• Intelligencer
  • The Cut
  • Vulture
  • The Strategist
  • Curbed
  • Grub Street
  • Subscribe to the Magazine Give a Gift Subscription Buy Back Issues Current Issue Contents
    Subscribe to New York Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Profile
    Sign Out
The Cut
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
Style
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Parties & Red Carpet
  • Fashion Shows
  • Cathy Horyn
  • The Cut Shop
Self
  • Health & Wellness
  • The State of the Uterus
  • Parenting
  • Advice
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Horoscopes
Culture
  • Books
  • Television
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Celebrity
Power
  • Politics
  • Work
  • Money
  • Rebecca Traister
More
  • Latest Stories
  • Video
  • About Us
  • nymag.com
  • New York Magazine
  • Intelligencer
  • Vulture
  • The Cut
  • The Strategist
  • Grub Street
  • Curbed
look book
January 9, 2018

It’s Time to Give Cardi B the Fashion Credit She Deserves

By Leah Rodriguez@leahrod

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Pin It

If there’s one brand that Cardi B fans associate with her, it’s probably Fashion Nova. The Instagram-famous retailer also adored by Kylie Jenner, allegedly pays Cardi B $20,000 a month to promote its clothes, but that doesn’t stop the star from making her own fashion choices, like wearing Christian Siriano. She’s worn dramatic looks from the designer including a black velvet jumpsuit straight out of The Matrix, and a Tiffany-blue princess ball gown. Cardi B’s spoken openly about designers refusing to dress her in the past, and now it’s about time the first female rapper to top the Billboard 100 chart since 1998 has her pick of ready-to-wear clothes from Moschino to Givenchy.

As the saying goes, money can’t buy style. Cardi B’s over-the-top look predates her rise to fame. She’s currently working with the stylist Kollin Carter, who dresses her in playful outfits — Muppet-esque cartoon coats reminiscent of hip-hop queens who paved the way before her and tops that channel classic Hollywood glamour. The rapper will also slip into a serious suit for the right occasion — as long it’s fire red, that is, or if it comes with a cape. A loyal front-row guest at The Blonds’s show season after season, Cardi B officially won over New York Fashion Week last September, performing at Alexander Wang’s highly anticipated after-party.

The musician never fails to make a bold statement, partying in bubblegum-pink latex like a ’90s pop star or performing onstage in “girl power” printed bodysuits. See every wig, sequined dress, and sparkly thigh-high boot she’s worn, from her days on VH1’s Love and Hip Hop to now, in our slideshow below.

