On October 28, 2024, the iconic singer-songwriter Erykah Badu captured the spotlight at the CFDA Fashion Awards, where she was honored with the prestigious Fashion Icon award. True to form, her entrance was nothing short of spectacular, reflecting her deeply rooted individuality and flair for the eclectic.
Badu graced the red carpet in an ensemble that could only be described as magnificent. She donned an hourglass all-in-one chesterfield suit layered elegantly with an embroidered cardigan, a pleated skirt, and trousers expertly crafted from luxurious materials such as black cashmere, three-ply mohair, wool flannel, and silk faille.
To culminate her look, she sported an oversized jumpsuit also made from black three-ply mohair adorned with black grosgrain tipping, rounded out with striking wingtip pumps in black patent leather. The outfit, a creation by renowned designer Thom Browne, epitomized Badu’s commitment to fashion as a form of personal expression.
Adding a capstone to her unique style, Badu accessorized with a stunning beaded headpiece and her signature statement face jewelry—elements that have become synonymous with her dynamic personality and artistic vision. Her presence on the carpet not only turned heads but reaffirmed her status as a true fashion icon.
Receiving the CFDA Fashion Icon award places Erykah Badu in illustrious company, alongside luminaries like Zendaya, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga, all of whom have been recognized for their influence in the fashion world since the award’s inception in 2010. This honor celebrates Badu’s “distinctive, fearless” style, encapsulated by her love for bold headwear and avant-garde fashion choices.
“This honor is amazing, and I do not take it for granted,” Badu expressed in a heartfelt statement. Her recognition by the CFDA not only highlights her impact on music but also her profound influence on the world of fashion.
The CFDA event also took a moment to honor Badu’s outstanding sartorial history, featuring collaborations with several famed designer labels, including Rick Owens and Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty, alongside Thom Browne. Browne himself, who also serves as a CFDA chairman, praised Badu’s unique approach to fashion, stating, “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.”
The 2024 CFDA Fashion Award was, however, hosted by Cynthia Erivo and will be presented by Amazon Fashion at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
Photo: wireimage/ Jamie mccarthy