Nesines
In the music video for The Pleasure Principle, Janet Jackson wears a t-shirt with cryptic markings that have been replicated on countless replica t-shirts available online. The meaning of these markings is unknown, even to Jackson herself. The outfit, which included black pants, a t-shirt, kneepads, and an oversized jean jacket, is considered one of Jackson's most unforgettable fashion moments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| T-shirt design | A simple graphic T-shirt tied at the front with cryptic markings |
| T-shirt colour | Black |
| T-shirt style | Classic |
| T-shirt fit | True to size |
| T-shirt material | Stiff |
What You'll Learn
The T-shirt's design
The T-shirt in question is a staple piece from Janet Jackson's wardrobe in the music video for her 1987 song "The Pleasure Principle". The design is a simple graphic T-shirt, with short sleeves and a crew neck. The T-shirt is black with white lettering, and the text on the T-shirt is intentionally cryptic, featuring a series of letters and numbers that even Jackson herself cannot decipher. The T-shirt is tied at the front, with the loose ends hanging down, and is paired with classic high-waisted jeans, a black belt, and sneakers. To complete the look, Jackson wears a denim jacket, which is later discarded, and knee pads.
The outfit is a lesson in simplicity, and its impact is still felt decades later, with countless sites offering replicas of the T-shirt. The T-shirt is an iconic piece of pop culture fashion, with Jackson's style in the "Pleasure Principle" video described as "cool, effortless, and functional". The entire ensemble is a testament to Jackson's influence on fashion, with the T-shirt itself becoming a symbol of the power of a simple yet memorable design.
T-Shirt Dresses: Winter Styling Guide for All
You may want to see also
The song's message
"The Pleasure Principle" is a song by Janet Jackson, released in 1987 as the sixth single from her third studio album, "Control" (1986). Written and produced by Monte Moir, with co-production by Jackson and Steve Wiese, the song is an anthem about taking control of a personal relationship and refusing to settle for loveless materialism.
In the song, Jackson asserts her independence and expresses her desire for true happiness, rather than settling for "part-time bliss". She recognises the fleeting nature of a love affair and the importance of not sacrificing her values for material possessions. The song's lyrics reflect Jackson's own life experiences, including her decision to fire her father as her manager and take control of her career.
The accompanying music video for "The Pleasure Principle" directed by Dominic Sena, depicts Jackson entering a loft wearing a T-shirt and jeans, ready to practice her dancing. The video focuses on Jackson's solo dance performance, showcasing her iconic moves and style. The T-shirt Jackson wears in the video has become a memorable part of her fashion legacy, with its cryptic markings sparking intrigue and inspiring countless replicas.
"The Pleasure Principle" has had a lasting impact on pop culture, with its message of independence and self-worth resonating with fans. Jackson's performance in the music video, along with her iconic outfit, have been replicated and referenced by numerous artists, including Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and Cassie, showcasing the song's enduring influence on the music industry.
T-Shirt Tech: Wi-Fi Password, Please!
You may want to see also
The music video's impact
The music video for "The Pleasure Principle" has had a lasting impact since its release in 1987. Directed by Dominic Sena, the video depicts Janet Jackson entering a loft wearing a simple outfit of a graphic t-shirt tied at the front, high-waist jeans, a black belt, sneakers, and kneepads, with an oversized jean jacket that she eventually discards. The focus of the video is on Jackson's solo dance performance, showcasing her iconic moves and choreography that incorporates a chair and a microphone stand.
The video's aesthetic and Jackson's outfit choice have been described as "cool, effortless, and functional," capturing the power of simplicity. Even decades later, the impact of the video and Jackson's style endures, with countless websites offering replicas of the "Pleasure Principle" t-shirt. The video also received recognition from critics, winning an award for Best Choreography at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards and being nominated for Best Female Video.