Related

Regular, Degular, Shmegular Girl From the Bronx
View
1 / 87 Photos
March 11, 2018 Where: Accepting Best New Artist onstage during the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
February 17, 2018 Where: At the GQ x Neiman Marcus All Star Party in Los Angeles. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
February 14, 2018 Where: With Lil Kim at the Marc Jacobs Fall 2018 Show in New York City. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
February 11, 2018 Where: Backstage for Prabal Gurung during New York Fashion Week in New York City. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
February 10, 2018 Where: At the Christian Siriano fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
February 8, 2018 Where: At the Jeremy Scott show during New York Fashion Week. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
February 3, 2018 Where: At the Maxim Party co-sponsored by blu Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
January 28, 2018 Where: At the GRAMMY Awards in New York City. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
January 28, 2018 Where: At the GRAMMY Awards in New York City. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
January 27, 2018 Where: At the Clive Davis and Recording Academy Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Jay-Z in New York C... January 27, 2018 Where: At the Clive Davis and Recording Academy Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Jay-Z in New York City. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
January 25, 2018 Where: At the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Party in New York City. Photo: 2018 Getty Images
December 29, 2017 Where: Performing in New Orleans. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images
December 20, 2017 Where: On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Photo: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
December 16, 2017 Where: Performing in concert during Day for Night festival in Houston. Photo: Gary Miller/Getty Images
December 14, 2017 Where: Performing at the Hot for the Holidays concert in Newark. Photo: Manny Carabel/Getty Images
December 13, 2017 Where: With Offset at the Set Gala in Los Angeles. Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams/Getty Images
December 9, 2017 Where: At iHeartRadio Canada Jingle Ball. Photo: GP Images/Getty Images
December 7, 2017 Where: At Jeremy Scott x Moschino After Party in Miami Beach. Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams/WireImage
December 7, 2017 Where: At Moschino Fragrance Launch in Miami Beach. Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams/WireImage
November 30, 2017 Where: Performing at Spotify Presents: Who We Be Live in London. Photo: Joseph Okpako/WireImage
November 29, 2017 Where: At the MOBO Awards in Leeds. Photo: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images
November 22, 2017 Where: At E11EVEN in Miami. Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for E11EVEN
November 18, 2017 Where: Performing during the Real 92.3 Real Show in Inglewood. Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
November 16, 2017 Where: With Offset at DJ Holiday Birthday Celebration in Atlanta. Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage
October 30, 2017 Where: At Dress to Be Free Halloween Party at House Of Yes in New York City. Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic
October 26, 2017 Where: At Power 105.1’s Powerhouse in Brooklyn. Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for iHeartMedia
October 20, 2017 Where: At Spotify's RapCaviar Live in Chicago. Photo: Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Spotify
October 19, 2017 Where: Performing live in concert at Echostage for Howard Homecoming in Washington, DC. Photo: Brian Stukes/Getty Images
October 18, 2017 Where: Performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live returns to Brooklyn. Photo: Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty Images
October 17, 2017 Where: At TIDAL X: Brooklyn. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for TIDAL
October 17, 2017 Where: Performing during TIDAL X: Brooklyn at Barclays Center of Brooklyn. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for TIDAL
October 6, 2017 Where: At the BET Hip Hop Awards in Miami. Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
October 6, 2017 Where: At the BET Hip Hop Awards in Miami Beach. Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET
October 6, 2017 Where: At the BET Hip Hop Awards in Miami Beach. Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET
September 26, 2017 Where: At Airbnb's New York City Experiences Launch Event. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Airbnb
September 26, 2017 Where: With G-Eazy perofrming on Jimmy Fallon. Photo: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
September 25, 2017 Where: At Revolution Live. Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams/WireImage
September 14, 2017 Where: At Rihanna's Diamond Ball Benefitting The Clara Lionel Foundation in New York City. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images fo... September 14, 2017 Where: At Rihanna's Diamond Ball Benefitting The Clara Lionel Foundation in New York City. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Clara Lionel Fo
September 12, 2017 Where: At NYLON's Rebel Fashion Party in New York City. Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images
September 12, 2017 Where: At The Blonds fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images For NYFW: The Shows
September 11, 2017 Where: At the Helmut Lang Seen By Shayne Oliver fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images
September 10, 2017 Where: At the Fenty Puma by Rihanna show during New York Fashion Week. Photo: Paul Morigi/WireImage
September 9, 2017 Where: At the Christian Siriano fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
September 3, 2017 Where: At LudaDay Celebrity Basketball Game in Atlanta. Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images
September 3, 2017 Where: At Luda birthday celebration in Atlanta. Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage
September 2, 2017 Where: Performing during Budweiser Made in America festival in Philadelphia. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Anheuser-Busc... September 2, 2017 Where: Performing during Budweiser Made in America festival in Philadelphia. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Anheuser-Busch
