We’ve wondered before whether Janelle’s friendship with Tessa Thompson helped inspire Tessa’s increasingly experimental approach to fashion; I also wonder if Tessa has inspired Janelle’s forays into color. Not long ago she never wore anything that wasn’t black and white, but here she is like an ambassador to the great Fug Nation in blue stripes, modeling on the red carpet as if she is posing for her own album cover and making absolutely sure we know she’s wearing interesting shoes. She is a pro.

Janelle Monae x Belvedere Vodka 'A Beautiful Future' event, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, USA - 01 Aug 2019

And yes, the necktie IS a ship’s steering wheel. She’s wearing an ode to yachts, which she’s thoughtfully matched to her sunglasses. On anyone else… but, this isn’t just anyone, this is Janelle Sais Quoi, blowing through here like a zephyr over the waters of St. Tropez. It is, as they say, a mood. And a good one.

[Photos: Shutterstock]