Vanessa Friedman

The former vice president skipped the carpet, but slipped into the gala in a black silk gown in one of her first major public appearances since the 2024 election.

The co-hosts! The ticket prices! The dress code! A guide to the party of the year.

The party and its related exhibition, about Black male style, land in a moment when anything to do with race and diversity is under added scrutiny.

In this administration, looking the part is crucial to playing the part.