Julius Soubise: The 18th-century Londoner who inspired Doechii’s Dandy Met Gala look

Dressed in a Louis Vuitton suit and Crimson Cravat, Doechii’s look at the Met Gala 2025 was inspired by an 18th-century Londoner whose flair could give Bridgerton a run for its money.

Julius Soubise was an 18th-century dandy who enthralled and challenged the upper echelons of London society.

Byronic in his character, he was a skilled fencer and horseman, a celebrated actor, and one of the most fashionable men of his generation.

He was also considered a womaniser who loved to run in debaucherous circles and subverted traditional ideas of 18th-century masculinity.

We spoke to Montaz Marché, a historian from the University of Birmingham, to find out more about Soubise.

She said: “There are few figures of black African heritage who had that same libertine character.”

Born in the Caribbean to an enslaved Jamaican woman, Soubise was bought at 10 years old by a Royal Navy Captain under the name of Othello.

He was then given to socialite Catherine Douglas, the Duchess of Queensberry, who treated him as a son and eventually freed him.

Soubise became the Duchess’ fencing and riding master as well as the talk of London's Elite society.

Along with his many theatrical performances, Soubise was particularly known for his relationship with the Duchess as well as his dramatic sense of style.

At this time, it was unusual for a man to have a female patron, and their closeness rendered caricatures as well as rumours of a sexual relationship.

As for his style, it was considered effeminate and excessive, particularly liking powdered wigs, silks, and tight-fitting clothes.

He reportedly also sported diamond buckled shoes with red heels.

Marché said: “At a time when European male dress was centred on this reserved but noble look, he dressed in elaborate colours that made an explicit statement of his character.”

Having caused quite a stir in London, Soubise spent the final years of his life running a fencing and riding school in Calcutta, which he opened to both men and women.

Marché finds Soubise particularly interesting as he is so different from other individuals who were part of London’s black British Elite.

She said: “He was so bold and individualistic amongst that group of black elite persons. He adds to the whole range of different experiences that black people had in these elite circles.”

Fans were quick to celebrate Doechii’s look, one said: “Oh my goodness, she looks so good.”

Another said: “Back for my monthly Twitter stroll to say look at her, WOW.”

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