As one enters the Met Gala, the scene can be met with flashing lights bouncing off of cameras held by photographers, a grand flight of stairs decorated elegantly–and of course, the many celebrities dressed extravagantly to the coordinating theme of the year.

Starting from its formal finery in the beginnings of it’s first event in 1948, then progressing to the flamboyant and bold designs of the modern era, the annual fundraiser known as the Met Gala has seen changes in guests, chairs, influence, as well as, notably, the themes over the years. 

Themes of the Met Gala are not only limited to the outfits, but are an important aspect of defining the tone and atmosphere of the event. Met Gala themes hold significance to its meaning that can relate to certain topics such as historical events, cultures, beliefs, people, media, and other aspects.

Now, presented on May 5, by co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and main organizer Anna Wintour, the Met Gala showcased this year’s theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The inspiration behind the classy title’s theme, dates back to the image that shaped Black culture: Dandyism.

According to Vogue, Black Dandyism historically weaved older European fashion and Black culture together, as a statement by the African-American people of the 20th century. Black men and Black women alike, proudly tailored, and wore articles of clothing like sleek suits and glossy footwear. This fashion statement was done to stand against the derogatory stereotypes subjected to the race of Black people in a segregated America. 

Celebrities who attend the Met Gala commonly partner with influential and world-renowned brands for their outfits, which helps to market and advertise the brand’s lines. This time around, celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, who partnered with Chrome Hearts, and Rihanna, who partnered with Marc Jacobs, followed a color palette of black and white. However, some other celebrities followed suit to the dress code, but added a twist of hints of blue and red incorporated into their outfits. 

In addition, many celebrities wore intricately designed accessory pieces, containing precious gemstones like diamonds, pearls, and gold, which were highlighted throughout their outfits.

A British F1 race car driver and co-chair Lewis Hamilton, similarly followed this dress code. Hamilton was clothed in an ivory suit, over a white blouse, paired with dazzling jewelry,  presented by Wales Bonner. 

Suri Li, a freshman at Rancho Cucamonga High School, commented on Hamilton’s look. “One of my favorite looks was Louis Hamilton, an F1 race car driver. I liked his white suit!”

This year’s Met Gala was highly anticipated by many, which was reflected by the amount raised in funding for the ‘Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute’. The New York Times stated that this year’s Met Gala raised a record high of $31 million this year, the most funding accumulated from the 77-year history of the event.

Freshman Angelica Soto shared her thoughts on this year’s Met Gala.

“The theme was original, and the outfits were very pretty and very nice,” Soto said.