Janelle Monáe is not afraid to shine. For the cover of her 2018 album, Dirty Computer, she donned a crystal face mask, and she attended that year’s Met Gala in a crystallized head piece. She kept the glow going at last night’s Academy Awards, where she hit the red carpet in a custom, crystal-studded, hooded gown.
Monáe’s ensemble was designed by Ralph Lauren. You likely remember the singer’s electrifying performance at Ralph Lauren’s New York Fashion Week show last September. Monáe has worn his designs multiple times over the years — especially when she was primarily performing in black and white suits.
According to PEOPLE, Monáe’s skirt was so heavy that it had to be carried to her by four people. It features 168,000 hand-placed crystals, and took about 600 hours (two weeks, straight) to make. Talk about dedication!
Twitter user @hullojess shared that the dress was a possible homage to Monae’s late mentor, Prince. He wore a purple, sequined hoodie to the Oscars in 1985.
Monáe was styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn. Nikki Nelms and Jessica Smalls did her hair and makeup, respectively. Forevermark is the brand behind her elegant Light Diamond choker.