Here’s a closer look at Janet Jackson’s style evolution …

Sexy siren

Jackson started releasing music in the 80s, but it was undoubtedly the 90s when her career peaked with string of hit singles and successful albums.

While her music style changed over the decade, Jackson’s love for abs-flashing crop tops and baggy denims didn’t. Neither did her love for showing skin.

From her sultry 1993 album cover right through to 2008’s Discipline era, Jackson was not afraid to embrace her sexuality.

Her accidental exposure almost cost her career, as major TV networks and media outlets blacklisted the star, per numerous sources.

Middle Eastern modesty

But as the noughties came to an end, so did Jackson’s revealing wardrobe.

The couple eventually married in 2012 and moved to the Middle East, where Jackson almost completely disappeared from public eye, apart from attending a few high profile fashion events.

Her style largely adhered to local and religious standards, and she was often seen wearing abayas. She was even spotted shopping for the traditional Arabic garment in Dubai’s Jumeirah Road in 2013.

When Jackson eventually made a rare public appearance at a Vogue event in Dubai in 2014, she covered up in a long-sleeved black dress with high neckline.

While on tour for the album, Jackson was styled by designer Kim Bowen for the show, along with custom-made wedge trainers by Giuseppe Zanotti, but the show only featured only two demure costume changes – a far cry from the many outrageous costume changes on previous tours.

However, the tour was not meant to last and was cut short when Jackson and Al Mana announced they were starting a family.

Rise of the style queen

So what’s a newly single mother in her fifties to do? Only rise like a stylish phoenix from the ashes of luxury, of course.

When Jackson returned to the stage later that year for her State of the World Tour, she could’ve opted to return to her old sex siren persona, but instead continued to embrace her love for luxury fashion and her understated style.

Stylist and costume designer Robert Behar revealed how Jackson was involved in the entire creative styling process of the tour.

“Her inspiration and knowledge of what she wants to do is so great and she’s there for every single one of the dancers’ fittings,” Behar told Billboard Style. “She’s very hands on but in a kind and generous way, so it’s amazing to work with her.”

Of course, all outfits on the tour were custom made.

“We participated for one segment with Fear of God designer Jerry [Lorenzo]. He did a whole section which was really a lot of fun. Christian Louboutin and Rick Owens did Janet’s shoes, and the Louboutin denim boots she wears at the end [of the show] were made especially for her,” Behar revealed during the interview.

Luxury goddess

In more recent years, and particularly post pandemic, Jackson’s love for luxury brands and designers has become increasingly evident. After keeping out of the public eye for most part of the last decade, fans were instead treated to “High Fashion Janet Jackson”, who has become a regular on the Fashion Week front-row circuit.

Her look was seen as an ode to her ability to break boundaries, as she mixed traditional gender outfits with her own feminine touch.

Jackson turned heads again when she showed up at the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony in November 2022.

Her black high neckline silk number, buttoned bodice and pointed collar was a modern nod to her 80s “Control” era.

Her simple but elegant look was complimented with a bold hairdo that made her the centre of attention.

The songstress proved she might be more understated these days but isn’t afraid to show some skin again, when she attended the Christian Siriano spring 2023 fashion show.

Wearing an all-black outfit, with a revealing sheer top, black bra and maxi skirt, it was seeing a glimpse of the old Jackson we knew, but with a lot more style.

Not surprisingly, Jackson was honoured by Harlem’s Front Row and LVMH with the Icon of the Year award at New York Fashion Week in 2022.

As the iconic singer plans to embark on her Together Again tour in April with a rumoured new album in the pipeline, we look forward to seeing where her fashion journey takes her next.

All eyes on you, Ms Jackson …