Last night I came upon this shot of Janelle Monae at a party honoring Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo in her signature tux and pompadour:
*Sigh* Black and white tux again, Ms. Monàe? I understand how important a signature look is to one’s brand. Karl Lagerfeld is never seen without his suit, Alexander Wang lives in loose-fitting t-shirts and jeans, and Nicki Minaj holds down the Harajuku Barbie look anytime she hits the red carpet or performs. But how many tuxes can one woman wear?
With the myriad of clothing options women have (dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, rompers!), what’s keeping Janelle Monàe from throwing on a cute dress or, if she must wear suits, why not change things up with a velvet smoking jacket, or a pop of color?
- Can’t front, she’s killin it in them Mary Jane Louboutins!
Besides that, the success of many artists can be attributed to the versatility of their look and how often they reinvent their style. Rihanna is a great example. She went from a spiked and studded tough girl, to an ultrafeminine scarlet haired siren, to a combat boot-stomping tomboy with gritty glamour. Every time we see Janelle, it seems as if she’s wearing the same thing. There are only so many versions of a black and white tux!
She’s still totally adorable, though. Look at that grin! Precious! What do you think? Is it time for Janelle Monàe to switch up the swag?
Take a look at her style throughout the years here:
~Jihan
December 1, 2011 10:39 am
Yes! It is time for a new look!!! It has been great, but now it’s time for a pop of color or something new!
December 1, 2011 10:43 am
i bet even she wants a change.
December 1, 2011 10:46 am
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES it is time for a new look! She has worn me out with the black and white. The signature hair can stay, but the tux’s are too much. She’s a beautiful woman with a hot lil’ body—it’s time for a new look. I love her music, but her personal style is very boring. I would love to see her do an editorial like Ms. Shala Monroque recently did for Vogue Japan. Honey needs some color in her life! I hope she somehow sees this.
December 1, 2011 10:47 am
yes it’s time for a new look. she can have a new look and still keep her “brand” if she plays around with the black and white color scheme AND the structured tuxedo/suit look. she could just choose one of those options each time she dresses and then she can do things like were a colorful suit or a black and white dress. but yes it’s time for a change
December 1, 2011 10:48 am
CALL ME CRAZY BUT I DONT MIND IT =/
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE HER IN A FLAPPER DRESS OR SOMETHING THOUGH, SINCE HER STYLE IS SO RETRO!
December 1, 2011 10:48 am
I can’t believe you compared JM to Rhianna. R is a hot mess and she switched her style so much because she was craving attention and not knowing who she is. There is no need for JM to switch anything up; her style if perfected to a T. And why would she wear color when her style is monochromatic. Get it together.
December 1, 2011 10:51 am
Is it really “style” when you’re wearing the same thing over and over? Just saying!
December 1, 2011 10:52 am
If she wants to keep up the basic ass suit act it’s up to her.
December 1, 2011 10:52 am
SN: I was going to post this link to her facebook page, but today’s her birthday–Maybe not! LOL.
December 1, 2011 10:53 am
Yep because it went from fashion to a uniform.
December 1, 2011 10:54 am
I think JM should either keep her black and white theme or pull a Puffy a la’ 90′s and do a all black. That way she can enjoy different silhouettes but still have a dominate theme.
December 1, 2011 10:57 am
If Janelle Monàe changes up her style, it won’t be the first time. I’ve been a fan of hers, since she was signed to Ruff Ryders with DMX.Her style before she left that label was very natural, similar to India Irie. I would love to see her switch things up again, she is an incredibly talented artist.Make it work Janelle! *in Tim Dunn voice*
December 1, 2011 11:04 am
Yess gawwwd it is. I’m becoming so bored with her, it’s so predictable. She could still keep the classic, tailored look but just add a splash of color somewhere.
December 1, 2011 11:04 am
Lawwwd yes! At least get in some colour like you said. But I guess she said if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. She does always look nice.
