This Year, the Met Gala Was Black — and It Mattered

On May 5, 2025, the Met Gala became a powerful tribute to Black fashion, culture, and identity. With the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” and dress code “Tailored for You,” the event celebrated the legacy and evolution of Black dandyism — a style rooted in resistance, self-expression, and artistry.

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Exhibition: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

Curated by Andrew Bolton and inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion, the exhibition traced over three centuries of Black style. From the 18th-century Atlantic world to the Harlem Renaissance, it highlighted how Black communities used fashion to challenge norms and assert identity through elegance and detail.

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Honoring André Leon Talley

The late André Leon Talley, a towering figure in fashion and a symbol of Black dandyism, was honored with tributes and garments from his personal collection. His bold style and presence echoed throughout the night.

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Red Carpet Highlights

The blue carpet was alive with style, with Celebrities embracing the theme with looks that honored the past while pushing fashion forward.

Rihanna arrived in custom Marc Jacobs, framing her third pregnancy with grace and strength. Diana Ross returned after two decades, draped in an Ugo Mozie gown with an 18-foot train embroidered with her family’s names — a regal, personal statement.

Zendaya redefined dandyism in a Louis Vuitton three-piece suit and wide-brimmed hat, blending rebellion and elegance. Teyana Taylor wore a sculptural design by Ruth E. Carter, rich with cultural symbolism. Janelle Monáe, ever imaginative, floated down the carpet in Thom Browne — complete with a working clock monocle.

The night was full of moments like these.

Who stood out to you on the Met Gala carpet? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Further Reading on Black Dandyism

To delve deeper into the rich history and cultural significance of Black dandyism, consider exploring:

• Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy and Street Style by Shantrelle P. Lewis

• Slaves to Fashion by Monica L. Miller

A Night of Musical Brilliance: Anticipating Jessie Montgomery and the New York Philharmonic

When music tells a story, it transcends time, space, and expectation. And from April 9-11, the New York Philharmonic, in collaboration with the inimitable Jessie Montgomery, is set to deliver an unforgettable night of sound, spirit, and storytelling.

A Composer of Our Time

Jessie Montgomery is more than a composer; she is a force. A Grammy Award-winning composer, violinist, and educator, Montgomery is known for her deeply expressive compositions that blend classical traditions with modern narratives. Her works pulse with the energy of African American spirituals, folk traditions, and the rhythmic vitality of jazz, making her one of the most distinctive and communicative voices in American music today. BBC has described her as “one of the most distinctive and communicative voices in the US, as a player and a creator.”

The World Premiere of CHEMILUMINESCENCE

The highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of Montgomery’s latest composition, CHEMILUMINESCENCE, written for Project 19—the New York Philharmonic’s all-women commissioning initiative. The piece takes inspiration from the natural phenomenon where light is produced through a chemical reaction, rather than a traditional light source. Montgomery describes her creative process, saying:

“As a composer, interpreting light sources and their resulting reflections and hues is an endless field of potential sound exploration. I used my impressions on this idea to create harmonies, colors, and blends I feel are unique to the string orchestra with its ability to bend and shift timbres in an instant.”

A Stellar Program

Beyond CHEMILUMINESCENCE, the evening’s program will feature two classical masterpieces:

• Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto, performed by the dynamic and adventurous violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja.

• Brahms’s Symphony No. 1, a powerful and timeless work that showcases the depth and grandeur of the orchestral repertoire.

With this remarkable lineup, the concert will seamlessly blend innovation and tradition, offering an experience that honors the past while embracing the future.

A Moment You Won’t Want to Miss

As anticipation builds for this remarkable event, one thing is clear: Jessie Montgomery’s work is not just meant to be heard—it’s meant to be felt. Her ability to channel history, identity, and innovation into sound is a gift, and this upcoming performance is sure to be one for the books.

Tickets are selling fast—Enjoy 30% off with code MONTGOMERY30 at checkout. Don’t miss your chance to witness this unforgettable night of music. Secure yours now and be part of this extraordinary experience!

Behind the Lens: Celebrating Black Talent at Little Shop of Horrors

At The Culture LP, we believe in celebrating Black artists, creators, and storytellers—especially in spaces where representation has historically been limited. That’s why Little Shop of Horrors Black Theater Night wasn’t just another event—it was a moment of visibility, joy, and excellence.

Held on February 5, 2025, this special evening brought together theater lovers, creatives, and community leaders to honor the incredible Black talent shaping this Off-Broadway sensation. From a breathtaking photoshoot to an engaging post-show discussion, every detail was designed to amplify Black voices in theater.

A Photoshoot Rooted in Black Culture

Our team at The Culture LP was also commissioned to produce a stunning photoshoot featuring the Black cast members of Little Shop of Horrors. Led by our creative director Leeza Joneé and captured through the lens of Stephen Miller, the shoot was a visual love letter to Black excellence in theater.

At the heart of it all was Nicholas Christopher, who played Seymour Krelborn—the show’s unlikely hero. Seeing a Black actor in this iconic role was a testament to how far theater has come and how much further it can go.

To elevate the visual aesthetic, Brooklyn Blooms, led by founder and artist LaParis Phillips, provided rich, natural elements that mirrored the lush, otherworldly vibes of Little Shop. Bold colors, textured greenery, and vintage-inspired styling gave a fresh yet timeless feel—one that honored both the show’s legacy and the future of Black artistry on stage.

Representation That Matters

The impact of this production goes beyond stunning visuals. It’s about what happens when Black artists take center stage in roles traditionally played by others. Seeing Nicholas Christopher as Seymour is more than casting—it’s a statement. It challenges the status quo and expands the narrative of who gets to be the leading man.

Beyond the lead role, the show’s Urchins—the street-smart, doo-wop-singing trio—serves as a direct nod to Black musical traditions. Inspired by groups like The Supremes and The Ronettes, they bring an unmistakable energy that ties the story’s themes to Black culture in a way that feels both intentional and necessary.

A Night to Remember: Community, Conversation, and Celebration

Following the performance, the energy continued with an intimate talkback session featuring Kalen Allen, where guests got a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the importance of diversity in theater. The conversation wasn’t just about the show—it was about what it means to create space for Black voices in an industry that has often overlooked them.

To capture the essence of the night, our incredible partner Toya from Harlem crafted a recap reel that brings the evening to life. From laughter-filled moments to powerful reflections, her work preserves the magic and reminds us why nights like this matter.

What’s Next? Keep the Celebration Going!

Black Theater Night was a reminder that representation is not just about visibility—it’s about creating opportunities, rewriting narratives, and making space for future generations of Black artists.

So, what can you do?

✔ Watch the recap reel

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✔ Support Black talent in theater—buy tickets, spread the word, and celebrate their work.

✔ Stay connected with The Culture LP for more events that spotlight Black creativity.

This is just the beginning. At The Culture LP, we’re committed to uplifting Black artists in every space where culture, creativity, and community collide. Stay tuned—there’s more magic to come.

Afromodernism at the NY Phil: A Celebration of Black Excellence in Music

In the heart of New York City, a powerful testament to Black artistry is about to unfold. The New York Philharmonic's "Afromodernism: Music of the African Diaspora" isn't just a concert—it's a bold statement that Black creativity has always been and will always be at the forefront of artistic innovation.

On October 17th and 18th, David Geffen Hall will resonate with sounds reflecting of heritage, struggles, and triumphs. This event encompasses a journey through time, connecting the rhythms of our ancestors to the bold, innovative compositions of today's Black maestros.

Afromodernism is our story—a bridge between a rich past and our vibrant present. An embodiment of Black excellence, showcasing how we've shaped not just classical music, but the fabric of American culture. From the soul-stirring Four Black American Dances by Carlos Simon to a groundbreaking cello concerto by Nathalie Joachim, each piece carries with it a piece of the diaspora.

As we listen to David Baker's Kosbro, we'll hear the echoes of jazz—a Black American creation—seamlessly blending with classical composition. And in William Grant Still's Autochthonous Symphony, we'll experience a pivotal moment when Black composers began to claim their rightful place in the classical world.

However, Afromodernism is more than a glimpse into the past—it's also a beacon for our future. Under the masterful direction of Thomas Wilkins, this program is a call to action, urging us all to continue pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and creating spaces where our stories are not just heard, but truly celebrated.

This is why we at The Culture LP are proud to amplify this monumental program. It represents everything we stand for—the power of Black creativity to shape culture, challenge norms, and inspire communities.

We invite you, our community, to be part of this historic moment. Whether you're a classical music aficionado or simply a lover of Black art, this experience will resonate with your soul. It's an opportunity to witness Black excellence, to support our artists, and to be part of a movement that's redefining culture.

Join us on October 17th or 18th at David Geffen Hall. Let's come together to celebrate our legacy, honor our present, and inspire our future. Because in the world of Afromodernism, Black creativity isn't just part of the conversation—it is the conversation.

Together, let's continue to push, celebrate, and honor the enduring legacy of Black art across all forms. Tickets are on sale now—hit the button below and use “CULTURELP20” at checkout to secure your seat for this incredible celebration of Black music and storytelling.