A Look Back at Nicki Minaj's Most Iconic Style Moments
From the Grammys to the Met Gala.
Nicki Minaj‘s fearless style has without a doubt influenced many fans across the globe over the past decade just as much as her music. Since her rise to fame in the mid-2010s, we’ve seen the 10-time Grammy Award-nominated rapper evolve her look year after year.
For the 2010 American Music Awards, Minaj stunned in a 3D rib-cage designed by Indian designer Manish Arora over a neon pink bodycon dress. Known for her eccentric hairdos, she rocked the dip dye look featuring green ends. The following year, the musician made her first-ever appearance at the Grammys where she was nominated for “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” for “My Chick Bad” with Ludacris. Minaj walked the red carpet in a wild leopard-print bubble dress from Givenchy‘s 2007 Fall collection. To keep in line with her outfit’s theme, Minaj made sure her hair dried upwards overnight to give her overall look a unique touch. 2011 was also the year where she rocked an eye-catching Amato Couture metal assemble to channel her inner “Harajuku Barbie.”
Her 54th Grammy Awards outfit was indeed an unforgettable statement piece. Minaj attended the event in a red cape by Versace, and even brought along a fake Pope to complete her look. After experimenting with vibrant hues and over-the-top hairstyles, Minaj’s style shifted to a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic at the 2015 Grammys. She opted for a black Tom Ford deep V neck dress with fringe detailing on the bottom half of the garment. Six months later, the rapper donned a Cleopatra-inspired look by wearing a flattering gold Versace gown.
The late 2010s saw some of Minaj’s best fits. At the 2017 Met Gala, she focused on looking fierce in her custom H&M piece featuring an obi belt with the face of COMME des GARÇONS designer Rei Kawakubo, as well as a black satin kimono top with a red stripe covered in Swarovski crystals. Another notable mention was Minaj’s Oscar de la Renta gown for the 2017 Met Gala inspired by the event’s Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination theme. And who could forget her crystal-embellished Prabal Gurung blush pink dress with a silk taffeta train.
Scroll down below and see more of Minaj’s best style moments. While you’re here, don’t forget to stream her 2009 Beam Me Up Scotty mixtape, which has now landed on all streaming platforms.
2010: American Music Awards
WHAT SHE WORE: A 3D rib-cage designed by Indian designer Manish Arora on top of a neon pink bodycon dress.
2011: 53rd Grammy Awards
WHAT SHE WORE: A leopard-print bubble dress by Givenchy with matching gloves, leggings and headwear.
2011: MTV Video Music Awards
WHAT SHE WORE: An Amato Couture metal dress with a Shojono Tomo face mask.
2012: 54th Grammy Awards
WHAT SHE WORE: An all-red Vatican-inspired ensemble by Versace.
2012: Carolina Herrera’s Spring 2012 Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
WHAT SHE WORE: A colorful pompom ball dress with net neon green leggings and a blonde beehive wig.
2012: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded Album Signing
WHAT SHE WORE: A hot pink corset with a Barbie skirt, Hello Kitty beret and graphic leggings.
2015: 57th Grammy Awards
WHAT SHE WORE: A black Tom Ford deep V neck dress with fringe detailing on the bottom half.
2015: MTV Video Music Awards
WHAT SHE WORE: A gold, sheer Versace gown.
2016: Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology Met Gala
WHAT SHE WORE: A BDSM-inspired harness gown by Jeremy Scott.
2015: TIDAL X: 1015
WHAT SHE WORE: A Maison Margiela lace bodysuit.
2017: Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between Met Gala
WHAT SHE WORE: A custom H&M piece featuring a black satin kimono top and an obi belt with the face of COMME des GARÇONS designer Rei Kawakubo.
2017: MTV Video Music Awards
WHAT SHE WORE: A pink latex jumpsuit.
2018: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Met Gala
WHAT SHE WORE: A red Oscar de la Renta gown with an exaggerated train.
2018: MTV Video Music Awards
WHAT SHE WORE: An Off-White™ bodysuit with a see-through skirt.
2018: Harper’s Bazaar Icons
WHAT SHE WORE: An Alexandre Vauthier Couture tiger-print strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline.
2018: The Daily Front Row 6th Annual Fashion Media Awards
WHAT SHE WORE: A purple beaded and feathered Pamella Roland gown.
2018: Marc Jacobs Spring 2019 Runway Front Row at New York Fashion Week
WHAT SHE WORE: A Marc Jacobs maroon dress with puffy sleeves and deep V neckline.
2019: Camp: Notes on Fashion Met Gala
WHAT SHE WORE: A Prabal Gurung blush pink dress with a silk taffeta train.
