Janelle Monáe wears a diamond made of tequila on Met Gala 2025 red carpet

New York Post - May 6th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Janelle Monáe turned heads at the Met Gala 2025 red carpet with a unique and sparkling accessory: a large diamond brooch crafted from 1800 Tequila. Collaborating with jewelry designer Jonathan Raksha, the brooch features a 5.5-carat emerald-cut 'stone' made of 1800 Cristalino tequila, encased in a 70-carat white sapphire with a white gold border adorned with upside-down diamonds. This innovative creation not only celebrates Cinco de Mayo but also aligns with the event's 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' theme, highlighting Monáe's commitment to fashion innovation and ethical artistry.

The tequila diamond brooch reflects a poetic blend of tradition and modernity, symbolizing the transformation process of tequila creation akin to diamond formation. Monáe emphasized the importance of reimagining materials to craft something iconic and future-focused, aligning with Raksha's vision of classic dandyism. This appearance continues Monáe's tradition of making bold statements at the Met Gala, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about fashion as a form of self-expression and cultural commentary. Monáe's choice of attire and accessory underscores the growing trend of integrating sustainability and ethical practices into high fashion, making a statement that resonates beyond the red carpet.

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RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides an engaging and timely account of Janelle Monáe's appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, focusing on the innovative and thematic aspects of her outfit. The primary strength lies in its clear and descriptive narrative, supported by direct quotes from Monáe and designer Jonathan Raksha. However, the story's accuracy is somewhat limited by the lack of independent verification of the tequila diamond's creation process and ethical claims. The article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and greater transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest. While it captures reader interest with its unique subject matter, the lack of technical detail and source variety may limit its broader impact on public discourse. Overall, the story succeeds in engaging readers interested in fashion and celebrity culture but falls short in providing a comprehensive and well-rounded analysis of the claims presented.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents a unique claim about a diamond brooch made from tequila, which is supported by quotes from designer Jonathan Raksha and Janelle Monáe. However, the process of creating a gemstone from tequila is not independently verified, making this claim intriguing but requiring further evidence for full accuracy. Additionally, the article mentions the brooch as an "ethical diamond," which is claimed but lacks detailed sourcing or certification evidence. The historical context regarding Monáe's previous Met Gala appearances is factual and aligns with public records, enhancing the story's accuracy in that aspect. However, the Cinco de Mayo reference lacks substantiation and appears editorial rather than factual.

6
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on Janelle Monáe and the designer's perspectives, providing a detailed account of the jewelry's creation and thematic significance. However, it lacks a broader range of viewpoints, such as expert opinions on the feasibility and environmental impact of creating a diamond from tequila. The story could benefit from additional perspectives, such as those from the Met Gala organizers or fashion critics, to provide a more balanced view of the event's thematic execution.

8
Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the narrative of Monáe's Met Gala appearance and the creation of the tequila diamond brooch. The language is engaging and descriptive, effectively conveying the thematic elements of the event. However, some technical details about the brooch's creation process are glossed over, which could confuse readers unfamiliar with jewelry design.

7
Source quality

The primary sources are direct quotes from Janelle Monáe and designer Jonathan Raksha, which lend credibility to the claims about the brooch's design and thematic intent. However, the article would benefit from additional authoritative sources, such as industry experts or independent jewelers, to corroborate the innovative claims about the tequila diamond. The reliance on Page Six as a primary source may limit the depth of reporting, as it is known more for entertainment news than investigative journalism.

5
Transparency

The article provides some transparency by attributing quotes to Monáe and Raksha, but it lacks depth in explaining the methodology behind the tequila-to-diamond transformation. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, such as sponsorships from 1800 Tequila, which could influence the narrative. Greater transparency about the process and the ethical claims would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.stalbertgazette.com/lifestyle-news/janelle-monae-embraces-dandyism-at-the-met-gala-with-help-from-an-oscar-winner-and-tequila-diamond-10617464
  2. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/celebrities/2025/05/05/janelle-monae-embraces-dandyism-at-the-met-gala-with-help-from-an-oscar-winner-and-tequila-diamond