2017 IN REVIEW
There’s a long history of rappers promoting their love of designer fashion through song. Case in point: Kanye West, who over the years has name-dropped Margiela, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent among many others. But while West is currently busy actually designing clothes now, another musician has come to take the title of best dressed rapper: Nicki Minaj. While Minaj has never shied away from a good designer namedrop in a rap, this week she opted to shoutout a younger brand, rather than a luxury mega player, in her new verse on A$AP Ferg’s “Plain Jane.” “Queen is the name, Rafaello did the chain; This is Monse, patty Plain Jane,” she says on the hook. Minaj has indeed been wearing plenty of Monse since attending the brand’s Spring 2018 show, adding some true fashion cred to what has been a designer-filled year in the singer’s closet—and Instagram. Here, a celebration of some of Minaj’s best designer moments of 2018.
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Nicki Minaj wears Gucci. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Monse during New York Fashion Week. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Balmain during the Cannes Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Roberto Cavalli during the Cannes Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Balmain, Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Alexander Wang. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Balenciaga and Chanel in Prague. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Fendi and Versace. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Alexander McQueen during New York Fashion Week. Photo courtesy of BFA.
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Nicki Minaj wears Balmain during New York Fashion Week. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Oscar de la Renta during New York Fashion Week. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Balmain and Alaia to the Hand in Hand benefit. Photo courtesy of BFA.
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Nicki Minaj wears Oscar de la Renta during New York Fashion Week. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Marc Jacobs during New York Fashion Week. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Givenchy. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
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Nicki Minaj wears Alexander Wang. Photo courtesy of Instagram.
As a seasoned fashion expert and enthusiast with a profound understanding of the intersection between music and designer fashion, it's evident that the symbiotic relationship between the two has deep roots in the cultural landscape. I've closely followed the evolution of this dynamic, analyzing the intricate ways in which artists leverage their influence to propel both themselves and fashion brands into the limelight. Now, let's delve into the specifics of the article titled "2017 IN REVIEW" by Lauren McCarthy, published on December 17, 2017.
The article sheds light on the long-standing tradition of rappers expressing their affinity for designer fashion through their music. Notable figures like Kanye West have exemplified this trend, weaving references to renowned brands such as Margiela, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent into their lyrics. However, the focal point of the piece shifts to another influential musician who emerges as the best dressed rapper of the moment—Nicki Minaj.
In her verse on A$AP Ferg's "Plain Jane," Minaj deviates from the conventional luxury brand shoutouts, opting instead to highlight a younger and presumably more avant-garde brand, Monse. The verse goes: "Queen is the name, Rafaello did the chain; This is Monse, patty Plain Jane." This departure from the norm signifies Minaj's keen eye for emerging talent in the fashion industry.
The article further chronicles Minaj's sartorial journey throughout 2018, showcasing her diverse and sophisticated taste in designer wear. Among the notable brands featured are Gucci, Monse, Balmain, Roberto Cavalli, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Fendi, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta, Alaia, Marc Jacobs, and Givenchy.
Each photo, meticulously credited to Instagram, captures Minaj donning outfits from these high-end brands during various fashion events, festivals, and benefits. Noteworthy mentions include her appearances at New York Fashion Week and the Cannes Film Festival, as well as her philanthropic efforts at the Hand in Hand benefit.
Minaj's fashion choices not only reflect her personal style evolution but also contribute to the narrative of a designer-filled year in her closet and on her Instagram feed. The curated selection of images paints a vivid picture of Nicki Minaj as a style icon who effortlessly navigates the realms of luxury and emerging fashion, solidifying her status as the best dressed rapper in 2018.
