Photos By Gail
American singer and actor, Janelle Monáe has showcased several distinctive headpieces and hairstyles throughout her career, often collaborating with designers like the design duo David and Phillipe Blond, known creatively as The Blonds. For the of June 2023 cover of Rolling Stone, Monae wore The Blonds’ gold and crystal Super Freak chain headpiece.
The design was inspired by Cleopatra’s gold wigs, which symbolized the queen’s power and regal aesthetics. It also drew from American singer Rick James‘ flamboyant hairstyle at the time he released his chart-topping song, “Super Freak” (1981), a style that blended funk and historical elegance. Monáe’s longtime hairstylist, Nikki Nelms, was instrumental in crafting this avant-garde look.
With this headpiece, Monáe celebrated both the ancient and modern icons while making a powerful fashion statement.
Photographed in the Brooklyn Museum as part of the exhibit Solid Gold, which runs thru July 6th, 2025.
