COVERGIRL Janelle Monae is no stranger to daring greatly when it comes to fashion. The songstress made us do a double take at this year’s Essence Music Festival when she was spotted in a classic houndstooth pattern sequined romper. The two-tone textile pattern characterized by abstract four-pointed shapes is a favorite of couture fashion house Christian Dior for his tweed suits.
It’s traditionally used in fall collections, but Monae rocks the classic pattern in July with slinky sandals. The jumpsuit trend continues to dominate.
Monae is one of many stars to be featured in the upcoming film Hidden Figures, based on the story of the Black women working at NASA in the ‘50s and ‘60s who played a major role in getting a man on the moon. During day 1 of the Essence Music Festival, Monae shared with attendees following the trailer’s debut how the NASA women of color were treated back then, “They called them ‘the colored computers.
A self-proclaimed fan of Star Wars she shares she had to learn a lot about physics for the role. “I learned about low orbit – what it takes to put a man in space.”
Last fall for the COVERGIRL Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens campaign, Monae was one of MUA Pat McGrath’s seven models using the brand’s limited edition StarWars collection. Monae’s stunning beauty look was called Resistance Pilot.
“I am one of the biggest Star Wars fans.” She recalls the first time she saw the films. “I was so taken aback by the set design, the costumes, Princess Leia’s hair, Luke [Skywalker] — this person leading and doing good with his influence. When I saw it, it just stuck with me. Throughout all of my work I have a strong science-fiction element, and George Lucas and his wife Mellody [Hobson], they’re mentors to me. I got the chance to talk to him and ask him so many questions, and I’m just so thankful to be a part of this campaign.”
