Janelle Monáe made a striking impression at the Met Gala, showcasing the sophisticated flair of Black dandyism through a collaboration with Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell and celebrated designer Thom Browne. Her ensemble was completed with a glittering ethical diamond brooch courtesy of 1800 Tequila, adding a refined touch to her statement look.
Monáe, renowned for her show-stopping Met Gala appearances, graced the red carpet in a meticulously tailored black, red, and white pin-striped suit. With its sharp, dramatic shoulders, the suit was complemented by a classic black top hat. Punctuating the look, Monáe added a small, stylish black-and-gold clock over her eye. The jewel in her crown was the tequila diamond brooch, initially subtle beneath her jacket but later brought to prominence on her tie. This bold accessory symbolized a nod to her lineage and dandy-inspired family traditions while highlighting a thoughtful approach to jewelry in fashion.
Monáe creatively celebrated these sartorial themes through her Met Gala fashion choices, emphasizing a tribute to her heritage and a more environmentally conscious take on style. “This felt like the right message for fashion,” shared the Grammy-nominated artist before the event. Collaborating with Tazewell and Browne was akin to revisiting her art school days, embarking on a unique project together.
Tazewell, who made history as the first Black individual to earn the Oscar for best costume design this year, joined forces with Browne, who had previously gifted Monáe her very first suit. For this gala, Browne envisioned an extraordinary ensemble—a combination of an oversized half-black, half-white tweed suit paired with a hoop skirt, garnering much acclaim. “Having all our creative energies channeled towards this theme has been exhilarating,” Monáe noted. “This collaborative journey, where we brainstormed and envisioned freely, is something I’ll cherish.”
Black dandyism was given its moment in the Met Gala spotlight, and Monáe found significant meaning in wearing the 1800 Tequila ethical diamond. Unlike conventional diamonds, this gem was specially crafted from the essence of the brand’s Cristalino tequila, its design paying homage to the crystalline bottle. “Considering the environmental repercussions of conventional diamond mining in Africa, it was vital for me that this piece represented a more mindful and careful narrative in jewelry”, said Monáe, a notable host committee member at the gala alongside cultural icons like Simone Biles, Spike Lee, Ayo Edebiri, and André 3000.
As a prominent figure leading Black dandyism to its deserved recognition at this event, Monáe stands at the forefront as the Metropolitan Museum of Art debuts its latest exhibit titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”. This exhibition marks a historic first for the Met, exclusively highlighting Black designers and distinctively focusing on menswear, celebrating the longstanding tradition of dandyism as a form of radical self-expression.
Monáe expressed her amazement at the innovative process that transformed tequila into a dazzling diamond, with the alcohol enduring 16 months of aging in American and French oak barrels before a final flourish in port wine casks. “The brilliance and shine it possesses are unparalleled,” she marveled. “I am always forward-thinking, and this method of diamond creation—prioritizing ethics and safety—should guide the future of this industry.”