The "Pleasure Principle" video has left a lasting impression on other artists as well. Singers such as Mýa, Ciara, Tinashe, and Normani have reenacted the video, paying homage to Jackson's iconic choreography. Additionally, Britney Spears referenced "The Pleasure Principle" for the chair routine in her "Stronger" music video, and Jennifer Lopez cited Jackson as a major inspiration for her dance and videos, crediting Jackson's influence for her own dancing.
The impact of the "Pleasure Principle" video extends beyond its visual aesthetic and choreography. It also represents a shift in Jackson's image and the message conveyed through her music. The song's lyrics, written by Monte Moir, are about taking control of a personal relationship and refusing to settle for loveless materialism. This theme of independence and empowerment aligns with Jackson's real-life decision to fire her father as her manager and take control of her career. The video, with its focus on Jackson's solo performance, reflects this message of independence and control.
Overall, the "Pleasure Principle" music video has had a lasting impact on fashion, dance choreography, and the broader message of female empowerment. It has inspired and influenced numerous artists and continues to be recognized as an iconic moment in pop culture and music video history.
The Cost of T-Shirts: Exploring Price Factors
You may want to see also
Janet Jackson's influence
Jackson's success in the music industry, following in the footsteps of her brother, Michael Jackson, solidified her influence. She took over the pop music scene, with her albums "Control" and "Rhythm Nation 1814" setting trends and dominating the charts. Her music and image went beyond fanatical love and hardcore sex, covering social ills, contemporary beats, and her own independence as a woman.
The "Pleasure Principle" song itself, with its message of taking control of personal relationships and refusing to settle for loveless materialism, further solidified Jackson's influence as an "independent woman" anthem. The song's impact extended beyond just the music industry, with Jackson's lingerie line being named after the song in 2008.
Jackson's influence can also be seen in the work of other artists. The music video's choreography, which included a chair and a microphone stand, has been reenacted by singers such as Mýa, Ciara, Tinashe, and Normani. Additionally, Britney Spears referenced "The Pleasure Principle" in her music video for "Stronger," and Jennifer Lopez cited Jackson as a major inspiration for her dance and videos.
In conclusion, Janet Jackson's influence extends far beyond her music. Her fashion choices, message, and choreography in "The Pleasure Principle" have left a lasting impact on popular culture, with her influence still being felt decades later.
Protecting Your T-Shirt Design: Is Copyrighting Necessary?
You may want to see also
The song's chart performance
"The Pleasure Principle" was released as the sixth single from Janet Jackson's third studio album, "Control", on May 12, 1987. The song is an "independent woman" anthem about taking control of a personal relationship and refusing to settle for loveless materialism.
In the United States, the song peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Jackson's first single to miss the top ten since "What Have You Done for Me Lately". However, "The Pleasure Principle" topped the Dance Club Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. The song also reached the top 40 in most markets but fell short of replicating the international success of the previous singles from "Control". It peaked at number 50 in Australia, 35 in Canada, and 24 in the United Kingdom.
"The Pleasure Principle" received positive reviews from music critics and was nominated for Best R&B/Soul Single – Female at the 1988 Soul Train Music Awards. It was also recognised as a modest commercial success. The accompanying music video, directed by Dominic Sena, depicts Jackson entering a loft wearing a T-shirt and jeans to practice her dancing. The video was considered iconic and received two nominations at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards, winning one of them.
Mastering T-shirt Design in Illustrator: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The T-shirt is iconic for its simplicity and functionality, with Jackson tying a knot at the front. The T-shirt also features cryptic markings that remain unexplained, even by Jackson herself.
"The Pleasure Principle" is an "independent woman" anthem about taking control of a personal relationship and refusing to settle for loveless materialism.
The "Pleasure Principle" video is known for its high-energy and effortless style, with Jackson pairing a graphic T-shirt with classic high-waisted jeans, a black belt, sneakers, and knee pads.
The "Pleasure Principle" video had a significant impact, with Jackson's outfit still influential 30 years later. The video also received two nominations at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards, winning one for Best Choreography.
The video focuses on dance, with Jackson's choreography incorporating a chair and a microphone stand. It was directed by Dominic Sena and choreographed by Barry Lather.
