“Put me on the planet, dammit, where all the sistas look like Janet”

—”It’s On”  Naughty By Nature

This year, the globe has been in flux. From a viral pandemic to killer hornets to global civil rights protests, the world is getting rocked. However, through it all, we’ve seen people come together in love and unity.

This July, Fashion Reverie has trained its lens on two of the most powerful forces on Earth, love, and protest. While we are witnessing how both are changing our world, we are realizing that we need both now more than ever. During times of change, the voice of the people has often come in the form of music, and one musician who has always been on the forefront of social justice and love is Janet Jackson.

From asserting herself in Control and tackling global issues in Rhythm Nation to exploring sensuality and sexuality in her janet. and Velvet Rope albums, Miss Jackson (if you’re nasty) has been a universal force du jour. Fashion Reverie recognizes her as a game changer who has lent her voice to the struggles of the world—the battle for equality, the fight for education, the need to feel loved, and the agency of freedom (physical, mental, sexual, or otherwise.)

In addition to her record shattering music, Janet is visually stunning! She has always complimented her albums with extraordinary music videos. From her limber dancing in “The Pleasure Principle” and zoot suits in “Alright,” to synchronized military moves in “Rhythm Nation,” and a toned bare midriff in” If,” Janet Jackson is our style icon, now and forever. Her music and fashion sense serve as the inspiration for our style-out in this month’s themes “Summer of Love” and “Summer of Protest.”

“Rhythm Nation”

“Join voices in protest
To social injustice
A generation full of courage
Come forth with me”

Jacket: Berna $144
T-shirt: Y-3 $54
Jeans: Dondup $144
Boots: Liu Jo 2005
Chest Harness: 1017 Alyx 9SM $225
Sunglasses: Le Specs &104
Earrings: Camila Klein $87
Chain ring: Federica Tosi $86

“State of the World”

“What is happening to this world we live in
In our home and other lands

Drugs and crime spreadin’ on the streets
People can’t find enough to eat
Now our kids can’t go out and play
That’s the state of the world today”

Dress: Marcia $233
Earrings: Sylvia $264
Ring: Marchesa $225
Bracelet: Lizzie Fortunato Jewels $195
Bag: Cult Gaia $320
Shoes: Yeezy $197

“New Agenda”

“Because of my gender
I’ve heard “no” too many times
Because of my race
I’ve heard “no” to many times
But with every “no” I grow in strength
That is why
African American women
I stand tall with pride”

Blouse: Givenchy $1,255
Pants: Alex Perry $1,410
Jacket: Alexander McQueen $1,294
Earrings: Valentino $333
Bracelet: Emilio Pucci $408
Sunglasses: Victoria Beckham $467
Bag: Christian Dior $1,345
Shoes: Valentino Garavani $995

“Young Love”

“Young love, ring around the roses
Young love, searchin’ for a heart so true
Young love, a pocket full of posies
Young love, all adds up to me and you”

Cropped T-shirt: Fiorucci $79
Shorts: Vicolo $48
Sunglasses: Coach $166
Earrings: Kate Spade $73
Watch: Skagen $115
Bag: Love Moschino $224
Sneakers: Giulia N $47

“If”

“If I was your girl
Oh the things I’d do to you
I’d make you call out my name
I’d ask who it belongs to”

Demi Bra: Fleur du Mal $118
Lace Thong: Fleur du Mal $58
Garter belt : Fleur du Mal $75
Choker: Area $288
Stockings: Maison Close $50
Feather Tickler: Maison Close $60
Feather Handcuffs: Maison Close $50
Ponytail Attachment/Flogger: Something Wicked $67
Shoes: Alevi $453

“Anytime, Anyplace”

“Strangers all around
With the lights down low
I was thinkin’ maybe we could
Well … you know”

Bustier: Marco de Vincenzo $555
Leggings : Marine Serre $355
Waist bag: Off-White $770
Shoes: Gianvito Rossi $995
Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana $410
Earrings: Ef Collection $598
Choker: Atelier Swarovski $554
Watch: Salvatore Ferragamo $1,190
Gloves: DSquared2 $468

—Carl Ayers