Janelle Monae marked Cinco de Mayo at the 2025 Met Gala.
The actress walked the red carpet in a striking black, red, and white pinstriped suit characterized by its broad shoulders. However, her eye-catching accessories were what truly drew attention—most notably, a large diamond brooch crafted from tequila.
1800 Tequila enlisted jewelry designer Jonathan Raksha to create a 5.5-carat emerald-cut gem from its own 1800 Cristalino Tequila.
The brooch, set against a backdrop of over 70 carats of white sapphire, is framed in white gold with inverted diamonds that reflect the jagged texture of the agave plant. Raksha shared insights about the design with Page Six before the event.
“The details of the 1800 Tequila Diamond Brooch are crafted to embody the essence of tequila in a wearable form,” he explained.
“Diamonds form under time, pressure, and precision, mirroring the journey of 1800 Crystallino—transforming from raw blue Weber agave to crystal-clear tequila.”
He noted that using unconventional materials like tequila is a distinct challenge compared to working with traditional diamonds.
“To create something that shines and symbolizes what we want, it requires a different mindset,” Monae said in a press release leading up to the gala. “It’s poetic in a way. Rethinking how diamonds are made under pressure involves vision and commitment to what’s next.”
She added, “Wearing 1800 tequila ethical diamonds felt appropriate for this year’s theme.”
Raksha commented, “Dandism represents dressing discipline with clean lines and sharp tailoring. The polished edges of the brooch offer a sophisticated nod to classic style with a modern touch.”
Monae, known for her bold fashion choices at this annual event since 2011, acknowledged the gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” expressing enthusiasm for the creative challenge.
Reflecting on her approach, she said, “Think of me as an art student. There’s always a challenge, and my team and I collaborate like students working on projects together.”
It seems she embraced the challenge as she always does.
