A Cut Above: Shaping Identity With Tailoring

The Met Gala had just passed, and the theme was inspired by the gallery’s new exhibit Superfine – Tailoring Black Style. This showcase explored the importance of clothing and style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora, as well as the pivotal role Black culture has played in the development of fashion.

Bespoke tailoring is a key part of Black dandyism. From hand-stitched suits to perfectly cut trousers, the dandy’s wardrobe is built on precision, style and quality: after all, a beautifully-fitted suit makes a powerful statement all of its own. With her Jamaican heritage, the ground-breaking Savile Row-trained tailor Alicya Sinclair happily embraces Black dandyism, incorporating elements such as bold colours and sharp cuts into her own creations.