Erykah Badu’s Show-Stopping Gown: A Black Carpet Masterpiece

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In February 2017, Erykah Badu stole the show at the Essence “Black Women in Music” event in a dramatic black gown with a personality as big as the singer’s.

The American singer-songwriter was honored for her significant contribution to the music industry and performed some of her hit songs on stage.

Erykah Badu made a bold fashion statement at the 8th Annual Essence Black Women In Music Event in HollywoodErykah Badu made a bold fashion statement at the 8th Annual Essence Black Women In Music Event in Hollywood on February 9, 2017 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Even though she’s already in her 40s, the four-time Grammy winner still knows how to work the red carpet.

Erykah stayed true to her bold style as she stepped onto the black carpet in an Ashi Studio creation from the Fall/Winter Couture Collection. The black gown featured a surprising mixture of mesh, velvet, and tulle.

Erykah Badu slays the black carpet in a stunning black velvet one-shoulder gown from Ashi Studio's Fall 2016 Couture collectionErykah Badu slays the black carpet in a stunning black velvet one-shoulder gown from Ashi Studio’s Fall 2016 Couture collection

Naturally, an Erykah Badu ensemble would not be complete without various accessories. The musician decorated her fingers with several full-finger rings and added a top hat and black-rimmed eyeglasses to finish the mix.

Very few women can pull off this look, but Erykah Badu certainly has no problem rocking it!

Erykah Badu stuns in a dramatic black Ashi Studio gown featuring a voluminous textured skirt, sleek bodice, and bold accessoriesErykah Badu stuns in a dramatic black Ashi Studio gown featuring a voluminous textured skirt, sleek bodice, and bold accessories

Erykah Badu commands attention with her avant-garde top hat, oversized black-rimmed glasses, and bold mauve lipstick, accentuating her fierce and unique styleErykah Badu commands attention with her avant-garde top hat, oversized black-rimmed glasses, and bold mauve lipstick, accentuating her fierce and unique style

Erykah Badu's look is elevated by her intricate gold full-finger rings, striking yellow nails, and delicate facial jewelryErykah Badu’s look is elevated by her intricate gold full-finger rings, striking yellow nails, and delicate facial jewelry

Erykah Badu completes her look with a large, dramatic black hat that adds a bold, whimsical flairErykah Badu completes her look with a large, dramatic black hat that adds a bold, whimsical flair

Erykah Badu’s fearless fashion choices continue to inspire and captivate audiences. In November 2017, she stole the spotlight at the Soul Train Awards in a showstopping white suit-dress hybrid from Thom Browne’s Spring 2018 collection, featuring high-volume, frayed fabric resembling cotton candy.

At the 2024 CFDA Awards, she was honored with the Fashion Icon Award, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the industry.

To explore more of her iconic style moments, check out our coverage of the event, which highlights her influence and contributions to fashion.