Janelle Monáe Is Deeply Committed to Wearing Black and White on the Red Carpet
Janelle Monáe has made a name for herself as an actress, with standout roles in Moonlight and Hidden Figures, and as a musician, with hits like “Make Me Feel” and “I Like That.” Though throughout her various ventures, Monáe has not diverged from her sartorial preferences, which include a love of classic tuxedos, graphic prints, and always, a black and white color palette.
The Kansas-native has a penchant for American designers like Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, and Christian Siriano (whose playful, sculptural creations she has worn on several red carpets). But she also isn't a stranger to the world of couture, having worn intricate ensembles from the likes of Elie Saab, Chanel, and Jean Paul Gaultier. And while black and white are certainly her go-to, she also is one to incorporate hints of golds and silvers as well as a top hat, hood, or glittering headpiece for good measure. Here, a look back at the singer-turned-actress’s most memorable looks on the red carpet.
Monáe wore a sculptural patchwork Thom Browne ensemble—in which she later stripped down to just her underpinnings—at the 2023 Met Gala.
For the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, Monáe wore a daring cutout Christian Siriano number.
The singer and actress kept to her black and white theme at the 2022 Met Gala where she donned a glittering Ralph Lauren hooded gown.
Monáe chose another hooded Ralph Lauren gown, this time for the 2020 Academy Awards.
The star incorporated accents of gold within her usual black and white when she wore a Chanel column gown for the 2019 Golden Globe Awards.
Monáe donned a sculptural Jean Paul Gaultier dress to the 2019 Grammy Awards that featured textured detailing and a gold top hat.
Monáe turned heads in a vibrant Christian Siriano gown for the 2019 Camp-themed Met Gala.
The multi-hyphenate wore another two-toned look—a Marc Jacobs gown that featured a glittering headpiece and top hat for the 2019 Met Gala themed “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination.”
An Elie Saab haute couture gown complete with a billowing skirt and sheer upper portion was the outfit of choice for the 2017 Academy Awards.
Monáe wowed in a custom high-low Armani gown at the annual Golden Globe Awards. The dazzling number featured polka dot details and a sequined bodice.
Monáe sported a Jean Paul Gaultier dress for the 2016 Grammy Awards that she paired with black boots, a clutch, and a coordinating hat.
Monáe opted for a floor-length embroidered Tadashi Shoji cape over a white turtleneck and black trousers, with Jimmy Choo sandals to the 2014 Met Gala.
Channeling matador chic at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, the songstress donned an embellished three-piece suit accessorized with a flat top hat.
At the 2012 Met Gala, the singer ditched her classic tuxedo look for a sleek black satin sleeveless jumpsuit with crystal accents. She completed her look with crystal chandelier earrings and minimal accessories.
Monáe looked like a glam rock star at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in a sparkling black fitted tuxedo paired with a crisp white button-down shirt, a thin ribbon tie, and fitted satin trousers.
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