December 1, 2011 11:12 am
Yes, she definitely needs to try something new. It would be great to see her in a different more couture style. Her beautiful face and hair make her fab, but a new style would enhance her look.
December 1, 2011 11:15 am
She has been needing to change her look. Just a mess.
December 1, 2011 11:19 am
She could her tailored suit look,but change the color(s).. She could make it fun!
December 1, 2011 11:24 am
YES! Its been time….there’s color all around you girl…live it up!
December 1, 2011 11:29 am
In those pics it looks like she has managed to keep it versatile and uniform, but “Tightrope”…can we stop singing that same song at every awards show? THAT is the real question here…
December 1, 2011 11:31 am
I haven’t seen anyone mention WHY she wears the tux’s all the time. I heard that she dons the tux in honor of her parents, one of who was a janitor. Something to do with the tux being a uniform that symbolizes the progress she’s made.
I like that she’s not hootchied out like most singers nowadays. It’s about her voice instead. Sure, maybe she could stilll do the tux with a bit of color, but I think it works for her either way.
December 1, 2011 12:12 pm
Although her style totally suits her, I think she does need to throw in a splash of color here and there. Keep the tux look, but add color… PLEASE, JM.
December 1, 2011 12:12 pm
Yes she does need a change should would look great in many other styles.
December 1, 2011 12:19 pm
seriously, its BEEN time for a new look. literally i can’t even appreciate her performances anymore because i’m so bored with the looks. never knew that could even happen, that looks could effect how you feel about a person’s talent. so you KNOW its BEEEEEEEN WAYYYYYY PAST TIME!
December 1, 2011 12:23 pm
My Goodness, Yes! add color or something, she has too much talent to fade into the background because of her style.
December 1, 2011 12:24 pm
NO. I don’t think she needs to switch it up. Black & White tux is her thing, she doesn’t need to be fashion forward or have ugly gimick outfits to have great music. Adele is the same way, she wears dark dresses & she said something like *I’m not trying to be remembered for my outfits, I want to be remembered for my voice* which is how most singers should feel. I love JM’s “style” no need for other colors or dresses or anything…love her the way she is.
December 1, 2011 12:33 pm
She switched the shoes so that’s a plus…but yes she can keep it for now…maybe until her next album u know the whole look for the album thing….it’s inevitable…she will change up..you don’t see Erykah rockin turban’s no more right??
December 1, 2011 12:34 pm
Janelle has stated that this style is her uniform when it comes to her music
The moment she switches up her style, loyal fans will be asking “What happened to the old Janelle Monae??” (Which is the same thing they are doing with Nicki Minaj)
As Poppy stated about Adele, Janelle is the same way…she wants people to pay attention to her music…not her style
December 1, 2011 12:35 pm
Why would it matter? thats her thing, she isn’t like a ton of artist that go through a phase every year, and then we are on here saying they have identity issues. She is cute, she knows what works for her.
December 1, 2011 12:38 pm
I’m in the minority here, but I too feel that Janelle’s tuxedo variations are just fine. In NY Mag she said that the tuxedo look was tribute to Marlene Dietrich as well as her parents (her quote from the article) “my mother, who was a janitor, and my father, who drove trash trucks. It pays homage to how they put on a uniform every day and turned something into nothing.” The hair is the result of experimentation. “Some people call it a pompadour or a wompadour, but it’s a Monae.”
December 1, 2011 12:40 pm
Her trademark skinny tuxedo is inspired by Marlene Dietrich and is a tribute to “my mother, who was a janitor, and my father, who drove trash trucks. It pays homage to how they put on a uniform every day and turned something into nothing.” The hair is the result of experimentation. “Some people call it a pompadour or a wompadour, but it’s a Monae.”
- NY Mag
#teamtuxedo All the way! :)
December 1, 2011 12:48 pm
She’s in the “Morris Brown” video by Outkast and has in lots of color… I think I would like to see her stick to the tux but color here and there….
