Janelle Monáe Receives Vanguard Spotlight Award at CDGA 2025

Janelle Monae made a striking appearance at the 27th Costume Designers Guild Awards in Los Angeles, wearing a dramatic Viktor&Rolf suit that resembled a walking prism. The outfit, inspired by the designers’ past collection, featured a geometric black and white check blazer with exaggerated shoulder pads, paired with a matching miniskirt and accessorized with white socks and patent leather loafers. Monae, who identifies as non-binary, completed the look with a lavender bow tie and a black handbag. The event celebrated achievements in costume design, with Monae receiving the Vanguard Spotlight Award. Other honorees included Jenny Beavan, who received the Career Achievement Award, and Salvador Perez, who was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. The ceremony highlighted the creativity and impact of costume design in film and television.