Dua Lipa: Fashion’s Favorite Popstar
Dua Lipa in Atelier Versace at the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Korea
It is no secret that music and fashion are merely reflections of each other. The great designers such as Donatella Versace, Hedi Slimane, and Jeremy Scott have all been inspired by the loudest and most forward thinking musicians of our time. But it is the women in pop music who hold this candle the brightest, and currently it is British singer/songwriter Dua Lipa.
The 3x Grammy winner first made her wave in late 2016 with her sultry voice, reminiscent of honey and incense, there was an immediate essence of star power there. As she grew as an It Girl, so did her red carpet style and music video wardrobe. From Zara and Topshop to haute couture Giambattista Valli , the perks of superstardom reflected well on the singer. But in the year of 2020, there was an enormous sense of growth in both talent and fashion.
Dua released her sophomore LP, Future Nostalgia, to a general consensus of praise and acknowledgement of her standout effort in terms of exacting her creative vision, both visually and sonically. Through the turbulence of an unseen pandemic, her promotions and world tour were not seen to their full effect, but nonetheless, Lipa still carried through and made her presence be known. But the looks is the best part of the cataclysmic reinvention, from music videos to live performances draped in Chanel, Valentino, and Paco Rabanne. Lets revisit her best looks and break down how she became every designers newest dress-up doll.
THe reinvention
Performing at the MTV European Music Awards in Mugler S/S 2020
Performing at the American Music Awards in Atelier Versace
Performing at The Voice finale in Jeremy Scott
Photographed by Hugo Comte in Gareth Pugh
With every eye on her after dominating the globe with her unexpected single “New Rules”, many wondered what was next for the pop prodigy. There was critique about her stage presence and whether or not she had the chops to maintain our interest after such a momentous song and invasion. Dua landed herself two Grammys' (one of which was the coveted Best New Artist trophy), so there was a lot on the line.
She took a hiatus, and delivered us a makeover nobody saw coming. Not just a new look but a new sound as well. Dua teased “Don't Start Now’’, a contemporary disco record which would be the lead single off her sophomore record. Donning a neon Mugler bodysuit with a platinum blonde bob, a new era was confirmed. In the video itself, Lipa prances around London in a Versace bondage bralette and oversized Levis- prompting a glam but tomboy moment. The video is simple and sultry and the single is infectious and timeless; very in tune with the fashion showcased in the following year.
STREET STYLE
On-the-go chic in NYC in GCDS
Celebrating New Years in Miami wearing Atelier Versace
At the Roc Nation Brunch in Jacquemus
Schoolgirl vibes in Versace and Burberry
Keeping it casual in Versace
There are only so many red carpets and talk show appearances a girl can make. If style mavens like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner have proven anything, is that the concrete is the best runway. Dua gave simple but elevated looks following her new transformation, more structured and idealistic to what a celebrity of her caliber should be presenting. Mixing streetwear with luxury fashion or wearing couture to a party just because you can, quickly became the must-do thing.
Music videos
Disco slinky in Atelier Versace
Girly in Miu Miu
Heathers-chic wearing Chanel
Grazing in the grass in Miu Miu
Getting physical in Saint Laurent
The best pop girl eras are always accompanied by two things: a sickening music video and hella looks. Lipa’s stylist, Lorenzo Posocco, assembled a bevy of shapeshifting outfits to alter the starlet into a variety of characters. A nightclub goddess in “Levitating”, a sickly sweet babydoll in “Break My Heart”, and even a chameleon dancing queen in “Physical”.
PuBLIC APPEARANCES
Stopping by Jimmy Fallon in Atelier Versace
Performing at her “Studio 2054” live concert in Mugler
Glittering in Miu Miu at the iHeartRadio Jingleball Concert
At the American Music Award in Versace
Guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Chanel
In Valentino Haute Couture on SNL
Whether or not 2020 was a good year for us in general, at least we had the music and camp of Future Nostalgia to carry us through it. With the era coming to a close, it is quite evident that the songstress has emerged like a true star and blown us away with incomparable talent and articulated aesthetics. What does Dua have next for us ? Let us hope it’s our wigs because she certainly snatched those.