Q.U.E.E.N. by Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae just released the song and video Q.U.E.E.N. If I had to sum it up in three words it would be:

• "mod-lishous"
• funky
• revolutionary

When I first heard her album Archandroid a couple years back I was blown away. But when I first saw the short film "Many Moons" that's when I fell in love with her!  Unlike a lot of artists these days, her music videos directly relate to the song being featured. I personally think her doing this makes for a more well rounded artist. 

The video Q.U.E.E.N is primarily in black and white (which may be a metaphor on how plain and simple the message is or how the world is "black and white"). Some of her first opening lyrics pretty much introduce the "thesis" of the song:

"They call us dirty 'cuz we break all your rules down

And we just came to act a fool, is that all right (Girl, that's alright)

They be like Ooh, let them eat cake          
But we eat wings and throw them bones on the ground"

Them be fighting words against the  "the man" don't you agree? 

"She who writes the movie owns the script and the sequel." 

Throughout the song she references revolutionary women such as Queen Nefertiti and Harriet Tubman. I think Janelle Monae is making her point clear that like these women, she won't be "put in a box" and the song is to encourage people to not only be themselves, but truly be the best they can be. 

"Even if it makes others uncomfortable

I wanna love who I am

Even if it makes other uncomfortableI will love who I am"

 

Fighting for freedom always seems to be weaved into all of Monae's songs. 

Whether it's sexual freedom:

"Am I a sinner with my skirt on the ground?"

or religious freedom:

"Hey sister am I good enough for your heaven?
Say will your God accept me in my black and white?"

Monae is on the front-lines for self-empowerment. 

So the bottom line (hahah it literally is here in this post...get it? :P) is that Monae is an inspiration to me. 

P.S. I also admire her wearing suits all the time. I suppose by wearing them she's not only making a fashion statement but making a statement on breaching the standard like Marlene Dietrich did back in the 1930s. 

I honestly could write about each line in Q.U.E.E.N but I had to remind myself this isn't a book, it's a blog! ^_^.

Le Bridgett

After watching many moody fashion documentaries such as Valentino and Seamless, and conducting a few interviews of local designers myself, I realized the number one question people want answered is:

"What inspires you?"

Often the answer is a person or something generic like flowers. After asking myself what most inspires me I began to find it such a frustrating question. It's like someone asking your favorite color when you really love a different color from minute to minute (or maybe that's just me). 

So to answer the question. the inspiration from this outfit was from my stuffed animal weeenieeeee doggy. I had bought a big bag of vintage stuffed animals from the Vacaville Opportunity House and this little cutie was in it. 

Just look how adorable the stitched eyelashes, beret and ears are! Inspired by this French pooch, I decided to sport this dress/top I got from Forever 21 for 2.50! (I just love it when they have the 50% off of 50% off sale...it's like heaven)I felt that the red white and blue stripes were perfect Parisian choice. . I also chose to don a beret because what's more French than a beret? (*Hint...nothing the answer is nothing is more French than a beret ^_^).  I got it at This 'n' That Thrift & Gift when I was on break at the SACFW model casting at Capsity offices the other weekend. I just couldn't help myself. 

(We both have bows on out backsides! X). )

Well...I have nothing else to say...so as awkward as this ending is...

Thanks for visiting The Sun Queen! TTFN.

Shine on,

♔B