Janelle Monae didn’t suppose it will “really feel proper” to put on a “wacky and on the market” outfit to the Grammy Awards on Sunday (02.02.25). The choice displays a rising development amongst celebrities to contemplate social contexts when making vogue decisions for main occasions.
The 39-year-old singer donned a navy menswear impressed go well with from Space for the ceremony at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Enviornment, as as a result of the occasion was being held in elements to lift cash for the wildfire aid efforts within the metropolis, she and her stylist, Alexadra Mandelkorn, felt it was extra acceptable to go for a toned down look given the seriousness of the event. Space, recognized for its progressive designs, has dressed quite a few celebrities for main award exhibits since its founding in 2014.
“We pulled issues that have been extra avant-garde, a bit extra wacky and on the market, however that doesn’t really feel just like the mindset proper now,” Alexandra instructed The Hollywood Reporter. Her styling portfolio consists of work with quite a few A-list celebrities and main vogue publications spanning over a decade within the business.
“Janelle and I are all the time on the identical web page about issues, and we’ve talked about this second in time and the way we’re feeling about it. Doing issues extra-large or excessive doesn’t really feel proper…
“It feels good to be again in motion, however I’m additionally actually excited to see how the neighborhood will come collectively.
“Finally this was about Janelle feeling good in what she’s carrying, however not feeling like all eyes are going to be on her as a result of what she’s carrying is so on the market. This doesn’t really feel just like the second for that.” The Grammy Awards have traditionally been a platform for daring vogue statements, with celebrities typically utilizing the purple carpet to make memorable model moments.
The pair knew the outsized go well with – which had refined gold detailing and an prolonged shoulder – was the fitting outfit instantly. The design follows the latest development of energy suiting in girls’s vogue, which has seen a forty five% enhance in reputation over the previous 12 months.
“We had a number of completely different choices we have been contemplating, all giving this vibe of cool and highly effective, easy and comfy, however the second Janelle tried this on, it felt good. She liked the shoulders and the outsized component of it, so it’s not completely out of her wheelhouse,” Alexandra stated. The outsized go well with silhouette has develop into more and more widespread on purple carpets, with many celebrities embracing this refined but snug model.
The go well with was teamed with a military-inspired captain’s hat, chain necklaces by Maison H. Jewels and Ralph Lauren platform sneakers. Maison H. Jewels has been crafting luxurious equipment since 2018, whereas Ralph Lauren’s platform sneakers have develop into a purple carpet staple.
“[The hat] is giving slightly little bit of Janet [Jackson], slightly little bit of Grace Jones, and that’s what actually bought Janelle on it. She all the time loves a glance with a coordinated accent, like a hat or gloves,” the stylist stated. Each Janet Jackson and Grace Jones have been vital influences in vogue, notably in breaking conventional gender-based vogue norms all through their careers.
“Jewellery is all the time a last-minute choice, as a result of it’s about what Janelle is feeling within the second, however these Ralph Lauren platforms are type of her go-to. She loves these sneakers.” The platform sneakers, which have develop into a signature piece in Monae’s wardrobe, have been featured in quite a few high-profile occasions and performances.
The considerate method to vogue contemplating present occasions represents a rising development in celeb styling, the place consciousness of social context performs an more and more necessary position in wardrobe decisions. This shift displays a broader motion within the vogue business in the direction of extra conscious and purposeful dressing, notably throughout instances of social and environmental challenges.