December 1, 2011 12:50 pm
JM’s clothing option make me want to blow my brains out, she really just that boring! She really is due for a change.
December 1, 2011 12:50 pm
*clothing options
December 1, 2011 1:07 pm
@ FashionDiva1 I agree with u… but her styling of the tux makes it work. Cuz there have been ppl who have messed up a tux.
December 1, 2011 1:14 pm
I think she will move on eventually. Even Brandy and Alicia Keys moved on from their signature braids and Pink moved from her pink hair. Despite how much I love JM this ‘signature look’ started when she signed with Bad Boy. I’ve been a fan of hers a long time and when she was with Outcast she wore her hair out more and wore more color and feminine pieces. She wasn’t in black and white all the time. Look up her old songs on YouTube and they show old pictures too. She looks like a different person.
December 1, 2011 1:23 pm
“Besides that, the success of many artists can be attributed to the versatility of their look and how often they reinvent their style.”
really? billie holiday, roberta flack, et al never really “changed” their style.
why? because they actually have talent. you know it’s that thing they we are really supposed to be thinking about when listening to a “singer.”
it’s such a shame that women visit this reinvention idea on other women. men do not need to do this and we don’t care if they change their look. somehow, just being who they are is enough, talent or no talent. but women have to continually posture, clown, or undergo some sort of unveiling to show they are worth even being noticed or in janelle’s case, listened to.
while i like rihanna, i consider janelle to be in a completely different league. janelle is not the sort of pop person that rihanna is and her talent, imo, is greater than rihanna. rihanna has to do all that stuff to make up for her obvious weaknesses – uh singing and songwriting.
ask yourself why it is so important a woman with talent do this? why does she bore you? why isn’t her talent enough to dazzle you?
i like fashion, but i also understand style and i prefer substance over the former two.
i understand though that, unfortunately, us folks 40 and under feel like we need to be dazzled to constantly maintain our interest in anything. we need to rethink our values.
that is all…
December 1, 2011 1:25 pm
YESSSS please Jesus whisper in her ears & tell her IT’S TIME!!! I even started to dislike her because she started fading into the “black & white” cloud of boredom, hopefully you guys will pass on the feed backs to her or stylist (if she has one) hahahahaaaaa
December 1, 2011 1:25 pm
she wears the “uniform” for a reason, something in paying honor…i forget. but before she got big during the “letting go” and purple ribbon label stages, she had some very cute retro looks.
December 1, 2011 2:05 pm
@omgfantastic et al: I see what you mean, but when you are an entertainer, part of your “act” is your look. You can have all the talent in the world, but it’s about a package these days. Perhaps in Billie Holiday’s day when they didn’t really have television, internet, the media exposure we have today, it was a different story.
Take for instance Michael Jackson. There is NO denying his incredible talent, but a part of the MJ experience was his look. Granted, he had a particular style, but I think it was more flexible than Ms. Monae. Everyone was rocking the thriller jacket, people were fascinated with the single glove. It just buttressed his talent, and was contributed to his success.
Madonna, Lady Gaga, The Spice girls… all had distinct looks which were part of what made/ makes them so popular and iconic.
anyhoo, this is not to say I don’t love her becuase I do!
December 1, 2011 2:23 pm
Ya’ll go leave my girl alone!! If she wants to wear black n white into the end of time, then so be it. However, as Jihan stated, I think its important to somewhat reinvent your self every few years. Not only as a recording artist, but also as a human being. I can’t imagine rocking the same hairstyle for five years.
December 1, 2011 2:38 pm
I would love a pop of colour sometimes. Keep the hair, and the black and white theme, but some colour in your clothing please. Red lips and nails aren’t enough.
December 1, 2011 4:28 pm
I would love to see her add some versatility to her wardrobe. It would bring more attention her way and put her music in the spotlight it deserves. Whatever the change it would compliment her personality so it would not have to be extreme to where she loses her identity.
