Actor and singer Janelle Monae is no stranger to making an impact on the red carpet, and she has stolen the show at this year’s Oscars in a sparkling outfit.

The long-sleeved gown is covered with silver embellishments and topped off with an unusual hooded design.

She added even more sparkle with a major diamond necklace – something which is turning out to be a big trend of the night.

Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae on the red carpet (Jordan Strauss/AP)

Monae’s dress – almost like high-fashion armour – is custom-made by Ralph Lauren.

Sometimes long-sleeve, floor-length gowns can seem stuffy, so the addition of an open back kept this look from being too staid.

Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae’s dress features an open back (Jordan Strauss/AP)

The actor and singer has a long-standing relationship with Ralph Lauren; she performed at the label’s autumn/winter show last September, which was set up like an old-school jazz club.

The hooded element of the outfit is reminiscent of Grace Jones and there is a definite futuristic vibe to Monae’s outfit.

It is the kind of outfit designed to make an impact, and Monae has been getting plenty of love for it on social media.