DANDY ROYALE

by Cyrene Renée

@CYRENERENEE

Black Dandyism, a term that has been around for centuries, but in recent months, has been given a more mainstream rebirth. With the 2025 Met Gala “Superfine, Tailoring Black Style,” taking center stage on a much-needed topic. Black fashion has been given its flowers. This was the first time the Met Gala dedicated the event to Black designers, Black stylists, and Black creatives. Celebrities Zandaya, Janelle Monae, Diana Ross, Angela Bassett, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, Alton Mason, and many others graced the blue speckled carpet in their finest tailored ensembles. Cloaked in exceptional fabrics. Adorned with creative details of pearls, metallics, clocks, and feathers. Their hats cocked to the side embracing the finest of attitudes. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the latest to capture the historic account of culture and pristine handsome beauty. For those of us who know, the Gala may have been for one night, but Dandyism is a mindset. It is a tribute to ancestral tenacity and class. It is more than a suit. It is who we are as people. 

“I laid out above eight pounds of my money for a suit of superfine clothes to  dance with at my freedom.”  OLUADAH EQUANO, 1789 

DANDYISM DEFINED  

According to the Oxford University Press, the term Dandy is defined as “1. A person unduly devoted to style, neatness, and fashion in dress and appearance. 2. An excellent thing of its kind.” The Met states, “A Dandy is defined as someone who “studies above everything else to dress elegantly and fashionably.” In a nutshell, Dandyism is dope! It is art. It is pristine and captivating. It can be as simple or elaborate as the person would like it to be. To be a Dandy is to be bold, and confident. Always confident. The rule of Dandyism is to be uniquely you. It is far less about the price tag of the garment and more about how it is presented. Regardless of if the piece is couture, thrifted, or trending, the individual breathes life and dignified character of boundless greatness.  

“Dandy to me means being unabashedly yourself. A person of substance and standards who takes risks and shrugs off naysayers. A descriptive term for some who shakes and moves by their own rules, with immaculate tailoring to boot!”  RAMÓN LUIS (DANDY ROYALE GUEST) 

“I know society can learn from the history of the Dandy and Black culture. Black people will always be resourceful and rooted in self-love which is a shared experience through expression.” ELISHA GLASS (DANDY ROYALE GUEST)

HISTORY AT HIS FINEST 

Since the 18th century, Black people have embraced our beauty, accentuated our personal archetype, conquered devious stereotypes, and persevered while looking good through it all. Beyond mere appearances, we have created the societal norms and status quo of fashion with talent, innovation, and determination as well as through music, theater, television, film, and poetry, and in all levels of visual artistry. Either as freedmen or enslaved ancestors working as tradesmen, in indentured servitude or held captive in bondage in the 18th and 19th centuries, the flappers and dapper gentlemen of the roaring 20s during the Harlem Renaissance, rock and roll and the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s, disco in the 1970s, street style and hip-hop in the 1980s to present day, and the blues since the beginning of time, we remain a classic. 

Throughout history and modern day, Black people have shown unique growth despite the ongoing wrongdoings against the community. Through art and specifically through fashion, we have been able to dispel the myths used to attempt to stunt our progression. The Dandy is a direct result of such a dilemma. The art of dressing impeccably allows for a different tale beyond comparison to a primate. As the elders may say, “there must be a fly in the buttermilk,” or in today’s terms, “the math isn’t matching.” 

SUPERFINE 

 

The exhibition is free with museum entry. We traveled to the rear of the museum. Coasting through with one space in mind. While other showcases are bright and airy, the exhibition itself is dim. The lighting sets the mood for a theatrical and smokey journey. The strategically placed lighting illuminates each figure, allowing for silence and in some cases an uproar. It is grouped into 12 sections to include cool, jook, presence, disguise, distinction, champion, beauty, respectability, freedom, cosmopolitanism, ownership, and heritage. With these sub-sections, museum-goers are introduced to different styling of Dandyism and its progress. Shifting the climate of each station with each outfit at a time. From track pants, to silk lined blazers, ruffled shirts, kaftans, sneakers, and shined hard-sole shoes, all are on display for the world to see.  

