Ladies & Gents.. This Is Janelle Monae

This is Janelle Monae, an American R&B and soul musician, composer and record producer signed to Bad Boy Records and Atlantic records.

We like Janelle Monae.

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Janelle Monae has become somewhat synonymous with the tuxedo. Known for dressing in complete tuxedo’s, which tend to have a masculine feel whilst remaining feminine (if that makes sense). In Honey Magazine she was quoted as saying, “I bathe in it, I swim in it, and I could be buried in it. A tux is such a standard uniform, it’s so classy and it’s a lifestyle I enjoy. The tux keeps me balanced. I look at myself as a canvas. I don’t want to cloud myself with too many colors or I’ll go crazy.”

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Other sources have mentioned Monae as saying, her in a tuxedo is highly symbolic. In represents her in a ‘working’ state. Her parents were part of the working class who wore uniforms, and likens her suits to a uniform. “It’s really to pay homage to them,” she says. “This is my job; when you see me in this uniform, I’m working. This isn’t a plaything for me. ” (1)

 

“My grandmother had 16 sisters and brothers and they all had to share one pair of shoes, and so that’s the family that I come from — I don’t ever want to be detached from that. I use it as motivation for my music and to just keep me centered, grounded and to stay on message.” (2)

 

 

The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! - Press Room

We find Janelle Monae quite inspiring, not only does she use her public image, but as a source of inspiration and power to all women. “I feel like I have a responsibility to my community and other young girls to help redefine what it looks like to be a woman. I don’t believe in men’s wear or women’s wear, I just like what I like. And I think we should just be respected for being an individual…. I’ve been in Vogue, now, and different publications, which is cool, because I think that it just shows a different perspective of how women can dress.” (1)

“It’s a dedication to uniformity and I’m a minimalist by heart” (2)

 

See more Janelle Monae here: click

1. http://io9.com/5592174/janelle-monae-turns-rhythm-and-blues-into-science-fiction

2.  http://justicebahlee.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/why-janelle-monae-only-wears-suits.html

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