From Stripper to Fashion Icon, 10 Iconic Looks From Cardi B

October 11, 2024

Source: Jeremy Moeller / Getty

From Stripper to Fashion Icon, 10 Iconic Looks From Cardi B

Today, we salute Cardi not just as a music powerhouse but as a fashion visionary who continues to inspire with her fearless and innovative style choices.

Cardi B’s career has evolved remarkably, from her early days as an Instagram personality and a star on Love & Hip Hop to becoming a global music and fashion icon.

Initially captivating audiences with her raw humor and relatability, Cardi quickly transitioned into a prominent figure in high fashion, credited with reshaping modern trends.

A key influence in Cardi’s fashion journey has been her mother, who inspired her to blend creativity with budget-friendly pieces.

Another major influence is Lil’ Kim, whose bold, colorful, and boundary-pushing style in the ’90s set the tone for Cardi’s daring fashion choices.

Much of her transformation into a fashion heavyweight is due to the guidance of her stylist, Kollin Carter, who helped elevate her looks for red carpets and performances, bringing her into the realm of avant-garde couture.

Cardi’s style reflects a dynamic mix of influences, from pop icons like Lady Gaga and Rihanna to drag culture, where she found inspiration in camp and exaggerated glamor.

This influence is apparent in her embrace of bold, theatrical looks that have made her a regular standout at events like the Met Gala and Paris Fashion Week.

Cardi’s Fashion Evolution Timeline

2015-2016: Cardi’s early looks were defined by street style and sexy club outfits, reflecting her Bronx roots. She favored bold prints, figure-hugging dresses, and flashy accessories.
2017 Breakthrough: With the success of Bodak Yellow, Cardi transitioned into high fashion, frequently wearing designer pieces while still embracing her bold, sensual style.
2018-2019 Red Carpet Era: Cardi debuted iconic looks at events like the Met Gala, including her unforgettable 2019 Grammys appearance in vintage Thierry Mugler, cementing her as a high-fashion risk-taker.
2020-2021 Avant-Garde: Her attendance at Paris Fashion Week showcased her willingness to push fashion boundaries, wearing dramatic, conceptual pieces like the head-to-toe floral look by Richard Quinn.
2022-Present: Cardi has refined her style, blending high fashion with her signature urban edge, while also embracing more sophisticated, couture aesthetics.

Despite her ascent into couture, Cardi has maintained her love for streetwear and urban fashion, often mixing edgy pieces with luxury brands.

Her bold maternity fashion during both pregnancies proved that even motherhood couldn’t tone down her fashion risks.

From her early street-style days to becoming a global fashion icon, Cardi B’s style evolution has been both dramatic and inspiring, continually redefining what it means to be a fashion-forward artist.

Cardi B has delivered numerous unforgettable fashion moments, both on the red carpet and in her performances.

From Stripper to Fashion Icon, Take a look at 10 Iconic Looks From Cardi B below.

1. Met Gala 2019

Source: Sean Zanni / Getty

Designer: Thom Browne

Cardi arrived in an elaborate burgundy gown with feathers and a 10-foot train that took over the stairs. The look was luxurious and exaggerated, perfectly fitting the camp theme. It featured detailed quilting and a headpiece that made her the center of attention.

2. 2019 Grammy Awards

Source: Dan MacMedan / Getty

Designer: Vintage Thierry Mugler (1995 Couture Collection)

Cardi stunned in a vintage Mugler Venus dress with a seashell-inspired skirt that made her look like a goddess emerging from the ocean. The black, pink, and nude ensemble was a showstopper and cemented her status as a fashion icon.

3. Paris Fashion Week 2020 (Head-to-toe Floral)

Source: WWD / Getty

Designer: Richard Quinn

For Paris Fashion Week, Cardi turned heads in a full-body floral ensemble, complete with gloves, a matching face mask, and a hat. The bold, vibrant floral print from Richard Quinn covered her from head to toe, making it an unforgettable look.

4. Met Gala 2018 (Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination)

Source: Ian West – PA Images / Getty

Designer: Moschino (Jeremy Scott)

Cardi looked like a regal queen in a heavily embellished, bejeweled gown and matching headdress. The gown had a high slit and a long train, perfectly fitting the opulent, religious-themed event.

5. 2020 Billboard Music Awards (Custom Leopard Bodysuit)

Designer: Nicolas Jebran

Cardi wore a daring, custom-made leopard-print bodysuit with dramatic cutouts and embellishments for her performance at the Billboard Music Awards. The wild look played into her fierce stage presence.

6. Paris Fashion Week 2021 (Full Leather Bodysuit)

Source: Francois Durand / Getty

Designer: Schiaparelli

Cardi made a statement in a black leather bodysuit featuring golden, sculptural chest details in the form of two surreal, gilded breasts. The bold look was complemented by massive gold jewelry, capturing the avant-garde aesthetic of Schiaparelli.

7. 2019 Met Gala After-Party (Crystal Catsuit)

Designer: Versace

Cardi turned heads at the Met Gala after-party in a skintight crystal-studded catsuit by Versace. The shimmering outfit, with its sparkling stones and deep plunging neckline, was daring and glamorous.

8. 2022 AMAs (Black Veiled Gown)

Source: Jeremy Moeller / Getty

Designer: Schiaparelli

Cardi wore a dramatic Schiaparelli black gown with a structured bustier and a face-obscuring black veil. The surrealist fashion house delivered another memorable, artistic look, drawing comparisons to high art and old Hollywood glamour.

9. “WAP” Music Video (Snakeskin Bodysuit)

Designer: Mugler

For the viral “WAP” music video, Cardi wore a custom Mugler snakeskin bodysuit in shades of green, complete with a long matching coat. The slithery, seductive outfit matched the provocative tone of the video and instantly became iconic.

10. 2021 Paris Fashion Week (Plunging Royal Blue Gown)

Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty

Designer: Mugler

Cardi made waves once again in an ultra-glamorous, plunging blue gown by Mugler. The dress featured a sheer, crystal-encrusted cape and a body-hugging silhouette, showing off her curves while giving her a royal, futuristic vibe.

, From Stripper to Fashion Icon, 10 Iconic Looks From Cardi B Today, we salute Cardi not just as a music powerhouse but as a fashion visionary who continues to inspire with her fearless and innovative style choices. Cardi B’s career has evolved remarkably, from her early days as an Instagram personality and a star on, , Read More, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Posted On The Corner, Style & Fashion, Trending On The Timeline, Entertainment Archives – Black America Web, [#item_full_content].

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