Janelle Monáe just wore gothic wool corsetry in their hair and we’ve never seen anything like it

The Critics Choice Awards served up plenty of beauty lewks Sunday night (15 January), but one in particular feels strikingly original, and it wouldn't be a first from the star in question. Janelle Monáe (she/her/they/them) was the recipient of the SeeHer Award for their gender inclusivity work and authentic representation in Hollywood, and looked spectacular receiving the important award.

Known not just for breaking boundaries in their work and advocacy, Janelle is always pushing the fashion and beauty needle, creating real works of art and causing conversation. Helping her bring those ideas to life is ground-breaking stylist Nikki Nelms, and the pair have knocked it out the part creating an intricate web of knots through Janelle's braids with gothic distressed wool.

Criss-crossing over the hair like corsetry with the fraying yarn chosen, creates an incredible texture over the two-tone braid. The eye-catching contrast of the bleached hair with the dark roots really makes the look standout. Nikki shared the look to Instagram with the post playfully captioned; "Strings attached. 🧶"

Fans were raving about the look in the comments, in awe of the creativity:

I mean just look at it from the back.

Nikki is known for her breathtaking sculptural styles and has worked with Janelle for years, as well as stars like Zoë Kravitz and Venus Williams. Just a couple of months ago, she created this striking spiked braid for Janelle using simple hair pins.

When these two creative geniuses come together, magic ensues.

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