AFI Partners with The Met Gala: Elevating African Fashion’s Global Influence with "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style"

Africa Fashion International (AFI) Sets the Stage for "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" Exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute

Photo: Courtesy of AFI

In an unprecedented move that underscores the global allure of African fashion, Africa Fashion International (AFI) has become the first African partner of The Met Gala, marking a pivotal moment in 2025. This partnership will launch the highly anticipated exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, a celebration of Black Dandyism’s journey from Enlightenment Europe to the bustling cities of London, New York, and Johannesburg.

2025 Met Gala will not just be an evening of glamour; it will be a groundbreaking occasion for the world to witness the powerful confluence of African creativity and global fashion discourse.

An Evolutionary Journey: Black Dandyism as Cultural Narrative

AFI’s partnership with The Costume Institute brings to the forefront the Black Dandy’s transformative legacy in fashion—a legacy of rebellion, self-affirmation, and cultural expression. Superfine: Tailoring Black Style goes beyond garments, delving into how Black Dandyism has defied conventions to redefine Black identity, connecting fashion to deeper currents of social resistance and artistic self-determination.

Photo: Courtesy of AFI

As the driving force behind this historic partnership, AFI Founder and CEO Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe explains, “The Met Gala is more than an event—it’s a cultural institution that influences how we view fashion. For AFI, this partnership is an opportunity to showcase the depth, creativity, and global importance of African fashion, while challenging outdated perceptions of what African identity in fashion means. We are not just participants in this narrative—we are leaders in redefining it.”

For 17 years, AFI has championed Pan-African fashion with a forward-looking vision, nurturing talent and fostering international collaboration. By positioning African designers within influential spaces, AFI has become synonymous with cultural exchange, a bridge for African creativity to flourish within the global sphere.

In honouring Black Dandyism, AFI highlights a movement where fashion transcends mere aesthetics, becoming a form of self-expression and resilience in the face of adversity. The Black Dandy is an iconic figure, representing the aspirations of Black individuals throughout history—redefining masculinity, resisting colonial narratives, and claiming a voice through impeccable style. This exhibition will showcase how these threads of defiance have woven themselves into modern African fashion, a genre as vibrant and nuanced as the continent itself.

Fashion as a Catalyst for Cross-Cultural Dialogue

Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Through Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, the connections between African, African American, and diaspora fashion become a shared narrative, bridging diverse expressions of Black identity across continents. From the Congo’s Sapeurs to South Africa’s Amapantsula, Black Dandyism manifests as a reflection of complex cultural exchanges that reach far beyond Africa.

“Our histories and identities have always been a tapestry of influences, woven from our interactions with the world,” says Dr. Moloi-Motsepe. “At AFI, we are proud to drive this dialogue forward, ensuring that African fashion is not only visible but profoundly respected on a global scale.”

Photo: Courtesy of AFI

AFI’s partnership with The Met Gala signifies a shift in the global fashion narrative—one where African voices and perspectives not only participate but also shape the future of fashion. As the industry leans into inclusive narratives, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style stands as a testament to African fashion’s powerful role within this transformation, highlighting African aesthetics as a vital artistic and economic force.

Guided by a spirit of Ubuntu and a commitment to inclusivity, AFI will continue to bridge cultures, create opportunities, and advocate for African designers. As African fashion takes center stage, AFI’s mission remains clear: to be a beacon of African creativity, championing the talents and stories that inspire the world. The 2025 Met Gala is not just a nod to African fashion—it’s a powerful statement, affirming Africa’s place as an essential voice in the global fashion dialogue.