Janet Jackson just threw it way back to one of her most iconic looks and album covers, paying homage to her 1986 masterpiece Control with a dead-on recreation that has us wondering what year it is.
Jackson channeled her late-'80s self for the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on November 5; her legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were inducted into the hall of fame that evening, with Jackson herself giving them a warm welcome. (She was inducted in 2019.) The duo was instrumental in making her third album such a massive success with countless number-one hits, and Jackson gave a sly wink to the album cover with her look for the evening, hitting the red carpet and the stage in a faithful recreation of that statement-making cover.
To celebrate her friends' achievement, Jackson wore her hair in a gravity-defying updo of fluffy, voluminous curls on one side of her head, fastened at the base with a black wrap. The style was a near exact copy of the one she wore on the 1986 cover, as was the structured all-black suit with a button front blouse with bold shoulder details and wide-leg, high-waisted pants, designed by Christian Siriano to mimic the original ensemble. "When Janet calls and asks you to re-create her CONTROL album cover you do it! Wow how do I get to create for this Icon! I love this woman so much!!!!" the designer wrote on Instagram, where he posted a full-body shot of the musician in the outfit as well as a then-and-now shot of Jackson at 20 and now at 56.
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As for the rest of her beauty look, Jackson kept it simple and gorgeous with a pop of apricot on her cheeks, mauve purple eye shadow, thick black tight-lined eyeliner, a fluttery lash, and a lined, glossy lip. It's a testament to the strength of the original cover that the look still feels modern and fresh today, even 36 years later. From 1986 to now, Jackson is every inch the eternal superstar.
More epic Janet Jackson beauty moments:
- How Did I Miss Janet Jackson's Super Short Shaggy Bob?
- Janet Jackson is Still In Control
- Janet Jackson's Sculptural Faux Locs Look Like an Infinity Symbol
Now, watch Janet break down some of her biggest music videos and their looks:
