The style Adams would embrace had a name: dandyism. And dandyism was at the heart of Monday’s Met Gala, where many of the world’s most famous and influential tastemakers donned their luxury best to kick off the Met’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibit. But Black dandyism isn’t limited to expensive couture — it’s displayed daily.

From Zendaya's creamy white Louis Vuitton suit to Whoopi Goldberg looking like a Victorian-era dandy intellectual, this was masculinity as posturing, as provocation and as protection.

Janelle Monáe was feeling euphoric on Sunday when asked to break down her look for this year’s Met Gala, which celebrates Black dandyism. “I feel like a kid in class ready to give the presentation,” Monáe said.