The Unsung Icons of Black Women’s Fashion

LAURYN HILL

Natty dreaded or hair twisted up, afro puff or dookie braids from her Sister Act 2 days, Lauryn Hill has always been a trendsetter. Whether she was standing out from her male counterparts in the Fugees rocking beanies, puffy coats, hoops and dark lipstick, or giving meaning to neo-soul style through eclectic prints and longs skirts, L.Boogie has quietly changed music and black women’s sense of style. Never too over the top, sexually that is, her attire always had an air of class, and sophistication when topped with a pair of thin frames to help her read her many acceptance speeches. Her makeup was always flattering, her eyebrows, to die for. And what can you say about her love for idiosyncratic platform heels and jewelry? While her approach to clothing has taken a somewhat dark, or dare I say, “tacky” turn as she’s come out of reclusion, we can always remember the days, at her peak in the late ‘90s, when Hill helped us love ourselves, think a bit higher and dress ourselves a little bit flyer.