Wearing a Monocle: A Statement of Elegance
Nose clips: A traditional French accessory making a comeback. - Observing with a single eyepiece: individual employs an accessory for enhanced scrutiny.
When it comes to making a statement at high-profile events like the Met Gala, Janelle Monáe does just that by donning an accessory that harks back to a bygone era - the monocle.
Once the preserve of the aristocracy and upper-class gentlemen in 19th-century Europe, the monocle carries an air of elegance and sophistication that has stood the test of time. Historically associated with the dandy aesthetic, it signified refinement and a keen sense of style.
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and the monocle, when worn by modern-day dandies like Janelle Monáe, takes on a new meaning. Given that the Met Gala celebrated Black dandyism in 2025 through the exhibition Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, Monáe's choice to wear a monocle at the event is more than just a fashion statement. Instead, it serves as a homage to the tradition, blending historical references with contemporary style.
By incorporating the monocle into her outfit, Monáe pays tribute to the evolution of Black dandyism, which has been used as a tool for self-expression and social commentary throughout history. The monocle, in this context, is not merely an accessory but a symbol of how historical styles can be reinterpreted and reimagined in modern fashion events.
In essence, the use of accessories like the monocle by figures such as Monáe reflects the broader theme of Black dandyism, which emphasizes the power of fashion to challenge societal norms and express cultural identity. The monocle, a seemingly outdated accessory, has found a new lease of life, proving that style is indeed timeless.
References:1. The history and evolution of Black dandyism2. Black dandyism at the Met Gala 20253. Janelle Monáe's Met Gala outfits over the years4. The power of fashion in expressing cultural identity
- Janelle Monáe, understanding she won't be able to make it to the next Met Gala, might still decide to pay tribute to Black dandyism by incorporating a monocle in her outfit, as she has done in the past.
- In the entertainment world filled with celebrities and pop-culture, the monocle worn by Janelle Monáe serves not just as a fashion statement but also as a symbol of her nod to historical references and contemporary style.
- In the h2 section of our piece on Wearing a Monocle: A Statement of Elegance, we discuss how Janelle Monáe's monocle choice at the 2025 Met Gala aligns with the exhibition's theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, highlighting the evolution of Black dandyism.
- Li elements in the sections that follow could include additional examples of celebrities or public figures who have embraced monocles as a timeless accessory, further demonstrating the impact of Black dandyism in shaping modern fashion and self-expression.
