Picture it. 2020. While the world-changing, cataclysmic pandemic was dark for many reasons and purposes, within the worlds of music and culture, artists strived to parse through and mend remnants of society — through art. Victoria Monét was one of those beloved artists. Monét’s ascension during this tumultuous time speaks to her propensity to stand out from the competition by crafting focused, thought-provoking visuals and music. But you also should focus on Monét’s innate ability to be fly and chic effortlessly.
Allow me to elaborate.
On a zesty yet mellow summer night in 2020, the three-time Grammy award winner released her Jaguar EP — and for me — my downtime was never the same again.
From the first time I heard her infectious single “Ass Like That,” the vintage sounds and cozy, funky vibe traversing her music captured me, and not long after, I became a fan of the music video, too. It was Tik Tok-dance free, y’all. In the flick, she stretches, exercises, and rides a stationary bike while donning neutral-colored athletic wear in the forms of a leopard, body-hugging tee, and leg warmers teamed with sneakers — and in some shots stiletto heels, which showcased her affinity to be campy but also being seriously fierce. The makeup gave natural drama with a voluminous ponytail that nailed the retro style.
But to understand how Monét’s fashion sense became so distinctive, we need to rewind to the early days of her career in 2010, when she was a hungry, talented songwriter and performer steadily earning her rank in the music industry. Initially getting her start by penning songs for artists like Shontelle, Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony and more, Monét’s first solo single, “Made in Love” (released in 2014), feels like a love letter to a simpler decade, as it regards fashion. The synergy was sporty thanks to her FILA hat and coordinated T-shirt, tennis skirt look — a “of the times” attire — and she still ate.
Following the release of Jaguar, Monét displayed her love for sexy, vintage, and imaginative looks and visuals with her next set of singles. Her flirtatious and soothing “F.U.C.K.” where she portrayed an enchanting yet sharp-shooting sheriff named The Jaguar — draped in the supplest fur coat and bedazzled western pieces, causing major swooning.
In addition, her lively and bouncy track “Coastin’” makes even the most rigid person want to tap a toe and lift a shoulder — exhibiting her crooning her love for the West Coast over a tweaked sample of the Mary Jane Girl’s song, “All Night Long.” (Remember how I said Monét has a love for nostalgia while putting a modern spin on it; this song is the perfect example of that principle.) Visually, she wore a kitschy waitress costume that still had slight sex appeal juxtaposed to a neat but messy top bun hairdo resembling Beyoncé’s signature B’Day cover. In other scenes, she danced and showed out in a matching headband, bodysuit, and boot ensemble consisting of a brown, green, blue and orange geometric print that evoked feelings of the ‘70s flawlessly.
But Monét continued to raise the bar.
Last year, the top of the year looked bleak music-wise, but Monét released her debut album, “Jaguar II,” and it spread throughout the interwebs and streets like wildfire.
Her first single off the record, “On My Mama” — sampling “I Look Good by Charlie Boy,” became a huge hit. It showcased Monét’s originality while simultaneously garnering inspiration from trends of yesteryear.
She performed an ode to the mid-2000s — think oversized-4XL-T-shirts, Girbaud Jeans, and chunky bamboo earrings — merged with her hitting choreo in a syncopated nature on the back of a low-rider emanating the essence of cultural trends from the time. By now, you’ve most likely seen her wearing a skin-fit black and white top all over social media, giving off a cyber-girl appearance (if you grew up during the period, you get it) teamed with baggy cargo jeans and Air Force Ones, and it’s too die for. A personal favorite look of mine was the adorable curled half-up, half-down ponytail hairdo completed with blue highlights coordinating with her baby blue jersey dress and tons of silver bangles — another sign of Monét being in her bag while also singing about being in said bag.
Perhaps one of my favorite visuals from the Jaguar II is “Alright.” It leaves you wanting to see it repeatedly — she succeeded. She started with the edgy silver metallic catsuit and a matching cape that supplied an extraterrestrial feel (which, at least, I think was her goal). Next up was a sleek, clean black suit with a matching slick fedora for attire worthy of being related to Janet Jackson’s Zoot suit moment from her video for the 1989 hit, “Alright” — albeit, the ensemble also has a close resemblance to Michael Jackson’s, “Smooth Criminal” getup — simply iconic. This moment was followed by her last look consisting of a cheeky, flexible catsuit permitting her to hit a nasty boom kack using Vogue-specific hand movements.
Moreover, you would have to live under a rock to not know her particular eye for crafting statement-making fashion moments in music visuals and transitioning ‘em perfectly to the red carpet. If you’re the type of girl who loves daring, showstopping moments, there’s no reason why Monét shouldn’t be on your mood board.
Sporting a bombshell cutout and sheer dresses from designers like LaQuan Smith at the 2024 CFDA Awards to luscious formal gowns composed by Atelier Versace for the 2024 Grammys, the “Experience” singer knows how to get show up in a sophisticated way. Monét can do it all; even her streetwear looks are elevated and still reside within her warm, neutral color scheme while allowing her to play with chunky, bulbous denim silhouettes that feel rugged but dainty. Flirty ruffle trousers as well as soft leather outerwear has also made an appearance in her casual style photos, too — just take a scroll through her IG feed.
When it comes to pairing music with fashion, there are few artists from the current music generation who do it as full-fledgedly as Victoria Monét. As a Georgia native myself (something Monét and I have in common), it’s refreshing to see a talented southern woman creating and sustaining her own wave within the fields. Consider this just the beginning of the Queen of the Jungle and her sickening style.
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