Before a lot of female entertainers, DJs and the likes of Nicki Minaj, Rihanna or even Queen Bey, Lil Kim was making serious sartorial statements for women in the hip hop industry.
Though controversial and typically titillating, there’s no denying that Kimberly Denise Jones carved out a niche as a 90’s era fashion and style icon, trendsetting her way via avant-garde dressing, skin tight bustiers, and (the infamous) pasty-affirmation for every woman out there.
Lil’ Kim not only pushed the boundaries of what fashion was, but also made it accessible and influential to the general population by way of her luxury designer laden, statement-making lyrics. Remember when she said:
YA’LL ROCK VERSACE AND YA’LL WENT OUT AND BOUGHT IT/ I ROCK VERSACE AND YA’LL KNOW I AIN’T PAY FOR IT!
Yeah…Lil’ Kim was one of the original rap stars, known for ostentatiously citing designer labels in songs.
Her style is still seen in the outfits of some of Hip-Hop and Pop’s most notable artists, including:
Rihanna who has definitely cited Lil’ Kim as a style and fashion icon and inspiration.
Miley Cyrus who tried out Kim’s infamous pasty/sequin look from the 1999 VMAs.
And Nicki Minaj, whose Harajuku Barbie aesthetic was undoubtedly inspired by Kim.
Outside of performances and appearances, celebrities have of course given their own ode to Kim during holidays, including Karrueche who rocked her look for Halloween.
Though racy and oft criticized, Lil Kim showed women of the 90’s and beyond that it was ok to embrace their sexuality and flaunt their form even in the most shocking of ways. Kim made it ok to be totally unapologetic when it came to sensual style expression.
Do you consider Lil Kim a Style and Fashion Icon?
*In the spirit of today’s piece, indulge in some of Kim’s most iconic videos.
