haughton was always dressed to the nines—even for grocery runs. A true dandy in every sense.

Cortne Bonilla—Senior Shopping Writer, Vogue
Photo: Courtesy of Cortne Bonilla
My cousin Craig Constella is the epitome of dapper. For as long as I’ve known him, he’s been sharply dressed, no matter the setting. At 62 (and a Taurus), he’s a former presser at NYC’s St. Regis Hotel, a world traveler, and a lover of fine food, cigars, and eclectic music. His style roots? His mother. “She made my clothes as a child,” he told me. “Style is my way of honoring those who paved the way for me to be unapologetically myself.”

Shelton Boyd-Griffith—Writer and Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Shelton Boyd Griffith
My dad, Lindell Boyd, at his 1981 junior prom. Pressed shirts with cufflinks, starched jeans, loafers, and a rainbow of suits—his wardrobe has always been a masterclass in polish.

Sandrine Charles—Founder and CEO, Sandrine Charles Consulting
The first photo shows my Haitian grandfather, a man of constant suits and quiet elegance—my introduction to dandyism. The second captures my mother, her siblings, and grandparents in Queens, blending ‘70s chic with Haitian tradition.

Leah Faye Cooper—Digital Style Director, Vogue.com
I could stare at this family photo forever. My great-uncle Charles (and radiant Aunt Nan) on their wedding day? Perfection. But that young man’s bowtie and suit? My favorite detail.Here’s the rewritten text in clear and natural English:

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Kneeling on the right is my father, Samuel Cooper III—who became a sharply dressed lawyer and my all-time favorite Black dandy.

Chelsea Daniel—Producer, The Run-Through with Vogue
My father was around six or seven years old when this photo was taken, just before moving to America. I love the shirt he’s wearing—it’s what many young boys in Trinidad wore for special occasions.

Milton Dixon III—Stylist & Program Director of Empowered Vision Award
This is Milton Dixon Sr., my paternal grandfather—a man I never met but feel I’ve always known through these rare photos. His crisp light-colored suit, single ring, and radiant smile reflect the joy, intention, and style I’ve heard about in stories. In these images, I see both my past and a guide for how I carry myself: bold, bright, and full of life.

Naomi Elizée—Fashion Market Director, Vogue
My late father, Marc Julio Elizée, had incredible style. He taught me early on that looking good and feeling confident holds power. His strength and self-assurance were shaped during his childhood in Haiti, and he passed those qualities on to my sisters and me. His style was always polished—classic but never without a touch of flair. Whether through a bold accessory, a pop of color, or just the way he carried himself, he made a statement without words. He wasn’t afraid to take risks, in fashion or in life, 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. The back of the photo has a handwritten note from my mom: “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 how he dressed—whether for the office or church, he always wore a suit. More importantly, he mastered the art of accessorizing with jewelry. Even now, his everyday staples are a statement watch, his diamond-studded wedding band, and layered (but tucked) necklaces. A few years ago, I made him a gold signet ring with a mother-of-pearl inset, which he added to his rotation.

Stephanie Kaiuki—Executive Producer, Audio, Vogue
This is my grandfather—or Guka, as we call him in our tribal tradition—with his mother, taken just a few years after Kenya’s independence. As an entrepreneur, Guka spent most of his time building his farming business in post-colonial Kenya. Despite his busy schedule, he 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, they represent the contrast between Kenya’s past and its future.

Taylor Lashley—Manager, Social Media, Vogue
Constantine Emmanuel Smith was my grandfather on my mother’s side—a true Black dandy. My mom’s love for fashion has influenced me, and it’s clear that style runs in the family. Whenever I see photos of my late grandparents, Constantine and Lucille Smith, they’re always impeccably dressed, no matter the occasion.

Qieara Lesesne—Associate Talent Manager, Condé Nast
For a Black man in the early ’70s, life could be unpredictable and turbulent. My grandfather, Bishop Arnold Thornton, used his style as a symbol of strength and wit. Looking and feeling sharp gave him a sense of escapism and joy.

Madison McTaggart—Creative Operations Assistant, Vogue
Known for her dedication to fashion, Martha McTaggart—or Mrs. D.—is a pillar of her Seventh-day Adventist community in Lo…

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(Note: The last sentence was incomplete in the original, so I left it as is.)Long Island, NY.

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, a pilot, posed next to one of the main planes he flew. The other photo is of my uncle, who passed before I was born but was the definition of a dandy. The picture was taken at the annual State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

Tia Williams—Author
This is a photo of my paternal grandparents. I always thought Grandpa looked incredibly sharp in his fedora.

London Wilmot—Stylist
My Pop! He always knows how to keep a clean fit. From him, I learned the importance of a well-balanced outfit.