December 1, 2011 5:48 pm
It’s her style, not everyone else’s desire for the changing whims of fashion. That’s what style is–what you like, without regard for what everyone else is doing.
December 1, 2011 5:51 pm
Janelle Monae is a musician first and foremost and maybe that’s just what she likes to wear! Rihanna is famous for her fashion first and her music second. Not to mention, Rihanna releases an album every year, therefore she changes her look every year. If you notice, nobody was really checking for Rihanna until 2007 during the ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ era when she changed up her entire look. Rihanna’s fashion is one of the reasons she gains so much media attention. I don’t think that’s Miss Monae’s thing. What if she doesn’t like crazy colors, funky patterns and fabrics? I personally think her signature tuxedos are just fine. That’s what distinguishes her from everyone else because you won’t see anybody else rocking that look because that’s her ‘thing’.
December 1, 2011 5:57 pm
Thanks Carla, I couldn’t have said it better. Janelle looks fine to me and I love whatever she rocks. Style means you define what moves you sans the opinion of others.
December 1, 2011 6:05 pm
Janelle does not give a damn what any of you think which is why I heart her.
Black and white tux ain’t no need for no other colors
T-t-t-talkin about, why don’t she change her clothes
They ain’t seem to mind the last three times I posed in Vogue
-JM, Tightrope remix
December 1, 2011 6:24 pm
It doesn’t have to be a drastic change, but she could add a little pizzazz, something extra, hence a pop of color from time to time would be nice, she is way to cute and unique to be limiting herself.
December 1, 2011 7:12 pm
Yes. Style is an aspect of being a recording ARTIST. ARTISTS can be creative in more aspects than one unless the tuxedo is just a gimmick she’s relying on.
December 1, 2011 7:28 pm
Yes! I think she should definitely change up her style, after all most artists do switch their style up like Madonna, she constantly reinvents herself.
December 1, 2011 7:38 pm
Seeing her in these tuxes time after time again seriously makes me ill. I just can’t.
December 1, 2011 8:28 pm
Yes God please!!! It’s a cute look but c’mon girl…it’s getting tired
December 1, 2011 10:04 pm
I don’t think she needs to change. This is her signature look. Maybe she wants people to pay attention to her music, not her OOTD. She seems to be selling on her voice and creativity, not her sex appeal.
December 1, 2011 11:22 pm
Lol I read the posts backwards but I JUST commented about this on the next post!! Switch it up, change is good.
December 2, 2011 3:27 am
I think sometimes people forget that you can change up your look but still keep true to your signature style with a signature piece. She could keep the tie and incorporate it into many different outfits. This might be cause for another post “how to change up your ‘uniform’ but still be keep true to who you are” :)
December 2, 2011 5:52 am
I say f**k it. If that’s what she wants to wear, that’s what she want’s to wear. Considering she’s not an overexposed celebrity, she can still afford to do that. &It’ll change when she’s good and ready. And for the people who question if she really has “style” because her look has become uniform. I’d have to say she most certainly has style, and taste-that’s obvi. FASHION is what she doesn’t have-the “latest,” “hottest,” “hippest.” &To keep it real funky seeing Janelle over and over in the tux look is no greater an offense to me than seeing girls like KimK posing off in fashions’s hot new blazer or dress that we’re gonna be voting on “Who Wore It Better” because every other celeb has it.. *WOMP WOMP WOOOMP* <3
December 2, 2011 7:58 am
I love it! Its vintage, fashionable, and she’s clearly making a statement. I wouldn’t change a thing about her look. Its classic!
