Jacques Agbobly, a Brooklyn-based fashion designer originally from Togo, was elated to have his designs featured in the Met Gala's exhibit 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style', celebrating Black designers and menswear. The exhibit, curated by Monica L. Miller, explores Black fashion through a historical lens, focusing on dandyism and its representation across time and geography. Key sections of the exhibit include 'Ownership', highlighting elaborate livery coats worn by slaves, and 'Disguise', showcasing how clothing enabled slaves to escape and start new lives. The modern segment features contemporary designs that challenge gender roles and highlight Black success, with portraits of Black individuals from the 19th century juxtaposed against racist caricatures. Highlighted figures include W.E.B. Du Bois and Frederick Douglass, celebrated for their sartorial elegance, and Agbobly's own vibrant designs pay homage to his cultural heritage and family influences.

Jacques Agbobly, having only been in the fashion industry for five years, was thrilled to contribute to 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' at the Met Gala, marking the first Costume Institute exhibit focused solely on Black designers and menswear.

Curator Monica L. Miller, author of 'Slaves to Fashion', organized the exhibit into 12 conceptual sections, each exploring different aspects of Black style and dandyism, a theme that encourages taking up space and challenging societal norms.

The 'Ownership' section features garments like livery coats from slaves, illustrating how such clothing was used to display the wealth of slave owners and highlighting the dehumanization through conspicuous consumption.

In the 'Disguise' section, 19th-century newspaper ads for runaway slaves demonstrate how clothing played a crucial role in escape and survival, with former slaves using fine clothes to conceal their identities and eventually support themselves financially.

The modern part of the exhibit includes innovative designs by contemporary designers, such as embroidered jackets by Off-White that deliberately blur gender lines, and Agbobly's own pieces inspired by his West African heritage and personal experiences.

Historical figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Frederick Douglass are celebrated for their impeccable style, representing Black elegance and the fight against racial stereotypes; their personal belongings and documents are displayed to illustrate their influence.

Agbobly's contributions, including a colorful ensemble inspired by West African migrant bags and a denim suit adorned with crystals, reflect his cultural roots and family memories, embodying the exhibit's theme of heritage.