Earlier this month, when the CFDA announced that Erykah Badu would be receiving the 2024 Fashion Icon Award at this year’s ceremony, one word instantly came to mind: Duh . Tomorrow evening in New York City, the legendary singer will be recognized for her inimitable personal style throughout the years, and it’s an honor that is extremely well deserved—and, well, long overdue. Since bursting onto the scene in the 1990s, Badu has been bringing one-of-a-kind looks to the red carpet that are unlike anyone’s around her—often complete with voluminous silhouettes and, of course, her signature sky-high chapeaus.
“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,” Badu said in a statement of receiving her forthcoming CFDA Award. “From the music I make, to the looks I put on, to the technology I’m developing; I’m always looking for more innovative, exciting ways to be more expressive and connect with people—to be closer to nature.” Exciting and expressive are certainly two words that describe Badu’s approach to dressing.
From the very start, Badu has brought individuality to Hollywood spaces. One of her earliest and most unforgettable looks was at the 2000 Ossars, when she arrived in a green gown with yellow raffia accents and a matching head wrap. Badu designed the look with her friend Charlene Sheppard, at a time when the singer was taking a specific, intentio.