Coupled together in a common yet grandiose space, attendees can connect with the displayed garments, fabrics, encased accessories, and photos and videos of Dandies past and present. Placing names and dates pinpointing the who and the where brings a sense of humanity and relatability to the exposition. It goes far beyond mannequins draped in fine threads. The rooms are filled with carefully chosen artifacts of distinct taste. A living art gallery of various time periods of fashion seamlessly held together by one common theme: admiration for style. It is a sight to behold. 

“The Costume Institute’s Spring 2025 exhibition presents a cultural and historical examination of Black style over three hundred years through the concept of dandyism. In the 18th-century Atlantic world, a new culture of consumption, fueled by the slave trade, colonialism, and imperialism, enabled access to clothing and goods that indicated wealth, distinction, and taste. Black dandyism sprung from the intersection of African and European style traditions.” THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, 2025, SUPERFINE: TAILORING BLACK STYLE 

THE ROYALE

This all leads me to The Dandy Royale. I came up with the idea when I heard about the showcase. I knew I wanted to see it. I knew I had to see it, but I didn’t want to attend common wares. I wanted to show up as my own version of Dandy.

I had two months to plan and prepare. It needed to be done well. I wanted to create something memorable and tangible. This needed to be documented. 

The invitations doubled as a custom Power Point website with detailed information for all attendees. It was a must for the execution to be as close to perfect as possible. Thankfully, I have some marvelous friends who all accepted the invitation and the challenge to show up and show out graciously and unapologetically. Beyond just seeing the exhibition, I curated an editorial photoshoot held in Central Park. Steps away from the historical Seneca Village community, which is located on the West Side. It was only right since we were already adorned in our Dandy best, and near where original Black settlers lived before the park was established from the 1820s to the 1850s. They were ultimately forcibly removed and displaced by eminent domain in mid-1850, due to the city’s aspirations to expand the plans during the creation of the park. 

From there, we attended my birthday dinner at the Café d’Alsace. The décor of the restaurant fit the theme of our fashions just right.

“My personal style would be described as streetstyle chic. I like simplicity and comfort with a little something extra to elevate my looks. For instance, a matching set is simple, but your jewelry, shades, handbag, other accessories, or even hairstyle can turn something simple into something dynamic." MARCUS EARLY (DANDY ROYALE GUEST) 

From the checkered tiled floors to the printed wallpaper and illustrious bar. We sat in the private dining space in the rear of the restaurant. The tablescape was just as important as the trip to the museum. Black and white with hints of plum for a splash of color not to clash with the pine green chairs. Custom favors of Himalayan rose bath salts and selenite crystals were given to all guests. Personalized menus and thank you postcards, along with the official Superfine postcards from The Met gift shop were at each setting. White chargers and black table runners placed vertically to create a bold stripe along the dinner table. Fresh purple flowers in vintage glass bud vases nestled between the stark black and white. The main centerpiece, a large, white, two-tiered, naked cake with white edible pearls, silver candles, and a black-and-white Polaroid-style photo of myself. The flavors were bold and fun, based off pies, key lime and peach cobbler. White linen napkins with lucite and feather place cards for assigned seating. Black-and-white spiraled candles with vintage metallic holders used to continue the vision. Decorated bottles of wine and apple cider with white pearls and etched flowers were placed on either side. Small cream velvet pockets of tic tac toe game filled with pearled bows and circles for a guest activity. The Dandy theme further played out on the dinner table with framed accessories featuring a pearl necklace, a mini polka dot bow tie, silver tie clips, silver applique, and a pewter pocket watch. Simple touches to remind us of what makes a lady a lady, and a gentleman a gentleman, and everyone in between. It was a brilliant extension of the museum. In a nutshell, it was Dandy. 

