The zip-up bodysuit, which has become synonymous with the album, was a deliberate fashion choice that reflected Janet’s newfound artistic direction. According to Pejoski, the designer was tasked with creating a look that was both edgy and empowering. “Janet wanted to look tough and strong, like a woman who was in control,” Pejoski recalled in an interview.
Pejoski’s design was influenced by 1980s punk and new wave aesthetics, which emphasized bold, provocative fashion statements. The zip, in particular, was a clever touch, adding a sense of functionality and practicality to the overall design. “The zip was a way to make the bodysuit more accessible, more wearable,” Pejoski explained. “But it also added a level of sexiness and vulnerability to the overall look.”
Today, the “Control” zip remains one of the most iconic fashion moments in music history, a testament to Janet Jackson’s enduring influence on popular culture. The image continues to inspire artists, designers, and fans around the world, a reminder of the power of fashion to express identity, creativity, and empowerment.
In the end, the “Control” zip has become an indelible part of our shared cultural heritage, a lasting testament to the innovative spirit and fearless creativity of Janet Jackson, one of the most influential artists of our time.
“Janet’s decision to wear that zip-up bodysuit was a statement of confidence and self-assurance,” said critic and cultural commentator, bell hooks. “It was a way of saying, ‘I’m in control of my own body and my own image.’”
The “Control” zip has also become a powerful symbol of female empowerment, representing Janet Jackson’s determination to take control of her own image and artistic direction. In an era where women were often objectified and marginalized in the music industry, Janet’s bold fashion statement was a defiant assertion of her autonomy and agency.