Metropolitan Museum of Art extends prestigious invitation

When Jacques Agbobly opened the email from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, disbelief was his first reaction. The Brooklyn-based designer, originally from Togo and raised in Ohio, had only been in the fashion industry for five years. Yet here was an invitation from one of the most revered cultural institutions in the world — a place known for its iconic exhibitions and global influence in the arts.

The Met’s invitation was not just a nod of approval; it was a significant endorsement of Agbobly’s creative vision. The museum had selected Agbobly to participate in its upcoming exhibition focused on Black style and its impact on contemporary fashion. This opportunity placed Agbobly among a select group of designers whose work is shaping the future of the industry, and whose voices are contributing to a broader cultural conversation.

For Agbobly, the invitation was more than professional recognition — it was deeply personal. The designer has long drawn inspiration from their West African heritage, blending traditional textiles and silhouettes with modern tailoring. Being included in the Met’s exhibition offered a platform to showcase this unique perspective on a global stage, and to represent a new generation of designers redefining fashion through identity and innovation.

The exhibition, which will feature garments, photography, and multimedia installations, aims to highlight the diversity and creativity of Black designers across the diaspora. Agbobly’s inclusion signals a shift in the fashion world, where emerging voices are being celebrated not only for their aesthetic contributions but also for the cultural narratives they bring to the forefront.

Agbobly’s rise in the fashion industry

Jacques Agbobly’s journey into the fashion world began with a desire to see more authentic representation in the industry. After studying at Parsons School of Design in New York, Agbobly launched their eponymous label, Agbobly, with a mission to centre Black and queer identities in fashion. Their collections quickly gained attention for their vibrant colour palettes, gender-fluid silhouettes, and thoughtful storytelling rooted in personal and cultural history.

In just a few short years, Agbobly has carved out a distinctive space in an industry often criticised for its lack of inclusivity. Their designs challenge conventional norms, blending traditional West African techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Each piece is crafted with intention, often incorporating hand-dyed fabrics, intricate embroidery, and silhouettes that defy binary expectations. This commitment to authenticity and innovation has earned Agbobly a growing following among fashion insiders and consumers alike.

Agbobly’s work has been featured in major fashion publications and worn by influential figures who appreciate the designer’s bold vision and commitment to representation. Their collections are not just garments — they are statements, each telling a story about identity, heritage, and the power of self-expression. This narrative-driven approach has resonated with a new generation of fashion lovers who are seeking more than just trends — they want meaning, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Despite the challenges of navigating a competitive and often exclusive industry, Agbobly has remained steadfast in their mission. They have built a brand that not only celebrates individuality but also uplifts communities that have historically been marginalised in fashion. Their rise is a testament to the power of staying true to one’s vision, and to the growing demand for designers who bring fresh perspectives and lived experiences to the runway.

Celebrating Black style through innovative design

At the heart of Jacques Agbobly’s design philosophy is a celebration of Black style — not as a monolith, but as a rich, multifaceted expression of identity, history, and creativity. Their collections are deeply rooted in cultural storytelling, drawing from the designer’s Togolese heritage and lived experiences as a queer Black person in America. This intersectional lens allows Agbobly to create garments that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, challenging mainstream fashion narratives while offering new possibilities for self-expression.

Agbobly’s work often incorporates traditional West African textiles such as kente and batik, reimagined through a contemporary lens. These fabrics are not used as mere embellishments, but as central elements that carry cultural weight and historical significance. By pairing them with modern tailoring and experimental silhouettes, Agbobly bridges the past and present, honouring ancestral traditions while pushing the boundaries of what Black fashion can look like today.

In their recent collections, Agbobly has explored themes such as migration, gender identity, and community resilience. One standout piece featured in the Met exhibition is a hand-dyed ensemble inspired by the vibrant markets of Lomé, Togo, where colours and textures collide in a sensory celebration of life. Another look, a structured jacket with asymmetrical lines and bold embroidery, pays homage to the strength and fluidity of Black queer identities. These designs are not only visually striking — they are imbued with meaning, inviting viewers to engage with the stories behind the seams.

“Black style is not just about aesthetics — it’s about survival, joy, resistance, and innovation,” Agbobly has said. “It’s a language that speaks across generations and geographies.”

This ethos is evident in every aspect of Agbobly’s work, from the choice of materials to the casting of models and the narratives behind each collection. Their runway shows often feature diverse bodies and non-traditional presentations, challenging the fashion industry’s narrow standards of beauty and success. In doing so, Agbobly not only creates space for underrepresented voices but also redefines what it means to be fashionable in a global, multicultural world.

For Australian audiences, where conversations around diversity and representation in fashion are gaining momentum, Agbobly’s work offers a compelling example of how design can be both inclusive and innovative. Their approach resonates with a growing number of designers and consumers who are seeking authenticity and cultural depth in the clothes they wear. By celebrating Black style through a lens of innovation and identity, Agbobly is helping to shape a more expansive and equitable future for fashion — one that honours the past while boldly imagining what comes next.

Metropolitan Museum of Art extends invitation to rising designer

When Jacques Agbobly opened an email from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, their first instinct was disbelief. The Brooklyn-based designer, who has only been in the fashion industry for five years, was stunned to receive a personal invitation from one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions. For any designer, especially one still carving out their space in the industry, this kind of recognition is monumental.

The Met’s invitation signals a pivotal moment in Agbobly’s career — a nod from the establishment that their work is not only seen but celebrated. Known for their vibrant use of colour, gender-fluid silhouettes and deeply personal storytelling through garments, Agbobly’s designs are a refreshing departure from conventional fashion narratives. Their inclusion in a Met exhibition places them among a select group of creatives shaping the future of fashion.

Image credit: Superfine Tailoring, Black Style – Metropolitan Museum of Art Exhibition (Photo via WTOP)

Jacques Agbobly’s innovative fashion journey

Agbobly’s design ethos is rooted in a rich tapestry of identity, heritage and self-expression. Born in Togo and raised in Chicago, their work draws heavily from West African traditions, reimagined through a distinctly modern, diasporic lens. Each collection is a visual dialogue — a blend of cultural memory and contemporary edge that challenges the boundaries of gender and form.

What sets Agbobly apart is their commitment to authenticity. Their garments are not just clothes — they’re narratives. From hand-dyed textiles to sculptural tailoring, every piece is crafted with intention. The designer often incorporates traditional African techniques, such as batik and weaving, into silhouettes that feel both avant-garde and wearable. It’s this fusion of heritage and innovation that has caught the attention of fashion insiders globally.

In a recent capsule collection, Agbobly explored themes of queerness and Black identity, using bold colour blocking and asymmetrical cuts to evoke both strength and vulnerability. The pieces were unapologetically expressive — a celebration of individuality that resonated with a new generation of fashion lovers seeking meaning in their wardrobes.

“I want people to feel seen in my clothes,” Agbobly shared in a past interview. “Fashion should be a space where we can all exist fully, without compromise.”

For Australian fashion enthusiasts, Agbobly’s rise is a reminder of the power of storytelling in design. In a market increasingly drawn to inclusive, sustainable and culturally rich fashion, their work offers a blueprint for what the future of the industry could look like — bold, diverse and deeply personal.