Gilded Surrealism: An Ode to Time and Transformation

Janelle Monáe graced the 2025 Met Gala in a breathtaking custom Thom Browne creation, brought to life in collaboration with the acclaimed Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell. Her look masterfully deconstructed and then reconstructed the classic tuxedo, resulting in a captivating transformation from the familiar to the surreal.

Monáe's striking outerwear was a thirties-inspired, oversized trompe l’oeil suit cape. One half was impeccably crafted in 3-ply mohair, accented with white radial stitch grosgrain tipping. The other half made a bold statement in embroidered pinstripe intarsia rendered in rich red double duchess silk, further embellished with embroidered radial outlines in grosgrain ribbons.

Adding an element of the unexpected, a motorized monocle on Janelle's left eye ticked forward with each step, marking the passage of time.

Beneath the dramatic cape, Monáe revealed a deconstructed bi-color sportcoat and skirt fashioned from pinstripe suiting and vibrant red wool crepe. The design featured exposed facing and shoulder pads in crisp white silk faille, complete with visible tailoring basting, cross, and marking stitches. This avant-garde ensemble was layered over a black silk faille corset with white binding, a classic white cotton oxford shirt, and a striking black, white, and red striped seamed intarsia tie. Completing the visionary look were Thom Browne's signature 4-bar spectator platforms.