ERYKAH Badu is set to receive the prestigious Fashion Icon award at this year’s CDFA Fashion Awards next week.
Considered the Queen of Neo-Soul, Badu is both a music icon and fashion force whose style has inspired global trends.
The 53-year-old, who released her debut album, Baduizm, in 1997, has been a major influence on pop culture in various ways, including her fearless approach to fashion from signature headwraps to bold colours, patterns and a unique way of mixing new and vintage pieces that celebrate individuality.
The Dallas-born Badu has also embraced the work of several American designers including Rick Owens, Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty and Thom Browne.
Last year, Marni’s creative director Francesco Risso teamed with Badu to create a limited-edition capsule collection codesigned by Risso and Badu. The Marni x Erykah Badu capsule included women’s ready-to-wear, accessories and footwear.
“Erykah Badu and fashion are synonymous in many ways.…Erykah effortlessly exudes herself, her unique point of view, through the clothing she chooses to wear…and each look she dreams up is so individual and true to herself,” said Browne, chairman of the CFDA.
Badu added, “This honour is amazing, and I do not take it for granted. I’ve always had a love for taking bits and pieces of the things I am attracted to and creating something far more grand than the sum of those parts. From the music I made to the looks I put on, to the technology I’m developing, I’m always looking for innovative, exciting ways to be more expressive and connect with people — to be closer to nature.”
Previous fashion icons that have been honoured by the CFDA include Rihanna, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé Knowles and Serena Williams.
Amazon Fashion is the presenting partner for the CFDA Fashion Awards, that will take place on October 28 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
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