Teyana Taylor is channeling her inner pop royalty for People’s 2026 World’s Most Beautiful issue, paying a high-fashion tribute to her lifelong idol, Janet Jackson.
The multi-hyphenate star recreated a signature look from Jackson’s mid-90s era, earning a public seal of approval from the music icon herself. The tribute features Taylor stepping into a custom-made, military-inspired cream ensemble. The outfit is a meticulous recreation of the wardrobe Jackson wore while performing the hit single “If” during her legendary Janet World Tour, which ran from 1993 to 1995.
Taylor, who styled the shoot herself, collaborated with designers Laurel DeWitt and Baba Jagne to bring the vision to life, ensuring every detail captured the essence of the original performance. Jackson, 59, expressed her admiration for the homage in an exclusive video message. “Wow, I just have to say wow, Tey. You did it — you captured it; you captured the energy, the mood,” Jackson said.
The legendary performer added that she was deeply honored by the gesture, praising Taylor for looking “absolutely stunning” in the recreated pieces. For Taylor, the connection to Jackson spans decades.
The 35-year-old artist recalled discovering a DVD of Jackson’s “Velvet Rope” tour when she was just nine years old, a moment she credits with sparking her desire to become a professional entertainer. Over the years, that childhood fandom has evolved into a genuine friendship, with Taylor referring to the superstar as her “homegirl” in real life.
The photo shoot comes at a high point in Taylor’s career following a dominant awards season. She recently earned a Golden Globe award for her performance in the film “One Battle After Another.”
Despite her rising status in Hollywood, Taylor remains grounded through motherhood. She noted that her daughters, Junie and Rue Rose, remain her top priority, often heading straight home from star-studded parties to tuck them into bed. Taylor said that motherhood is what makes her feel the most beautiful. While she is currently taking a rare professional break to spend time with her children in Atlanta, she credited Jackson for being a source of support when she briefly stepped away from the music industry in 2020.
According to Taylor, it was Jackson’s encouragement that eventually brought her back to the spotlight.