The MET steps haven’t been the same since the loss of the late, great André Leon Talley in 2022. Frankly, the fashion industry will never see another ALT. The theme of this year’s 2025 MET gala to benefit the museum’s costume institute is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” debuting a new exhibition focusing on the evolution and impact of black dandyism style in fashion history. The carpet dress code for the event is “Tailored for You.” Although the gala and exhibition’s theme is not billed as a direct tribute to the event’s former contributor, ALT’s influence tonight especially will be inescapable. And one cannot help but daydream about what we would have worn. 

Talley’s public image is synonymous with expertly tailored suits and flamboyant capes, often accessorized with large sunglasses, glittering broaches, bow ties and neckties, luxurious furs, a slightly tipped hat, or a Louis Vuitton trunk. Fan’s of MET Gala fanfare can expect to see plenty of the attendees tonight drawing direct inspiration from his immense catalogue of iconic looks over a nearly fifty year career in fashion. Pieces from Talley’s wardrobe and personal collection along with additional photographs are included in the exhibit, rightfully so. The MET Gala’s perpetual chair, Vogue’s long standing editor-in-chief, and close friend of Talley’s Anna Wintour dubbed him the “dandy amongst dandies” in an essay discussing her late confidant, the upcoming gala, and Vogue’s special edition publication in tribute to the exhibition’s themes in menswear and black creative pride. 

MET Gala themes can sometimes prove elusive to interpret for some attendees and at home fashion lovers alike. For those looking to understand the essence of dandyism, look no further than André Leon Talley. A true dandy is more than just well dressed, they embody a pride, creativity, and identity that cannot be replicated. Each dandy is unique, chief amongst them ALT. While an onlooker may initially have spotted Talley in one of his caftans or embroidered coats and categorized the look ostentatious, the person inside the fashion was larger than life, with a confidence that could even outshine his clothes.

Something we should all take from Talley and the history of dandyism at large is an immense pride in presenting yourself to the world. There was simply no look Talley couldn’t pull off, because anything he made the decision to wear, he stood by completely; it was a representation of him, an extension, an expression. Talley felt comfortable playing tennis in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton with a racket to match, eagerly discussed catty gossip and philosophy interchangeably, and tailored his world exactly to his liking simply because he knew himself to be an exquisite arbiter of taste. A man with a personal taste that will continue to influence the world of fashion he loved so dearly long after his passing. 

Beginning his career in fashion in 1974 apprenticing under former Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland at the MET, Talley eventually went on to become Vogue’s first black Creative Director in 1988, working closely alongside Anna Wintour. I’m slightly embarrassed to say my first brush with ALT was at age thirteen in 2011 when he joined the panel of judges on Tyra Banks’ controversial modeling reality tv series America’s Next Top Model. He sat at the end of the judge’s table, leaning back in thought, hand twirling in critique or resting under his chin in judgement, cloaked in gorgeous, copious amounts of fabric. When he spoke, his opinion seemed to be the only one on the panel that mattered. He was clearly an elder statesman in the world of fashion, and one that demanded respect. I was instantly fascinated by him and as my love for the history of fashion and the industry grew, I began to see ALT popping up in almost all the rooms where it happened. 

Talley’s spirit will certainly be in the room tonight at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Let’s take a look back through ALT’s lifetime of style in remembrance of him and in preparation for tonight.