The Unsung Icons of Black Women’s Fashion

QUEEN LATIFAH

When Dana Ownes, or Queen, stepped on the scene in the late ‘80s with her towering hats, African inspired accessories and authoritative suits, she may have been a tad by our standards, but she took the fashion risks we’re missing out on today. Her look and her rhymes demanded respect, and her use of color and massively large accessories showed her style demanded it as well. She’s evolved tremendously since then and so has her clothing. We saw a bit more of the feminine side of Queen in her role as Khadijah James on “Living Single,” as the suits remained, but got softer, as well as the curls and coifs she rocked on the show. Today she is a plus size stunner in gorgeous gowns whether she’s at awards shows or hosting them. Plus, she makes us proud to be black women as the face of CoverGirl products, including her own Queen Collection for women of color.