— has become an obstacle.

Unlike past shows that highlighted the work of very famous designers likeor Charles James, this exhibit includes a number of up-and-coming designers like Agbobly.

“The range is phenomenal,” says guest curator Monica L. Miller, a Barnard College professor whose book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” is a foundation for the show.“It’s super exciting to showcase the designs of these younger and emerging designers,” says Miller, who took The Associated Press through the show over the weekend before its unveiling at Monday’s Met Gala, “and to see the way they’ve been thinking about Black representation across time and across geography.”Miller also spoke about the exhibit at a press preview Monday morning, at which the Met’s CEO, Max Hollein, announced the gala had raised a record $31 million — the first time the fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute has crossed the $30 million mark and eclipsing

(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Also appearing was actor and gala co-chair Colman Domingo, who spoke with emotion about the family members — a stepfather, a father, a brother — who introduced him to style. Resplendent in a purple suit by designer Ozwald Boateng, he shared a favorite quote from director and playwright George C. Wolfe: “God created Black people, and Black people created style.”

The exhibit covers Black style over several centuries, butThe weather service confirmed a “large and extremely dangerous” tornado Sunday afternoon near Mingus, Texas, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) west of Fort Worth. Significant damage but no immediate casualties were reported in Palo Pinto County, which includes Mingus, a sheriff’s office dispatcher said.

Forecasters warned of hail the size of tennis balls in that area, and damaging hail elsewhere in parts of Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska.Jeff Wyatt’s home of 17 years was destroyed along with much of his neighborhood in London, Kentucky. Wyatt, his wife and two of their children scarcely made it to safety in a hallway while the roof and family room were ripped away. On Sunday, the family returned to the wrecked home to collect photos, baby blankets and other keepsakes.

A path of destroyed homes is seen, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in London, Ky., after a severe storm passed through the area. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)A path of destroyed homes is seen, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in London, Ky., after a severe storm passed through the area. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)