Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Fashion

The "It" Brit: Lianne La Havas

This 2013 ESSENCE Black Woman in Music honoree has a uniquely soulful voice and a distinctive vintage fashion sense to match. Check out highlights of her retro-rocker stage and red carpet looks here.
By Celia L. Smith · Updated October 28, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
Blues Babe

She doesn’t sing the blues but she’ll wear ’em. This vintage vixen tops a black bodycon with an oversized car coat and wedges for a look that epitomizes London street-chic.

The "It" Brit: Lianne La Havas
Mark Milan
02
Vampy Vixen

La Havas shows off what’s underneath it all at the InStyle Best Of British Talent Party: a 90s-inspired LBD with rocker-esque accessories –– a studded clutch and platforms.

The "It" Brit: Lianne La Havas
Dave M. Benett
03
Metallica

It may look like a prom dress, but when La Havas adds her signature collar it transforms into retro-meets modern stage style.

The "It" Brit: Lianne La Havas
04
Folk Fashion

The soul singer gives her folklore style a contemporary touch in a velvet embroidered top, leather skirt and python embossed colorblocked platforms.

The "It" Brit: Lianne La Havas
Kristy Sparow/Redferns via Getty Images
05
Cutting Edge

Heavy metal, leather and a bustier shows the singer’s edgy take on red carpet style.

The "It" Brit: Lianne La Havas
06
Romantic Florals

Ths singer’s sweet nostalgic voice and matching style is enough to make anyone swoon. A fine-print floral collared shirt (her closet staple) and a flirty leather skirt was how La Havas won us over.

The "It" Brit: Lianne La Havas
Michael Rowe
07
Polished and Pretty

When in New York, do what New Yorkers do: wear black. A tuxedo-style jumpsuit, sleek silver accessories and high bun will do the trick.

The "It" Brit: Lianne La Havas
Jason Kempin
08
Paisley Party

La Havas plays up her sexier side in a printed bodycon and her favorite choice of footwear: wedges.

The "It" Brit: Lianne La Havas
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
09
Red Carpet Ready

The singer shows her versatility and goes from rocker-chic to super sleek when it comes to the red carpet in a long-sleeve column gown.

The "It" Brit: Lianne La Havas
Dave J Hogan/Getty Images