Janelle Monáe Receives Equality Award in Glossy Black Platform Mary Janes at Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Dinner in Los Angeles
Amina Ayoud
Assistant Digital Editor
Janelle Monáe graced the blue carpet at the Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Los Angeles Dinner honoring Ashley Park and Hannah Einbinder at Fairmont Century Plaza yesterday in Los Angeles. Beyond Monáe, notable attendees included Crystal Methyd, Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Maggie Grace and David Archuleta, among others.
During the star-studded event, the “Cold War” singer received the Equality Award for “unapologetically embracing their authenticity and opening doors for other LGBTQ+ artists in the music industry,” which was presented to her by fellow singer Dreamer Isioma. Monáe lifted herself to new heights in a pair of platform Mary Janes. The chosen silhouette featured glossy black patent leather uppers that transitioned into rounded toes and lofty platform soles.
Thin but sturdy straps sat across the tops of the musician’s feet, threaded through adjustable silver buckle closures that kept the shoes affixed to her feet. Sky-high block heels standing at around 5 to 6 inches in height finished out the set, creating the illusion of length and height. Monáe partnered her shiny footwear with black ankle-length socks featuring white ribbon accents that featured ties at the back that closed much like a corset.
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The “Hidden Figures” star partnered her glossy footwear with an equally high-shine latex dress in shades of white, red and black. The garment was meant to mimic the look of traditional suiting and included structural shoulders, faux tie detailing and a short flouncy skirt. Buckle accents placed on the bodice mirrored the same detailing on her footwear.
Monáe’s shoe style is glamorous and sleek. The musician often pairs her red carpet outfits with heeled sandals, platform and pointed-toe pumps in colorful hues with striking accents from top brands including Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Le Silla, Giuseppe Zanotti and Christian Louboutin. Off-duty, she can also be seen in slip-on Oxford loafers, heeled boots and Converse and L.A.M.B. sneakers.
