Pose actress Mj Rodriguez, also known as singer and performer Michaela Jaé [1], has made history as the first openly transgender woman Emmy-nominated [2] in a lead acting category — and this comes following a major fashion moment on the red carpet at Cannes [3], where the star made her debut at the festival wearing Etro [4].
30-year-old Rodriguez played Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista for three seasons on FX's Pose [5], wrapping the show [6] only to move onto other projects involving her music and film career. For her next steps, she'll likely continue working with stylist Katie Bofshever [7] on glamorous red carpet looks that run the gamut from A to Z on the colour wheel and draw attraction to her incredible taste that's being celebrated [8].
Rodriguez told InStyle ahead of her recent nomination, "There's a piece of the industry that does not see us as who we identify as and I think that's one of the reasons why they probably wouldn't give those [nomination] spaces to women like us. I think people need to respect and see us as who we are. Then we can move forward." This was merely a foreshadow to the recognition that was to come for Mj, as she used her fashion sense to lock in her confidence and grace on the red carpet in looks by Cong Tri, Dundas, Prabal Gurung, and Jason Wu (see above at the 2019 Emmys!).
Scroll for a rundown on Mj's colourful wardrobe that continues to impress and watch this space for even more iconic outfits down the line.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Etro
Mj at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony and premiere of Annette [9].
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Jean Paul Gaultier
Mj at the Pose season 3 New York premiere in April 2021.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Mônot
Mj at the 2021 BET Awards in June 2021.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Dundas
Mj at the OUTLOUD: Raising Voices Concert Series in LA in June 2021.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Brock Collection
Mj needed nothing but simple Jimmy Choo sandals to accessorise this jacquard midi at the 15th Annual Final Draft Awards in January 2020.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini
It was all eyes on Mj at this 2019 red carpet event for Pose in West Hollywood, CA.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Halpern
Mj completed her look with Stuart Weitzman shoes and Swarovski diamonds at the 13th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon in February 2020.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Moschino by Jeremy Scott
She styled her look with Gismondi 1754 jewels and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes at the 2020 Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, CA.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Altuzarra
Mj slipped into Givenchy sandals to go with this high-fashion look at the 78th annual Peabody Awards in New York City in 2019.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Cong Tri
Mj played up her leggy look with Christian Louboutin heels at the 2019 Soul Train Awards in Las Vegas.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Erdem
Again, Mj glowed in yellow at the Latino Media Awards in July 2019, coordinating her dress with Jimmy Choo sandals.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Cong Tri
Mj accessorised with beautiful Wendy Yue jewels and Jimmy Choo heels at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards in 2019.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Jason Wu
At the 2019 Emmys, Mj stunned in this hot pink plunging dress with black bows, a collaboration between her stylist, Katie, and the designer.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Erdem
Mj let a pair of Christian Louboutin sandals peek out from under her regal midi dress at the 2019 Emmy Nominations Party in CA.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Dundas
Mj's outfit was finished with Anita Ko jewellery and Christian Louboutin pumps at the 2019 MTV Movie and TV Awards.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Cong Tri
Mj opted for all the sequins and statement earrings from Swati Dhanak at the Pose season two NYC premiere in 2019.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Richard Quinn
For her debut Met Gala, Mj wore towering platforms from Christian Louboutin and Beladora jewellery.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing J.Mendel
Mj at the 30th annual GLAAD Media Awards in NYC in May 2019.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Prabal Gurung
This fun cutout dress came with a pair of sensible Aldo shoes for the March 2019 PaleyFest in LA.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Prabal Gurung
Mj coordinated this indigo gown with Kallati jewels and Stuart Weitzman shoes at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Solace London
Mj at the GLSEN Respect Awards in October 2018.
Mj Rodriguez Wearing Tommy Hilfiger
Mj at the Crazy Rich Asians Hollywood premiere in 2018.