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May 6, 2025This post was originally published on this site
The singer and actor has long made tailored suits and accessories core to her style identity.
Janelle Monáe was feeling euphoric on Sunday when asked to break down her look for this year’s Met Gala, which celebrates Black dandyism.
“I feel like a kid in class ready to give the presentation,” Monáe said.
After all, “she truly is the modern day dandy,” said Thom Browne, who designed her look.
Since Monáe started releasing music in the 2000s, tailored suiting has been core to her style. She adds her own flair with sculptural layering and accessories like whimsical hats and bow ties.
Growing up, Monáe observed her mother, a janitor and part-time banquet server; her father, a sanitation worker; and her grandmother, a cook, in their uniforms, which included black slacks, white button-down shirts, bow ties, jackets and cummerbunds.
When the singer, actor and author started cultivating her style early in her career, she knew she wanted to honor her working class parents, her ancestors and herself.
“I’m a very free-spirited person,” said Monáe, 39. “I’ve spent a great deal of my career — I’ve tried to at least — just redefining who you can be in a suit.”
