Dressed to Defy: Black By God x Bienen Davis Bring the Bricktop Collection to the Met Gala Conversation
An Appalachian fashion collaboration inspired by elegance, resistance, and the radical legacy of dressing well.
What Is Dandyism—and Why Does It Matter?
Dandyism is often mistaken for vanity. It’s far more. Historically, dandyism emerged as a philosophy of refinement—a belief in the transformative power of style, poise, and individuality. But in the hands of Black artists, activists, and cultural icons, dandyism has taken on even deeper meaning.
Black dandyism is defiance draped in elegance. It’s the art of dressing with such precision and power that your very presence becomes a political act. From the crisp collars of Black educators in the segregated South to the flamboyant color and confidence of Congolese Sapeurs, Black dandyism has always challenged societal norms. It asserts dignity in the face of exclusion. It turns fashion into armor.
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” honors this enduring legacy. While not confirmed for the red carpet, a new Appalachian collaboration has created a collection for this moment.
The Bricktop Collection, a limited-edition handbag line by Crystal Good and Meredith German, is a tribute to one of Appalachia’s most dazzling daughters: Ada Beatrice Queen Victoria Louise Virginia Smith, known globally as Bricktop. It’s also a celebration of Black Appalachian elegance, resistance, and revival.
A Spark Between Style and Storytelling
It began with a spark—a shared love of fashion and fierce Appalachian pride. In 2020, Crystal Good—poet, publisher, and founder of Black By God—met Meredith German, creative director of luxury heritage brand Bienen Davis and owner of Lewisburg Surf Shop in Lewisburg, WV. Their bond was instant, formed over a mutual admiration for storytelling that shimmers and the irresistible power of a well-made bag.
Together, they began dreaming up a line that would channel Bricktop’s life and legacy. Now, in 2025, The Bricktop Collection is here.
Crystal Good, West Virginia native and Grammy Award-winning artist Sierra Ferrell, and Meredith German at Healing Appalachia.
A Stage for Style and Story: Healing Appalachia
Their creative synergy deepened through Healing Appalachia, an annual music, recovery, and regional pride festival. For two years running, Meredith has styled Crystal’s outfits—garments that bridge high fashion and mountain roots.But Crystal doesn’t just emcee—she conjures. She transforms the stage into a sacred circle of poems, stories, and songs, delivered with a generous dose of Bricktop’s homespun humor and hospitality. Dressed in pieces that echo past and future, Crystal becomes a kind of conduit, linking Appalachian history to healing—always in her full presence, unapologetically Black by God.
Think you’ve got the dandy spirit?
Head to our socials and enter the giveaway for a chance to win the exclusive “Bricktop” BBG x Bienen Davis bag. Just tag @BBG in your posts and stories, show us your style, your flair, your dandiest self.
Judges Jammar Dunnigan Crystal, Leeshia Lee, and Jayli Philips will pick the winner on Met Gala night.
👉 Follow us and enter now on Instagram + Facebook
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