Style Spotlight: Janelle Monae's Style Evolution Reached Her "Age Of Pleasure"
With her recent album release, the trailblazing multi-hyphenate centers liberation. Let's examine some of her trailblazing fashion choices throughout the years.
Janelle Monáe, the multi-talented artist and performer, has always been known for their distinct style and fearless creativity. Throughout their career, they have continuously evolved, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a musical icon. Their latest album, Age of Pleasure, further solidifies their status as an innovative force in the industry.
Monáe’s style evolution has been nothing short of remarkable. They initially burst onto the scene with their signature tuxedos and pompadour hairstyle, which became synonymous with their android alter ego, Cindi Mayweather. This futuristic persona allowed them to explore themes of identity, race, and sexuality while maintaining an air of mystery and intrigue. Monáe expanded their style palette as their career progressed, embracing bold colors, patterns, and avant-garde fashion choices that only further emphasized their unique vision.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 17: Janelle Monae is seen attending a photocall for “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” on December 17, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 12: (EDITORS NOTE: This image contains nudity.) Janelle Monae arriving at a private dinner hosted by MONOT celebrating Frieze London on October 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)
With Age of Pleasure, Monáe takes their artistic expression to new heights. The album is a genre-bending journey that effortlessly fuses elements of funk, soul, pop, and electronic music. Monáe’s distinct voice, both vocally and lyrically, remains a constant throughout the album, but a newfound sense of freedom and liberation shines through in every track. It’s evident that they have shed any remaining inhibitions, fully embracing their artistry and embracing pleasure in all its forms.
Let’s take a look at Janelle’s dynamic style over the years.
2023 at SiriusXM
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 08: Janelle Monae visits SiriusXM Studios on June 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)
2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: Janelle Monáe attends The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
2023 95th Annual Academy Awards
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Janelle Monáe attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
2023 National Board Of Review Awards Gala
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 08: Actress, singer Janelle Monáe is seen arriving to the National Board Of Review 2023 Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on January 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
2023 in New York
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 09: Janelle Monae is seen in Midtown on January 09, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
2022 Glass Onion Toronto International Film Festival World Premiere
TORONTO, ONTARIO – SEPTEMBER 10: Janelle Monáe attends Netflix “Glass Onion” world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 10, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Netflix)
2022 BET Awards
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: Janelle Monáe attends the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET)
2022 Met Gala Celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 02: Janelle Monáe attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Janelle Monáe attends the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 27, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/FilmMagic)
2022 Ralph Lauren Fashion Show
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 22: Janelle Monáe attends the Ralph Lauren Fall 2022 fashion show at Museum of Modern Art on March 22, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
2020 51st NAACP Image Awards
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Janelle Monáe attends the 51st NAACP Image Awards, Presented by BET, at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
2020 The 92nd Annual Academy Awards
THE OSCARS® – The 92nd Oscars® broadcasts live on Sunday, Feb. 9,2020 at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood and will be televised live on The ABC Television Network at 8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST. (Rick Rowell via Getty Images)JANELLE MONAE
2020 Winter TCA Tour
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 14: Janelle Monae of Amazon Prime’s ‘Homecoming’ speaks onstage during the 2020 Winter TCA Tour Day 8 at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on January 14, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
2020 11th Annual Sistahs’ Soirée
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: (EDITORS NOTE: Retransmission with alternate crop.) Janelle Monáe attends Alfre Woodard’s 11th Annual Sistahs’ Soirée Presented by Morgan Stanley With Absolut Elyx on February 05, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Morgan Stanley/Alfre Woodard)
2019 Queen & Slim” Premiere
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 14: Janelle Monae attends the “Queen & Slim” Premiere at AFI FEST 2019 presented by Audi at the TCL Chinese Theatre on November 14, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AFI)
2019 Premiere Of Focus Features’ “Harriet”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Janelle Monáe attends Premiere Of Focus Features’ “Harriet” at The Orpheum Theatre on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage)
2019 Ralph Lauren Fashion Show
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 07: Singer-songwriter Janelle Monae is seen arriving to Ralph Lauren Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week at Ralph’s Club on September 07, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
2019 Harper’s Bazaar ICONS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Singer Janelle Monáe attends the 2019 Harper’s Bazaar ICONS on September 06, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
2019 “A Beautiful Future” Campaign Launch
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 01: Janelle Monae attends the “A Beautiful Future” Campaign Launch at Museum of Contemporary Art on August 01, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/WireImage)
2019 Belvedere X Janelle Monae Event In Berlin
BERLIN, GERMANY – JULY 08: Janelle Monae during the Belvedere X Janelle Monae event at Hotel Zoo on July 8, 2019 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Belvedere)
2019 at the evian Live Young Suite
WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND – JULY 01: Janelle Monae attends the evian Live Young suite at The Championships, Wimbledon 2019 on July 1, 2019 in Wimbledon, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for evian)
2019 Belvedere Vodka x Janelle Monáe Celebrate The Launch
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 24: Janelle Monae poses for a photo as Belvedere Vodka x Janelle Monae Celebrate the Launch Of “A Beautiful Future” Limited Edition Bottle at The Tisch Skylights at The Shed on June 24, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Belvedere Vodka)
2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Janelle Monae attends the 2019 Met Gala Boom Boom Afterparty at The Standard hotel on May 06, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/GC Images)
2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Janelle Monae attends The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/MG19/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
2019 STX Films World Premiere Of “UglyDolls”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: Janelle Monáe attends STX Films World Premiere of “UglyDolls” at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on April 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
2019 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival
INDIO, CA – APRIL 19: Janelle Monáe performs at Coachella Stage during the 2019 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival on April 19, 2019 in Indio, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Coachella)
62019 1st Annual GRAMMY Awards
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 10: Janelle Monae attends the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – MARCH 04: Belvedere Ambassador Janelle Monae attends the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 4, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
2017 Refinery29 29Rooms Los Angeles: Turn It Into Art
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 06: Recording artist Janelle Monae attends Refinery29 29Rooms Los Angeles: Turn It Into Art at ROW DTLA on December 6, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 26: Actress/singer Janelle Monae arrives at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 26, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images)
2017 89th Annual Academy Awards
HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 26: Janelle Monae attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
2017 Essence 10th Annual Black Women In Hollywood Awards Gala
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 23: Actress and singer Janelle Monae arrives at the Essence 10th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 23, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images,)
2017 48th NAACP Image Awards
PASADENA, CA – FEBRUARY 11: Janelle Monae poses in the press room at the 48th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 11, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
2017 32nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival
SANTA BARBARA, CA – FEBRUARY 04: Janelle Monae attends the 32nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuosos Tribute at Arlington Theater on February 4, 2017 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/WireImage)
2017 8th Annual AAFCA Awards
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 08: Actress/singer Janelle Monae attends the 8th Annual AAFCA Awards at Taglyan Complex on February 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
2017 The 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 29: Actor Janelle Monae, co-recipient of the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award for ‘Hidden Figures,’ poses in the press room during The 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 29, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 26592_008 (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
2017 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 08: Actress Janelle Monae of ‘Moonlight,’ winner of Best Motion Picture – Drama, poses in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
2017 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 08: Actress/singer Janelle Monáe attends The 2017 InStyle and Warner Bros. 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards Post-Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images for InStyle)
2016 “Hidden Figures” New York Special Screening
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 10: Singer and actress Janelle Monae attends the “Hidden Figures” New York special screening on December 10, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage)
2016 The 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards
SANTA MONICA, CA – DECEMBER 11: Recording artist Janelle Monae attends The 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on December 11, 2016 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
2015 Soul Train Music Awards
LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 06: Recording artist Janelle Monae speaks onstage during the 2015 Soul Train Music Awards at the Orleans Arena on November 6, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/BET/Getty Images for BET)
2015 Women’s Event 18 Honoring Janelle Monae
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 07: Recording Artist Janelle Monae attends the Women’s Event 18 Honoring Janelle Monae at Capitale on November 7, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/FilmMagic)
2009 GRAMMY Nominee Reception
ATLANTA – JANUARY 29: Janelle Monae attends the GRAMMY Nominee Reception at W Hotel Downtown on January 29, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ben Rose/WireImage for NARAS)
2008 Sean John 10-Year Anniversary Runway Show At Macy’s
ATLANTA – OCTOBER 09: Janelle Monae performs on stage at the Sean John 10-Year Anniversary runway show at Macy’s in Lennox Square on October 9, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Moses Robinson/Getty Images)
2008 The Atlanta Ballet Presents “big”
ATLANTA – APRIL 10: Singer Janelle Monae arrives on the red carpet for The Atlanta Ballet presentation of “big” with Andre “Big Boi” Patton on April 10, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ben Rose/WireImage)
2008 “ABC World Premiere Movie Event: A Raisin in the Sun”
NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 19: Recording artist Janelle Monae attends the premiere of “A Raisin in the Sun” at the AMC Theater, February 19, 2008, New York, New York (Photo by Bennett Raglin/WireImage)