New York: Brooklyn Designer Spotlighted in Historic Exhibit
Brooklyn fashion designer Jacques Agbobly received thrilling news from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After just five years in the fashion industry, the museum invited him to showcase two of his designs in their upcoming exhibit titled "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."
Agbobly couldn’t believe the opportunity at first. "I was so excited I had to confirm the email was real. Then I wondered if I could even share the news!" he shared.
Originally from Togo, Agbobly grew up watching tailors create beautiful garments in his family’s home. Moving to New York to study fashion, he often admired the Met Gala from a distance, dreaming of one day contributing to such celebrated events.
The "Superfine" exhibit, set to open at the Met Gala, is a significant milestone—it’s the first to solely feature Black designers and the first menswear-focused show in over 20 years. This event stands apart from past exhibits that predominantly showcased high-profile designers like Karl Lagerfeld, instead highlighting emerging talent like Agbobly.
Guest curator Monica L. Miller notes the exceptional variety within the exhibit, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the inventive styles of younger designers. “It’s thrilling to see how they represent Black culture and identity through their work,” she explained.
Central to the exhibit is the concept of dandyism, reflecting how Black designers have historically navigated and shaped fashion. For Agbobly, dandyism is about presence and identity. "It’s taking space and challenging norms, especially as a Black designer," he remarked.
Miller meticulously organized the exhibit into twelve themes, including Ownership and Heritage, each telling a different story of Black identity through fashion.
The exhibit’s historical pieces explore how clothing has played dual roles—both dehumanizing and empowering. For instance, two coats worn by enslaved people illustrate the wealth owners projected through their clothing, while a striking contemporary ensemble by designer Grace Wales Bonner highlights a celebration of cultural roots.
Additionally, the collection includes reflective portraits from the 19th century, showcasing successful Black men who commissioned these pieces, highlighting the rise of a Black middle class despite their simultaneous portrayal in derogatory caricatures.
Notably, figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, who dressed impeccably to represent Black America, feature prominently. The exhibit displays his tailored clothing, revealing how fashion played into social identity and respectability.
As Agbobly anticipates the exhibit’s opening, he feels immense pride in his heritage and his role within a historically rich narrative. His designs are not just pieces of art; they are expressions of cultural resilience and personal history.
The excitement is palpable as Agbobly prepares for this extraordinary moment. "If I could scream from the rooftops about it, I would!" he said enthusiastically.
