Rihanna debuted her baby bump, Diana Ross swept the floor with her 18-foot-long gown, and the event raised $31 million – the highest amount on record. But this year’s Met Gala wasn’t just about star power. With the theme of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, the fundraising event also held political significance at a time when US President Trump is canceling diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the country. How did it add momentum to conversations about Black identity and the politicization of fashion, and what are the key takeaways for brands?
Fashion as “a profoundly political act”
This year’s theme was inspired by Bard College’s chair of Africana studies, Monica L. Miller, who wrote the book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Assistant Professor of Black visual culture at Parsons Design School, Jonathan Michael, describes Black dandyism as the “strategic and often subversive use of style by people of African descent to assert individuality, challenge stereotypes, and reimagine black identity. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s a profoundly political act”.
Cultural resistance amid DEI rollbacks
The event highlighted many up-and-coming Black designers such as Bianca Saunders, Grace Wales Bonner and Sergio Hudson. Attendees were invited to pay homage to Black fashion over the years, with a particular focus on menswear and tailoring. This occurred against the backdrop of a changing America. Having declared that “our country will be woke no longer”, President Trump has signed many executive orders, one of which was titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. As a result, companies such as Ralph Lauren, Amazon, Facebook and Target have scaled back their DEI programs.
The consumer view
Despite DEI rollbacks in the commercial world, our data shows that consumers largely support such initiatives. 58% of consumers globally think DEI programs have a positive impact on society, and this goes up to 64% among high-net-worth individuals (source: Foresight Factory, 2025). In addition, 47% of US consumers think the integrity of American political leaders is poor, with 38% saying the same about the state of democracy in the US. This could explain why consumers viewed this year’s Met Gala as a political and social symbol, as opposed to just a fashion event.
What are the takeaways for brands?
With all this in mind, here’s how luxury and fashion brands can lean into social justice, build a loyal audience and establish themselves as pillars of change through fashion:
- Be a proactive ally to marginalized communities
Contribute to social change by working to empower Black consumers, not out of obligation but out of a commitment to racial inclusion. Take, for example, The Fifteen Percent Pledge, founded by Aurora James. Through this non-profit program, retailers are encouraged to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands.
- Focus your inclusion stories on Black joy and success
Push back against the inclination to center Black trauma. In our report on Diversity and Inclusion insights, we highlight the importance of providing a sense of hope and optimism by showcasing narratives that reflect Black joy. The theme for this year’s Met Gala resonated in part because it was uplifting, focusing on a positive part of Black history – how communities transformed the idea of the Black dandy into a symbol of joy and resistance – rather than a negative. By homing in on playful and nostalgic collections that resonate, this will help luxury brands build an engaged community base.
- Put authenticity at the center of your brand collaborations
Partnerships can either make or break your business. According to our data, 65% of consumers globally have boycotted or would consider boycotting a brand that offends their beliefs. Ensure your brand partnerships align with the core ethos of your brand, and use fashion to connect with Black communities, not just to pay lip service to DEI.
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