Fine line Between Admiration and Appropriation in Beauty and Fashion: How to get it right at the Met Gala

With the announcement of next year's Met Gala theme , "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," VIPs attending the Met Gala have a chance to celebrate Black culture without crossing the line into appropriation.

Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book - Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, this event is all about honoring Black style.

What Could Go Wrong?
Quite a bit. Many stylists and experts have spoken about how cultural symbols can be misused. If a style is taken out of context or its roots aren’t respected, it can feel like appropriation rather than celebration.

What Could Go Wrong?
History shows that cultural appreciation can quickly turn into appropriation, and backlash often follows. Here are a few examples where it went wrong:

• Rebranding “Ghetto” - A common issue in fashion has been the rebranding of styles long associated with Black and Latina communities—often labeled as “ghetto” when worn by women of color—as “high fashion” on other models.
  
  Styles like long, embellished acrylic nails, which are popular in these communities, have historically faced stigma and stereotyping. However, when these styles appear in runway shows or magazine spreads on non-Black models, they’re frequently reframed as “artistic” or “innovative.”
  
• Gucci's Gelled Baby Hairs (2017): Gucci featured gelled baby hairs on predominantly white models, branding it as an “edgy, high-fashion” look, disregarding its cultural roots in Black and Latina communities.
  
• Marc Jacobs' Faux Locs (2016): Jacobs faced criticism for presenting faux locs on white models, styling it as a trendy look without acknowledging its cultural heritage within Black communities.

But Here’s How to Get It Right!
Follow these simple steps to make sure you’re showing respect:

1. Know the History
   Take time to learn about the cultural significance behind the styles you’re inspired by. Knowing the story behind a look is the first step to honoring it properly.
2. Work with Black Creators
   If you’re truly appreciating a culture, collaborate with Black designers and stylists. Supporting people from the community shows respect and keeps the style authentic.
3. Give Credit Where It’s Due
   Make sure to acknowledge the origins of any look you’re inspired by. Don’t just follow a trend—celebrate where it came from.
4. Avoid Stereotypes
   Be careful not to oversimplify or exaggerate cultural symbols. Aim for a look that is respectful and thoughtful, not something that reduces a culture to a costume.
5. Educate Your Team
   Ensure everyone involved in your look—your designer, hairstylist, and makeup artist—understands the importance of appreciation, not appropriation. A little awareness goes a long way.

By following this checklist, VIPs can honor Black style at the Met Gala in a way that celebrates its true beauty and history, without crossing the line into appropriation.