December 2, 2011 10:13 am
4 yrs ago i seen Janelle Monàe on South Beach she was known for stopping by this hotel near the SurfCumber on 18 & Collins ( cant remember right now the name ) however when i use to see her she was ALWAYS in blue jeans nice white shirt & oxfords lol so maybe this is her 2nd look from blue jeans lol at the end of the day ITS ALL about what suits” U what we are comfortable in. We never know her black/white ensemble maybe for TV/red carpets and her performances but when she is at home she is full of color .. I love it on her its simple classic “Chic” and black/white never gets old. I think she should KEEP IT
December 2, 2011 11:18 am
I adore Janelle Monae. She’s sooo cute and talented. I like her tuxedo style. I think it’s inspiring to see that a woman can pull off the menswear evening look. However, I would love to see her modify it some. Like Jihan said there are so many options for women like dresses, skirts, jumpsuits and rompers. She can still keep the black and white theme. Maybe even variate with a printed blazer with stripes or polka dots to keep it fun and fresh. She’s a woman with a nice figure, why not show it off without being vulgar or suggestive? And even if she still wanted to keep the classic tuxedo blazer, tie and pants; she could infuse color in one of those pieces or even in the shirt or some glitzy shoes. I’ve seen her featured in high fashion magazines before and the spreads still maintained her style, but just with more edgier, funkier or more glamourous touches. I just wish she would incorporate those looks into her celebrity appearances and performances to rev up her fans and bring in new ones.
December 2, 2011 11:28 am
I adore Janelle Monae like no other and I love that there’s a purpose to her costume/uniform.
Not only is she honoring her parents and other working class citizens for their hard work and sacrifices, but she’s in character as Cindy Mayweather. Her dedication to her craft is admirable.
She’s very much an artist in that way, so I have no complaints about the monochromatic look. Besides its not as if she hasn’t worn bright colors or haute couture, the images are out there; Vanity Fair, Essence anyone?
Put it this way, when Prince gives up platfrom flip flops then I’ll personally tell her to hang it up. But we all know that isn’t gonna happen lol.
I just always compare her to David Bowie; he lived in character as Ziggy Stardust until he retired the character. Let her be…
December 2, 2011 3:49 pm
No. She is branding herself. The tuxedo is all apart of marketing. By wearing the same thing she is establishing an iconic style that will always be associated with her years from now. The tuxedo is a classic and timeless look that will never go out of style. Therefore, she will never be out of style and her look will always stand up and stand out from all the trends out there. I think she should stay just the way she is.
December 2, 2011 5:03 pm
Who the fuck are we to tell somebody to switch up their personal style.
Really. We do too much.
Who wants fans who only like you cause of what you wear? Those with no talent perhaps…
December 2, 2011 7:07 pm
off topic here, but can we get detail on solange’s shoes? me likey!
December 2, 2011 10:36 pm
This question and article actually perturbs me to no end. Janelle Monae, unlike 99% of her peers, actually has a persuasive and sincere sense of personal style. She’s incredibly self-aware, with not only her wardrobe but her sound, which is what differentiates her from say, a basketball wife or B-list actress, whose style we “laud” on this site and many like it. In fact, Ms. Monae has been touted as one of the best dressed in the world by both Vogue and Vanity Fair due to the fact that she diverges from what mainstream media would deem “stylish.” She isn’t trend-based; her style is perennially chic, and subsequently puts forth a look that is perhaps not always accessible or translatable to every eye. No, no, no Janelle Monae in fact should be forcing OTHERS to switch up their style, and in turn becoming more self-aware, and portraying style in a different light other than the ubiquitous bondage dress and platform pump.
December 3, 2011 3:17 pm
You know what it is? I read an interview where she said she actually likes looking at pictures of herself and not being able to date them… Not that she likes to look the same, but she likes having a uniformity to her look… It’s a little weird… But hey, she’s an artist…
December 4, 2011 8:31 pm
Exactly what I was looking for
September 12, 2012 9:12 pm
i agree with everyone i think its time to channge up her fashion style. at least something as simply as the colour. Dont get me wrong i love that she is trying to make a difference and that its her “uniform” but at least tell me your going to wear something different just once. one time it wont hurt