When Dr. Monica L. Miller accomplished her thesis on Black Dandyism as a graduate pupil at Harvard, it set forth a series of occasions that might go on to affect trend on a grand scale. Because of Dr. Miller, we witnessed the Blackest Met Gala but. The analysis for her thesis developed into two books: Slaves to Trend: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Id (2009) and the upcoming Superfine: Tailoring Black Type (2025), which grew to become the blueprint for this yr’s Met Gala. The largest trend occasion of the yr was themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Type” and raised $31 million for the Costume Institute. And much more vital, put Black dandyism on show for the world to see.
Dr. Miller’s ardour for studying and instructing is admirable. At the moment, she is the Professor of Africana Research and Chair of the Africana Research Division. Her instructional profession is an instance of how trend, arts, leisure, and training can intersect. Because the visitor curator for this yr’s Met Gala, she was instrumental in contextualizing the theme whereas carrying the torch for authors, educators, and trend historical past lovers.
She continues to encourage different college students to comply with in her footsteps. She informed host Lala Anthony throughout a Vogue livestream. “I’ve by no means had such a giant classroom,” referring to the rising curiosity in research. She continues to unfold her data of Black historical past, educating everybody she encounters, from the scholars in her class to Vogue host La La Anthony. “Thanks for educating me,” the actress informed Dr. Miller throughout the identical stream.
Studying From Dr. Monica L. Miller
The Met Gala is about greater than dressing up, it helps fund the Costume Institute, which then helps present instructional sources for sensible minds like Dr. Miller. Training generally is a automobile to reaching greatness.
Dr. Miller’s work spotlighted Black Dandyism throughout a time when civil liberties are being violated and an administration hell bent on smothering the cultural id. Artwork imitates life, and just like the Black Dandies utilizing trend to reclaim their identities, we’re standing sturdy as a collective. A teenage fan of The White Lotus whose by no means heard of Dapper Dan will perceive how he expanded the concept of luxurious at his Harlem atelier due to this exhibition. A privileged particular person might uncover a Black designer like Brandon Blackwood, Chuks Collins, or Hanifa as a result of she in the future turned a brush with a cliff observe into an indelible physique of labor.
As media literacy is at an all-time low and pathways to greater studying are below assault, we should always keep in mind individuals like Dr. Monica L. Miller, who quietly encourage us to assume more durable and attain greater.
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