The Gala’s theme, A Legacy Tailored, Dandy Style, draws inspiration from the tradition of Sunday Best—a cultural practice deeply rooted in Black life after Emancipation.

Across post-emancipation Black communities, dressing with care and intention, particularly for church and communal gatherings, was an act of dignity, self-definition, and resistance in a world that sought to deny Black humanity. Clothing became a way to assert pride, faith, and belonging in public space.

While not claiming a singular fashion lineage, this theme honors the broader legacy of Black self-presentation as a form of cultural expression and resilience. Dandy Style reflects the idea that how we show up individually and collectively can be both personal and political.

Guests are invited to interpret the theme through Black Tie or Cultural Chic, channeling timeless sophistication with a bold, expressive twist that celebrates history, identity, and presence.