The trend of “Dandyism” has been a prominent subject throughout 2025, gaining significant attention after the Met Gala highlighted “Black Dandyism” in May. This theme has sparked discussions on social media and raised awareness about the Black influence on fashion.
Well before the Met Gala, Byron Armstrong and Ilene Sova, collectively known as Armova Curatorial, initiated plans for an art exhibition celebrating the essence of Black style. The resulting showcase, named “Too Much Fashion: An Ode to Black Creative Resilience,” debuted at Toronto’s United Contemporary gallery on Emancipation Day.
The exhibition’s title, “Too Much Fashion,” was inspired by the late African American fashion journalist André Leon Talley, known for his distinctive and extravagant style. Armstrong and Sova aimed to pay homage to Talley, a significant figure in the fashion industry, by using his phrase in a celebratory manner rather than a critical one.
Armstrong and Sova conceived the exhibit as a response to the prevalent focus on Black trauma in previous art shows discussing issues relevant to the Black community. They wanted to create a space that honored and celebrated the Black figure without causing re-traumatization.
Featuring nine artists, mostly based in Canada, the exhibition showcases a diverse range of artistic styles, from painting to collage. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the theme, highlighting the beauty and resilience of Black creativity.
One of the featured artists, Odeh, known for her powerful imagery of Black hairstyles, uses a unique solar fast dye printmaking process to depict various hairstyles that have inspired her. She sees hairstyling as a form of resilience and self-acceptance, emphasizing the magic and diversity of Black hair.
Benny Bing, another artist in the exhibition, is renowned for his portraits of Black women exploring gender and identity. His recent works in “Too Much Fashion” pay tribute to his late brother and father, portraying three generations of men with grace and strength.
Kachelle Knowles, an artist from the Bahamas, focuses on depicting Black men in her digital and mixed media artworks. Her pieces in the exhibition portray the idealized version of her best friend, showcasing an uplifting and inspirational representation of Black masculinity.
Armstrong and Sova aim to create an inclusive and engaging space with their exhibition, moving away from the traditional elitist art gallery concept. They hope to foster discussions and dialogues around Black creativity and resilience.
“Too Much Fashion: An Ode to Black Creative Resilience” is currently on display at United Contemporary in Toronto until August 30.