Explore the Collection
123264
Artist
Janet Jackson
(American, born 1966)
ClassificationsCCS - Clothing - Costume
DescriptionThis ensemble, accompanied originally by an unembellished cream-colored vest/bolero jacket, was created as a duplicate stage costume for Janet Jackson’s electrifying performance of “If” during her 1993–1995 janet. World Tour. The tour, which followed the release of her groundbreaking album janet., marked a pivotal reinvention of Jackson’s identity — exploring sensuality, self-possession, and artistic freedom with a boldness that transformed her public image.
The janet. era was defined by its fusion of pop, R&B, and industrial dance elements, and the staging of “If” became one of its most iconic moments. The performance featured futuristic choreography, martial-arts–inspired movement, and a fashion aesthetic that blended soft sensuality with sharp architectural silhouettes — a signature balance in Jackson’s work.
The ensemble reflects the visual language that defined the tour: sleek tailoring, body-conscious cuts, and strategic layering that enhanced the precision and intensity of Jackson’s choreography. Designed for high-impact movement, the costume combines structural strength with fluidity — mirroring the performance of “If,” which oscillates between tight, punctuated dance sequences and moments of confident stillness.
The inclusion of the cream-colored vest/bolero jacket in its original configuration added dimension and contrast, echoing the era’s palette of earthy tones, metallic accents, and sensual neutrals. In its pared-down duplicate form, the ensemble embodies the essential silhouette that became synonymous with Janet’s aesthetic during this period: powerful, athletic, and unapologetically feminine.
Duplicate state costumes are extremely common for large tours so that the artists have backups for damage, always have a clean one available, quick costume changes and tour logistics.
About the Artist
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson
American, born 1966
Birthplace:
Gary,
Indiana,
United States of America
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