No matter what she does, Janelle Monáe Robinson always seems to make an impact. The American recording artist, record producer, actress, model and activist often causes a much-need political stir.
Last month, it was the Grammy’s #MeToo movement and Time’s Up speech.
“Tonight,” she said, “I am proud to stand in solidarity as not just an artist but a young woman with my fellow sisters in this room who make up the music industry. Artists, writers, assistants, publicists, CEOs, producers, engineers, and women from all sectors of the business. We are also daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, and human beings. We come in peace, but we mean business.”
She went on to say, “to those who would dare try and silence us, we offer you two words: Time’s up. We say time’s up for pay inequality, time’s up for discrimination, time’s up for harassment of any kind, and time’s up for the abuse of power.” Her speech called for “safe work environments, equal pay and access for all women.” Here, here.
Not only does she make political speeches, she wears her politics too. Janelle’s seemingly quirky fashion sense is something that always catches the eye of the press and all of social media; according to one interview with wired.com, her uniform “is a political statement, not a fashion one.” Sometimes it’s a full tuxedo, sometimes it’s riding trousers and suspenders. It’s almost always black and white and always a trendsetting look. Janelle explains:
“I have been very vocal about why I wear black and white, why I wear a uniform—it’s to pay homage to the working class. People like my mom, who had to leave school early because she was pregnant with me. She was a custodial worker. My dad was in prison and the first job—the only job—he could get was being a trash man. They raised me and for this organization to create jobs for high school dropouts, people who have been in prison or homeless, hits home for me.”
She’s inspirational as well as beautiful and stylish so we decided to show off some of the best moments that Janelle wowed us with her iconic fashion looks:
Looking like an actual queen at the new Marvel Movie Black Panther premiere, Janelle caused many an inward squeal with this stunning Christian Siriano gown. With white and blue sleeves, a neck piece and a statement red lip, she had to top things off with a crown, because obviously.
This is the official “we come in peace but we mean business” look. With a blonde do and a very typically Gabbana-esque Dolce and Gabbana suit, the look was pretty flawless and unapologetic. Looking for an outfit to wear to your next interview? You’ve just found it.
At the Warner Music Pre-Grammy event, the star rocked up in the best co-ord we’ve seen in a while. This look has been called “low-key” for Miss Janelle but obviously it’s still incredible. With suit lining to match her lippy, it’s a punchy accent to her signature black and white attire.
At the Refinery29 party in December, the star delivered on her quirky coolness by being the artwork as well as viewing it. Wearing a Kaimin neon motorcycle jacket and romper suit, she made her own waves and looked fantastic as per. If Janelle is wearing the neon leather look, we want to wear the neon leather look too.
