The 2025 Met Gala theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and was described as taking inspiration from the 2009 book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity” by Monica L. Miller.
It is an understatement to say that some of the guests did not disappoint, with prominent figures in the Met Gala such as Janelle Monae, Zendaya and Rihanna showcasing extravagant and true to theme looks. Moreover, newcomers such as rapper Doechii exhibited memorable first appearances at the event.
As I looked at the looks seen on the carpet, it was impossible to not appreciate the inspiration behind the theme. Knowing that it came from the rich history of Black fashion while grappling and fighting against prejudice was a moment of true awe, especially when multiple Black artists displayed the theme with pride.
As I saw the looks, many consisting of black tailored suits, my mind immediately went to a culture influenced by this same dandyism, the Pachucos.
Originating in the borders between the United States and Mexico, most often with the credited origin being in El Paso, Texas, the subculture was formed of Mexican-American (Chicano) youth dressed in lavish clothing.
Pachucos were seen to dress in zoot suits were extravagant menswear following a specific design, often having “a thigh-length jacket with wide padded shoulders and peg pants with narrow cuffs” according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary.
During this time, this Pachuco fashion was often looked down upon due to it taking place during the 1930’s and 1940’s and specifically during World War II and there tended to be fabric rationing. Due to this, wearing zoot suits during this time was seen as a symbol for anti-patriotism, and often due to the still prevalent racial tension between white people and people of color- most of of Mexican and Black decent- there were many instances of the wearers of zoot suits to be harassed and/or even assaulted.
Some of the most violent clashes due to these suits were those that took place in Los Angeles in 1943. The deemed Zoot Suit Riots were seen to have begun with a fight between Navy servicemen and a group of Mexican-American zoot suiters.
Following the brawl, a group of 50 service members from both the Navy and Marine Corps. took to the stress of Los Angeles Chinatown in search of anyone wearing the zoot suits despite these wearers not having to do anything with the original fight.
Despite not being the ones initiating the brawls, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested almost 600 more Mexican-American youth than service members and often during the attacks police stood without intervening despite pleading crowds as the assailants beat their victims.
In the days following, the assaults continued, with the media praising the service members and condemning the zoot suiters. The crime only subsided after Los Angeles was deemed as off-limits for service members.
Bringing them into light decades later and sparking conversations through events such as the Met Gala and or other notable happenings continues to educate society on the flaws not only the nation, but the world as a whole had and/or has.
Oftentimes, these moments of hate and discrimination in history are often either forgotten and or swept under the rug, but these events are crucial to not only look back on, but to expand from in order to prevent them from happening again.
