Since its debut in 1892, Vogue has shaped beauty standards for generations, often centering a narrow ideal: thin, white, and effortlessly chic. Its covers and editorials have historically elevated this archetype, sidelining diverse voices and reinforcing exclusionary norms. Black style, vibrant and transformative, has long existed on the margins—erased, misunderstood, or co-opted. But a revolution is brewing, led by those who’ve been overlooked, rewriting fashion’s narrative through fearless self-expression. In 2025, the Met Gala aims to honor this shift with its theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."
It’s a cultural milestone. Yet, Vogue and the Gala, under Wintour’s stewardship, have faced accusations of racism, tokenism, and marginalising Black talent. Can one exhibition shift this narrative, or is it a fleeting gesture in an industry that has historically profited from exclusion?
