Ever look at a celebrity and wonder where the motivation or inspiration behind their attire came from? Although professional stylists have a lot to do with their looks, specific pieces are often mimicked from some of history’s greatest trendsetters.
From Jimi Hendrix to Lena Horne, fashion inspiration is endless. We’ve compiled a list of artists of today who have similar style choices of those from the past.
Feel free to let us know if you agree or disagree.
Andre 3000 à Langston Hughes
The great poet and seasoned rapper somehow mix the classic American look with the sense of debonair that only a strong black man can convey. Hughes who was a genius with words, often rocked printed button-ups, funky ties and stylish hats. Andre’s style has evolved through the years, leading him to a similar style as the Harlem Renaissance great.
Solange à Chaka Khan
Who wouldn’t want to follow the fashion footsteps of the fabulous Chaka Khan? Solange has definitely proven herself to be an individual artist, despite her sister’s ginormous success. Like a young Chaka, Solange mixes and matches simple looks with bold, colorful Afrocentric pieces. And the hair! So glamorous.
Keri Hilson à Donyale Luna
Not only do these two ladies have similar physical features, they both have a glamorous sense of style. Luna who was an internationally recognized supermodel was very much ahead of her time in fashion and beauty. Hilson may not be a professional supermodel, but she does have a keen sense of fashion that keeps her fans on their toes.
Kanye West à Sammy Davis Jr.
The youngsters may think Kanye’s Rosewood Movement is a new concept, but they’re very wrong. Decades before Kanye was alive, Sammy Davis Jr. along with his Rat Pack members suited up everyday for films, shows and virtually every public appearance they made. Clean as a new car fresh off the parking lot, Davis Jr. definitely paved the way for Renaissance men of today.
Kelis à Betty Davis
Not only were both of these stylish ladies married to established artists (Kelis to Nas and Betty to Miles Davis), they both had a unique look. In the 1970s, Davis was a first lady of funk music working with Jimi Hendrix, Santana and Sly Stone. Davis is also said to have influenced her ex-husband’s eccentric style.
Common à Donny Hathaway
Maybe it’s a Chicago staple, but both of these brothers had a love for fitted newsboy caps. Not only does Common wear similar hats and neutral warm colors– he often mentions Hathaway in his songs, even sampling the R&B legend’s “Song for You” in his 1997 song with Lauryn Hill, “Retrospect for Life.”
Paula Patton à Phylicia Rashad
The keywords when comparing the lovely Phylicia Rashad and Paula Patton is “fresh” and “sophisticated.” There’s no need for either lady to scream of their elegance, it’s evident in their every move. Patton, like Rashad, keeps her makeup and attire simple, to showcase her natural beauty.
