This collection honors the extraordinary duality of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges — a man of mixed Black and white heritage, an elite fencer and soldier, and a pioneering classical composer in 18th-century France. By drawing upon his life, the designs celebrate the convergence of athleticism and artistry, nobility and struggle, public acclaim and quiet resistance. In the spirit of the 2025 Met Gala theme Superfine, the collection foregrounds men in fashion, giving visibility to strength, complexity, and refined grace.
Each piece reflects Bologne’s remarkable versatility — his equestrian poise, his musical genius, his martial discipline, and his leadership in a Black regiment during the French Revolution. Through tailored silhouettes, elegant drapery, and rich, contrasting textures, the garments tell his story: of a man who transcended rigid categories of race and class, whose legacy continues to challenge and inspire. This is more than fashion — it’s a tribute to a forgotten polymath, and a call for contemporary recognition of Black excellence at the forefront.