The night is still young, but Teyana Taylor has already taken the Met Gala carpet by storm. The multi-talented singer, songwriter, and actress was among the first to arrive at the iconic event, wearing an intricately crafted three-piece suit. Co-designed with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, the ensemble was not only a visual masterpiece, but also rich with hidden symbolism.
The pair previously collaborated in 2021 on Coming 2 America, but their Met Gala look delves even deeper into Taylor’s career. Drawing inspiration from her 2018 song “Rose in Harlem,” the cape is emblazoned with the words “Harlem Rose” along its edge. The pleated piece symbolizes the flower’s blossoming, elegantly flowing as it cascaded down the steps.
On the carpet, Carter also told BET that the sultriness of the suit and its intricate adornments paid homage to Taylor’s burlesque performances, while also nodding to the enduring legacy of the dandy. The look was finished with a velvet feathered hat, which Taylor removed to reveal a matching red durag, alongside custom Marc Jacobs Kiki boots, and David Yurman jewelry, adding the perfect finishing touch.
Last night, just before the Met Gala, Carter was honored at the People’s Ball in Brooklyn, where she wore the same ensemble she debuted on the carpet. In a conversation with ELLE, she reflected on the legacy of her career, working alongside legendary Black filmmakers like Robert Townsend. “Black dandyism has always been a part of our culture. We do it in a way nobody else has done it. Because we were disenfranchised, the only way we could really show our joy and our self-esteem was to adorn ourselves,” Carter explains. “I’m proud to be invited because I’ve been a part of Black dandyism for years, in my films like Malcolm X and Dolemite Is My Name. I do feel that I have somewhat shaped culture, so this is a celebration.”
