Today, 29 years ago, Janet Jackson released her magnum opus, The Velvet Rope.
Her most introspective and personal work, the concept album fused R&B and pop with trip-hop, dance, folk, jazz, rock, and techno, creating one of the most adventurous sonic statements of her career.
Ellen von Unwerth photographed Janet for the album’s artwork, with additional photography by Mario Testino.