Met Gala 2025: How carrying a cane became a 'powerful fashion statement'

The Met Monday has arrived! So has the mobility in madness!

And the stars on the Met Gala Blue Carpet are paying a nod with immaculate detail.

How so?

Adding a superfine cane to their ‘lewk’ for fashion’s biggest night!


Carrying the Cane!

One of the biggest global superstars pulled up at the Met Gala this year, and it’s none other than Shah Rukh Khan ! While it was already confirmed that the King of Bollywood would be wearing a creation of Sabyasachi , the bonafide Indian designer known for his elegant and maximalist take on fashion – it’s safe to say that fans weren’t quite ready for the look SRK served on the blue carpet!

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An all-black ensemble, comprising tailored trousers and a long coat over a shirt – already exuberant and only accentuated with signature Sabyasachi extravagance – the jewels! From sporting an SRK neckpiece to donning a chunky ‘K’ pendant, presumably for the ‘K’ing he is, from acing a pair of black sunnies and a hint of salt and pepper hair to striking his signature pose for the fans – Shah Rukh, at his Met Gala debut, is everything superfine!

But the cherry on cake?

The stunning and sleek cane!


The global superstar made his Met Gala debut more regal as he carried a black cane with a gold Bengal tiger head – superfine redefined!


The history and the significance of a cane:

In Black dandyism , the walking stick (cane or staff) symbolizes more than just a walking aid; it's a tool for self-expression, a statement of power, and a symbol of cultural resistance and pride. It's a way to command attention and assert one's presence, often serving as a visual representation of the dandy's refined style and individuality.



Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Historical significance: Walking sticks have been used by Black dandy figures throughout history, including individuals like Julius Soubise, Frederick Douglass, and those in the Harlem Renaissance, demonstrating its enduring legacy within Black culture.

Assertion of identity and individuality: The cane allowed Black men to express their unique style and personality, moving beyond the prescribed norms of fashion. It became a way to assert one's identity and individuality in a society that often sought to define them by their race rather than their character.

Act of cultural resistance: In a racially segregated America, the Black dandy's outfit, including the cane, became a form of resistance against the limitations imposed upon them. The cane, along with other fashion choices, served as a defiant act, a way of asserting their right to exist on their own terms and challenge the status quo.


How the cane became a powerful fashion statement:

In Black dandyism, the cane became a powerful fashion statement by embodying sophistication, status, and resistance. It served as a tool for self-expression and a declaration of individuality, particularly in a society where Black people often faced discrimination and limitations.


Here's a more detailed look:

Symbol of sophistication and status: The cane, when used with fine clothing, signified a level of elegance and refinement, challenging the stereotypes and expectations placed upon Black people. It represented a claim to a level of social standing and cultural capital that was often denied to them.

Legacy of black dandyism: The Black dandy's use of the cane, along with other fashion elements, continues to inspire and influence fashion today, with modern dandyism embracing bold color palettes and extravagant accessories while honoring the legacy of those who came before. Fashion icons like Jidenna, who incorporate tailored suits, fedoras, and vibrant patterns, exemplify the ongoing power and significance of this style.


Carrying the legacy forward:

It’s not just Shah Rukh Khan who paid tribute to Black Dandyism with her superfine black and gold cane. Take a look at the stars who shone bright as they paid homage to the superfine theme of the Met Gala 2025 .


Teyana Taylor


Teyana Taylor, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and actress, showed up and owned the blue carpet and how! Taylor wore an intricately crafted three-piece suit, co-designed with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. The ensemble, which was not only a visual masterpiece, but also rich with hidden symbolism, was only elevated by the superfine cane she carried, and with that – the legacy of Black Dandyism!


A$AP Rocky


Like a true dandy, A$AP Rocky wore his own design to the Met Gala 2025. The rapper and 2025 Met Gala co-chair paid homage to Harlem with his custom AWGE look, designed by himself and longtime stylist Matthew Henson. Doing a contemporary spin on tailoring, Rocky took a cool, sportswear-minded route that reflected his impeccable personal style: a double-breasted AWGE parka in technical wool, completed with coated snaps and velcro detailing on the sleeves. Oh and don’t you forget the shimmery yet understated black and silver cane that came along for the fashionable ride!


Diljit Dosanjh


The Indian singer with his roots in Punjab is royalty, and he’s proving it once again on the blue carpet! Adorned in a white suit, with a white drape, and a white turban – Dosanjh served ‘Maharaja’ vibes in the Prabal Gurung ensemble. The icing on the cake? The sword, of course, the sword (which is not far from the impression of a cane)!