August 27, 2017 Where: At the MTV Video Music Awards. Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
August 27, 2017 Where: At the MTV Video Music Awards. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
August 26, 2017 Where: During the Showtime, WME IME and Mayweather Promotions VIP Pre-Fight Party in Las Vegas. Photo: David Becker/Getty Images... August 26, 2017 Where: During the Showtime, WME IME and Mayweather Promotions VIP Pre-Fight Party in Las Vegas. Photo: David Becker/Getty Images for Showtime
August 26, 2017 Where: Performing during the BIG3 three on three basketball league championship game in Las Vegas. Photo: Sam Wasson/BIG3/Getty ... August 26, 2017 Where: Performing during the BIG3 three on three basketball league championship game in Las Vegas. Photo: Sam Wasson/BIG3/Getty Images
August 25, 2017 Where: Performing before the official weigh-in for boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. and UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor in Las ... August 25, 2017 Where: Performing before the official weigh-in for boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. and UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor in Las Vegas. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
August 20, 2017 Where: At a party at Suite Lounge in Atlanta. Photo: Picasa/WireImage
August 19, 2017 Where: Hosting a party at Compound in Atlanta. Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage
August 19, 2017 Where: Performing at Streetz Fest 2K17 in Atlanta. Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage
June 25, 2017 Where: At the BET Awards in Los Angeles. Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
June 25, 2017 Where: At the Post Show for the BET Awards in Los Angeles. Photo: Maury Phillips/Getty Images for BET
June 25, 2017 Where: At the BET Awards in Los Angeles. Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BET
June 24, 2017 Where: Night three of BETX Live! during the BET Experience in Los Angeles. Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET
March 18, 2017 Where: At the Make Trap Great Again showcase in Austin. Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
March 18, 2017 Where: At the SXSW Conference in Austin. Photo: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images
 March 12, 2017 Where: At the Tanduay Rum partnership with Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets celebration in New York City. Photo: Bryan...  March 12, 2017 Where: At the Tanduay Rum partnership with Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets celebration in New York City. Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Tanduay Rum
March 8, 2017 Where: In New York City. Photo: Raymond Hall/GC Images
February 14, 2017 Where: In New York City. Photo: Robert Kamau/GC Images
February 13, 2017 Where: At the Philipp Plein fall/winter 2017/2018 Women's and Men's Fashion Show in New York City. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty ... February 13, 2017 Where: At the Philipp Plein fall/winter 2017/2018 Women's and Men's Fashion Show in New York City. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Philipp Klein
February 12, 2017 Where: At Gypsy Sport show during New York Fashion Week. Photo: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images
February 12, 2017 Where: At the Namilia collection during New York Fashion Week. Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for New York Fashio
February 11, 2017 Where: At Ladyfags monthly party 'Holy Mountain' in New York City. Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images
February 10, 2017 Where: In New York City. Photo: Raymond Hall/GC Images
February 10, 2017 Where: In VFILES Front Row during New York Fashion Week. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images
February 9, 2017 Where: At the Michael Costello fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
January 23, 2017 Where: In New York City. Photo: Raymond Hall/GC Images
January 19, 2017 Where: At the FADER Magazine celebration of their Faith Issue in New York City. Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
January 17, 2017 Where: At album listening party in New York City. Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
January 9, 2017 Where: At the Being Mary Jane premiere in New York City. Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET
December 8, 2016 Where: At VH1's America's Next Top Model premiere in New York City. Photo: Gary Gershoff/WireImage
December 4, 2016 Where: At Santa Slam Concert in Indianapolis. Photo: Michael Hickey/Getty Images
December 2, 2016 Where: At VH1's Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night in New York City. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
November 21, 2016 Where: At the Love & Hip Hop Special Screening in New York City. Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
September 17, 2016 Where: At the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta. Photo: PRINCEWILLIAMS2016/WireImage
September 14, 2016 Where: At New York Fashion Week. Photo: Thomas Concordia/WireImage Style360
September 14, 2016 Where: At the Laquan Smith Presentation during New York Fashion Week. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images
September 7, 2016 Where: At the VFILES fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Photo: Gonzalo Marroquin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Image
August 11, 2016 Where: At Bacardi and Swizz Beatz's The Dean Collection present 'No Commission: Art Performs' in New York City. Photo: Johnny Nu... August 11, 2016 Where: At Bacardi and Swizz Beatz's The Dean Collection present 'No Commission: Art Performs' in New York City. Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
July 26, 2016 Where: At Who's Next With DJ Enuff in New York City. Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
July 11, 2016 Where: At the VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail The Queens in New York City. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for VH1
April 26, 2016 Where: At the Music Choice Awards in New York City. Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images
September 16, 2015 Where: At The Blonds show during spring 2016 MADE Fashion Week in New York City. Photo: Andrew Toth/FilmMagic
1 / 87

