Jerri Harper

Each year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art transforms for fashion’s biggest night, but this year’s Met Gala theme came with a deeper message. Superfine: Tailoring Black Style honored Black history, culture and legacy through the lens of fashion. The theme drew from the tradition of Black dandyism, paying homage to African-American ancestors who used style as a form of self-definition after the Civil War, especially during Reconstruction.

As a co-founder of the CROWN Coalition, Dove’s advocacy isn’t new. The brand has long supported textured hair and those who wear it. “Our ongoing support of the CROWN Movement and partnership with Rise.365 aims to highlight the glaring absence in our keyboards and ensure those with textured hair and protective styles see themselves reflected in digital spaces,” says Marcela Melero, chief growth officer of Dove Personal Care North America. Some might point to Memojis as a workaround.

Born in Ridgeway, South Carolina, Hudson’s journey into fashion began at an early age. By the time he was five, he was already captivated by style icons like Grace Jones. His mother, Sheldon Hudson, taught him how to sew, and by age 10, he was already making dresses for clients in his community.