Next Met Gala Chairs: Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and LeBron James

NEW YORK – The theme of the next Met Gala and its celebrity chairs have been announced: Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and LeBron James will help the museum open an exhibition that examines black style throughout the centuries.

Williams and Hamilton were on hand Wednesday morning to help Metropolitan Museum Art officials announce “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the spring exhibition opening May 5 at the Met Gala. The specific dress code for the gala – usually tailored specifically to the theme of the exhibition – will be announced early next year.

Museum director Max Hollein said the exhibition, which will last six months, will explore “the importance of fashion style in the formation of black identities in the Atlantic diaspora” and “celebrate the power of style as a democratic tool for rejecting stereotypes.” and access to new opportunities.”

Hamilton, the Formula 1 star, made a poignant comment about how fashion became an expression of his identity.

When he was young, Hamilton said, “I was forced to conform. From my daily routine to what I wore. My routine was rigid. And as the only black kid on the track, there was no one like me to look up to.”

Later in life, he said: “I began to express myself more creatively and specifically through fashion. I found my identity in the way I dressed. That was a big positive change.”

“I know the power of representation and how fashion can be a tool to advance diversity and celebrate our differences,” Hamilton added. “I’m excited to celebrate Black history…and show that inclusion and creativity go hand in hand.

Also in attendance was Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who is chairing the gala and will also serve as co-chair. James will serve as honorary chair and the others will serve as co-chairs.

As always, the show is curated by Andrew Bolton, chief curator of the Met's Costume Institute. Guest curator Monica Miller, whose book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity” inspired the exhibition.

The Met Gala red carpet is always one of the biggest pop culture spectacles of the year. Stars like Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Billy Porter and Rihanna wear outfits tailored to the evening's theme. It's also a huge fundraiser: last year's gala raised more than $26 million, a record and a huge sum for such an event.