Let's be honest: Not every child watches the Met Gala. But soon enough? They're scrolling and seeing the photos, memes, and videos everywhere. And whether they realize it or not, they know who gets praised and seen. 

The 2025 Met Gala embraced the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrating the rich legacy of Black dandyism, a fashion movement where Black individuals have historically used style as a form of self-expression, resistance, and pride. From the Harlem Renaissance to today's red carpets, Black dandyism has been about reclaiming elegance and showcasing individuality. Back in the day, it was how Black men pushed back against stereotypes and showed up with dignity. Today, it's a celebration of creativity and freedom.

Mental health in Black children 

We can't talk about self-esteem without talking about mental health, and for Black children, the stakes are particularly high. They are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and are more likely to be diagnosed with disorders. A 2023 study found that suicide rates among Black youth aged 10–19 have increased faster than in any other racial or ethnic group. Mental health is shaped by environment, visibility, and affirmation. When children don't see themselves positively reflected in the media or everyday spaces, it can reinforce feelings of invisibility or inferiority.

Mental health & self-esteem

We rarely talk about it, yet we underestimate how much everyday media shapes how children see themselves. The truth is, representation is a form of mental healthcare. According to a study, children who regularly face positive racial identity cues, including media representation, show higher levels of self-esteem. So when a child sees celebrities with the same skin color owning the carpet with confidence and grace, that's not just fashion; it's a lifeline.

When it comes to fashion, especially on a big stage like the Met Gala, it goes beyond clothes; it tells a story. It builds confidence in ways that go deeper than we realize.

What is Black Dandyism and why it matters for children 

Black dandyism isn't just about dressing well but reclaiming the narrative. In the 19th century, it emerged as a powerful response to how Black people were perceived, especially men. At a time when society tried to reduce them to servitude and invisibility, dandyism was a way to say, "I am more than what you think."

Fast-forward to the Harlem Renaissance, and you'll see how poets, jazz musicians, and thinkers used clothing as art, as identity, and as armor. The 2025 Met Gala brought that energy to the forefront, and as Vogue UK covered, it wasn't just about aesthetics; it was a quiet, confident protest.

The impact on children watching is real. They're learning that Blackness isn't one thing. It's soft, bold, and regal. It's whatever they need it to be, and that's empowering.

Fashion might seem surface-level, but it's a gateway to self-discovery for many children. It's how they figure out who they are and how they want the world to see them. When that exploration is celebrated on the biggest stages, it helps build emotional security and pride.

How children see themselves affects their mental health. When they feel good about who they are, what they wear, and their background, they become more confident and better able to handle life's challenges.

Representation matters

When we say representation matters, we're not just being nice. We're stating a fact. A child who sees Tracee Ellis Ross or Caleb McLaughlin being praised for their beauty, creativity, or poise doesn't just see a celebrity—they see possibility.

As writer Zachary George once shared, "Seeing myself on screen made me feel seen in real life." The same applies to high fashion. When Blackness is centered not as a trend, but as a tradition, it teaches young people to celebrate who they are, not shrink from it.

This Met Gala did that. It reminded us that style is power. When Black children see themselves reflected in the brightest lights, they start to believe they belong there, too. And let's be real, belonging is powerful. It's healing, and it changes everything.

Creating an everyday affirmation 

With everything said, representation transcends beyond the red carpet. It must show up in everyday spaces - classrooms, books, homes and play. That's where Corage Dolls come in. 

Resources like the Corage Cards – Music Moods Edition help keep the conversation going. These beautifully designed cards invite children to explore their emotions in fun, creative ways, using music, mindfulness, and storytelling. They help kids name their feelings, affirm their worth, and embrace their whole selves.

Because representation isn't just about being seen, it's about feeling seen, even on quiet days, even when no one's watching.