Recording artist and actress Janet Jackson’s red carpet and performance style continues to evolve. From her first American Music Awards in 1988 to her return at the 2025 American Music Awards where she was honored with the Icon Award. A fitting tribute to the legendary performer whose recently received praise for her front row fashion choices as well. In honor of her legendary career, WWD looks back at her most fashionable red carpet, performance style and front row moments from the 1980s to today.
-
Janet Jackson’s Best Red Carpet Style Through the Years — 1983
Image Credit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Janet Jackson at the 1983 American Music Awards.
-
Janet Jackson’s Best Red Carpet Style Through the Years — 1983
Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives Janet Jackson at the 1983 R&B Awards.
-
Janet Jackson’s Best Red Carpet Style Through the Years — 1993
Image Credit: WireImage Janet and Michael Jackson at the 1993 Grammy Awards.
-
VIPs Attend 1995 MTV Video Music Awards
Image Credit: NIck Haddow/Penske Media Janet Jackson attends the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on September 7, 1995.
-
1997 MTV Video Music Awards
Image Credit: Steve Eichner/Penske Media Janet Jackson attends the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on September 4, 1997.
-
Art of Elysium 2010 Benefit
Image Credit: Steve Eichner/WWD Donatella Versace (L) and Janet Jackson attend Art of Elysium’s Bright Lights second annual benefit at Milk Studios.
-
Janet Jackson’s Best Red Carpet Style Through the Years — 2008
Image Credit: FilmMagic Janet Jackson at the 2008 NAACP Image Awards.
-
Janet Jackson’s Best Red Carpet Style Through the Years — 2009
Image Credit: Getty Images Janet Jackson attends the AmfAR gala in 2009.
-
L’Uomo Vogue’s 40th Anniversary Party, Milan
Image Credit: Fairchild Archive/Penske Media/WWD Singer Janet Jackson attends L’Uomo Vogue’s 40th anniversary party at the Palazzo Litta in Milan.
-
Janet Jackson’s Best Red Carpet Style Through the Years — 2018
Image Credit: Getty Images Janet Jackson wears a Rami Kadi skirt at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.
-
Ralph Lauren Spring 2010 RTW, New York
Image Credit: Fairchild Archive/Penske Media/WWD Janet Jackson attends Ralph Lauren’s spring 2010 runway show at Skylight Studio.
-
Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean “Diddy” Combs – Arrivals
Image Credit: Getty Images for The Recording A Janet Jackson attends the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean “Diddy” Combs on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California.
-
Thom Browne RTW Spring 2023
Image Credit: Stephane Feugere/WWD Janet Jackson in Front Row at Thom Browne RTW Spring 2023 photographed on October 03, 2022 in Paris, France.
-
Black Girls Rock! 2018 – Red Carpet
Image Credit: Getty Images for BET Janet Jackson attends the Black Girls Rock! 2018 Red Carpet at NJPAC on August 26, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey.
-
Harlem’s Fashion Row 15th Anniversary Fashion Show And Style Awards – After Party
Image Credit: Getty Images Janet Jackson attends the Harlem’s Fashion Row 15th Anniversary Fashion Show And Style Awards After Party on September 06, 2022 in New York City.
-
2022 Billboard Music Awards – Backstage
Image Credit: Getty Images for MRC Janet Jackson attends the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
-
Christian Siriano SS24 Runway Show – Front Row & Atmosphere
Image Credit: Getty Images for Christian Siria Janet Jackson attends the Christian Siriano SS24 Runway Show at The Pierre Hotel on September 08, 2023 in New York City.
-
2019 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony – Show
Image Credit: Getty Images For The Rock and Ro Inductee Janet Jackson and Janelle Monáe attend the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony – Show at Barclays Center on March 29, 2019 in New York City.
-
Thom Browne – Front Row & Backstage – February 2024 New York Fashion Week
Image Credit: Getty Images (L-R) Janet Jackson and Thom Browne attend the Thom Browne fashion show during New York Fashion Week on February 14, 2024 in New York City.
-
2025 American Music Awards – Show
Image Credit: Rich Polk/Penske Media Janet Jackson performs onstage at the 2025 American Music Awards held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.