Tags:

  • cardi b
  • look book
  • slideshow
  • gallery
  • style
  • More

More Galleries

oscars 2023 Mar. 12, 2023
Oscars Red Carpet 2023: Every Look  Rihanna! Florence Pugh! Michelle Yeoh! They’re all here. 
celebrity Feb. 19, 2023
All the Best Looks From the 2023 BAFTAs Red Carpet  Florence Pugh, Barry Keoghan, and Angela Bassett brought color to the red carpet. 
grammys 2023 Feb. 5, 2023
Every Look From the 2023 Grammys Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Bad Bunny, Adele, Doja Cat, Jack Harlow, Mary J. Blige, Sam Smith, and more.
By Brooke LaMantia
Jan. 10, 2023
All the Looks From the 2023 Golden Globes  Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jenna Ortega, Jessica Chastain, Julia Garner, Jeremy Allen White, Angela Bassett, and more. 
parties! Sept. 23, 2022
Katie Holmes, Chloë Sevigny, and More of the Bestest Party Pics This Week  Chanel, Mejuri, and more celebrate. 
parties! Sept. 16, 2022
Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, and More of the Bestest Party Pics This Week  Fendi, Frame, and Coach all celebrated NYFW. 
emmys 2022 Sept. 12, 2022
Emmys 2022: All the Red Carpet Looks  Updating: What Hollywood is wearing to the 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards. 
By Olivia Luppino
nyfw spring 2023 Sept. 9, 2022
Gigi Hadid, Chlöe Bailey, and More of the Bestest Party Pics of the Week  Saks Fifth Avenue, Longchamp, and more celebrate the beginning of NYFW. 
rip Sept. 9, 2022
The Queen Sure Did Love to Color-Coordinate  Monochrome for decades. 
red carpet Sept. 6, 2022
The Venice Film Festival Is a Major Fashion Event  Valentino and Gucci and Armani, oh my. 
red carpet June 5, 2022
All the Best Looks at the 2022 MTV Movie and TV Awards  Sydney Sweeney, Vanessa Hudgens, Jay Ellis, and more! 
parties! May 20, 2022
The Bestest Party Looks of the Week  Harry Styles > everyone! 
parties! May 13, 2022
The Bestest Party Looks of the Week  Bury me in Dove Cameron’s Saint Sintra skirt. 
parties! May 6, 2022
The Bestest Party Looks of the Week  Cue the Met Gala after-party FOMO. 
met gala 2022 May 2, 2022
Met Gala 2022: All the Looks [Photos]  Billie Eilish, Kim Kardashian, Michelle Yeoh, Hailey Bieber, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Blake Lively, and more. 
parties! Apr. 29, 2022
The Bestest Party Looks of the Week  This one goes to Olivia Rodrigo and her sweater vest. 
parties! Apr. 22, 2022
The Bestest Party Looks of the Week  “Fuck those Zoom tops.” 
celebrity style Apr. 18, 2022
The Best Looks From Coachella 2022  From Harry Styles’s sparkling Gucci set to Megan Thee Stallion’s metallic bodysuit. 
style Apr. 13, 2022
A Look Inside the New Museum’s Spring Gala  Featuring all the best looks. 
grammys 2022 Apr. 3, 2022
Grammy Awards 2022 Red Carpet: All the Looks  Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, Lenny Kravitz, Lil Nas X, Billie Eilish, and more. 
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
  • About The Cut
  • About New York Magazine
  • Newsletters
  • Help
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • We’re Hiring
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Ad Choices
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Accessibility
The Cut is a Vox Media Network. © 2023 Vox Media, LLC. All rights reserved.