Janelle Monáe [1] made a statement about SCOTUS's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade [2] — the landmark 1973 case that has upheld a person's right to an abortion — at the 2022 BET Awards [3]. Using the red carpet [4] as a stepping-off point, Monáe worked with stylist Alexandra Mandelkorn [5] to source a gown with loads of symbolism.
Monáe wore a black Roberto Cavalli dress complete with a sheer, floor-sweeping skirt affixed to a leather harness across the bust. The harness had a bold cage effect, with the details nodding to ideas of protection and empowerment, according to Mandelkorn [6] and Cavalli creative director Fausto Puglisi [7]. "it's giving my body my choice," Mandelkorn wrote on Instagram underneath a photo of the gown, while Puglisi noted how the dress was designed to "f*ck the patriarchal codes."
The "Stronger" singer finished their look with black and silver diamonds from Dena Kemp and Vhernier, question-mark-shaped earrings by Stéfère, and platform patent peep-toe pumps.
Monáe, 36, joined several other celebrities at the event who took a stand for abortion rights [8] with their speeches [9]. As Monáe presented the nominees for best female R&B/pop artist onstage, she addressed the audience: "To Black queer artists, to Black nonbinary artists, these artists making art on our own terms, owning our truths, and expressing ourselves freely and unapologetically in a world that tries to control and police our bodies, my body, our decisions, and my decisions. F*ck the Supreme Court."
Monáe isn't new to sartorial messageing. The actor and musician sticks to a monochrome colour palette [10] as a nod to working-class uniforms. Monáe also recently celebrated Pride [11] at the LA parade in a checkered miniskirt, rhinestone nipple coverings, a micro crop top, and a rainbow-coloured flag.
Ahead, see Monáe's BET Awards fashion moment from all angles.