I admire Rihanna because her style is more than just her clothes—it’s her attitude, confidence, and vibe. She wears authentic, unapologetic clothes, despite what others think. She walks with confidence and poise, turning heads wherever she goes, ignoring what others think. She’s done edgy, glam, sporty, and chic. She’s multifaceted. She’s inspiring, and I try to incorporate bad gyal energy into every outfit.” AMANDA UDAKA (DANDY ROYALE GUEST)

This event was to ultimately celebrate my birthday with my loves, but it was also a beautiful moment to celebrate Black excellence with the very people who go above and beyond in their own fields of expertise and talents. Individuals whom I admire and have the blessing to call family and friends. We uplift and support each other in real time and for all the right reasons. It wasn’t just about me; it was about us. It was about the resilience and the magic that makes society what it is today, by honoring those who have come before us. 

“I not only had a great time at Cyrene’s Dandy Royale, I received a hands-on masterclass in Dandyism itself. Watching Cyrene, her friends, and contemporaries bring this art form to life was truly remarkable. As someone outside of the model world, I was honored to witness such an artful celebration of life, style, and fashion history. I am humbled to be a part of it.”  ANDREW MARSH (DANDY ROYALE GUEST) 

Ancestors are not “was,” but “are.” If we speak their names, tell their stories, read their books, watch their movies, and listen to their music, they are very much relevant and present even beyond their transition. I made the day personal and wore an icon photo pendant of my grandmother. I wanted her to be present and honored. On any given day you will find me with an icon brooch of Dorothy Dandridge, who is my style icon, or Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Irene Cara, or Maya Angelou. Those who have come before me and paved the way for me to be who and what I am. I would describe my personal style as chic, sexy, classic, classy, and even when casual, a touch of vintage adornment. Fashion is one thing and style is another. It is my personality draped over my being. It is the embodiment of my spirit. How I look and how I feel shown in a visual representation whether caught in a glance, a glare, or desired longing. It is me. 

Dare I say, I too, am a Dandy.

“Being rebellious and Black, a nonconformist, being cool and hip and angry and sophisticated and ultra clean, whatever else you want to call it. I was all those things and more.” MILES DAVI(“MILES: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY,” 1989)

CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHER: TRUDY GIORDANO & ELISHA GLASS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: CYRENE RENEE 

STYLIST: CYRENE RENEE  DECORATIONS & EVENT PLANNING: CYRENE RENEE 

EVENT PLANNING ASSISTANT: MORGAN LEWIS 

LOCATIONS:

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART – 1000 5TH AVE, NEW YORK NY 10028 CENTRAL PARK – CENTRAL PARK NEW YORK, NY 100024 

CAFE D’ALSACE RESTAURANT – 1703 2ND AVE NEW YORK, NY 10128 

QUOTES: AMANDA UDUKA ANDREW MARSH ELISHA GLASS FREDERICK DOUGLAS MARCUS EARLY MILES DAVIS OLUADAH EQUANO * RAMÓN LUIS

BOOKRECOMMENDATIONS: CARL AYERS

ASPECIALTHANKSTOALLWHOATTENDED 

ALYSSA SENEH AMANDA UDUKA ANDREW MARSH BRANDON JERROD ELISHA GLASS MARCUS EARLY MONIQUA FLADGER MORGAN LEWIS RAMON LUIS TAYLOR WILLIAMS TRUDY GIORDANO

RESOURCES:* MONICA L. MILLER WITH ANDREW BOLTON, WILLIAM DEGREGORIO AND  AMANDA GARFINKEL, 2025, “SUPERFINE: TAILORING BLACK STYLE.”  

* OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS DICTIONARY. 

* SHANTRLLE P. LEWIS, 2017, “THE DANDY LION: THE BLACK DANDY AND STREET  STYLE.” 

* THE CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY, 2018 JAN 18, BEFORE CENTRAL PARK: THE  STORY OF SENECA VILLIAGE,  HTTPS://WWW.CENTRALPARKNYC.ORG/ARTICLES/SENECA-VILLAGE 

* THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, 2025, SUPERFINE: TAILORING BLACK STYLE, HTTPS://WWW.METMUSEUM.ORG/EXHIBITIONS/SUPERFINE-TAILORING-BLACK-STYLE