Fashion Evolution: Nicki Minaj

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Manic color palettes and sculptural ‘dos have have been the Nicki Minaj signature since 2010 ––– a swift transformation from when the star first hit the scene, blending in as a brunette.

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Her wild style isn't limited to the stage, the star stands out from monotonous gowns on the red carpet with her shiny, futuristic fashions like the one seen here, at the American Music Awards.

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Versace was made for vivacious vixens like herself, and at the H&M runway show after party Minaj finds herself right at home in a skin-tight floral-printed cat suit courtesy of the Italian fashion house.

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What’s this? Has Minaj gone girly on us? A taffeta and lace Oscar de la Renta gown and cotton candy curls showed a softer side of the rapper we adored.

5 of 15 Neil Mockford/FilmMagic

Versace turned heads again –– literally, at the 2012 GRAMMY's with Nicki Minaj's Little Red Riding Hood-esque ensemble. We couldn't help but wonder if she'd gone Gaga on us.

6 of 15 Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

The self-proclaimed Barbie made a bold appearance at the launch of her Pink Friday fragrance in a Mattel-style get-up made of striking stripes and swirls, and a bubble gum pink blazer.

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When the star stepped out in this semi-toned down look, we could start to see where her style was going.

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Swapping the sculptural wigs for a blonde Barbie style and minimal black and white palette –– sans pants–– was a relatively conservative look for Ms. Minaj.

9 of 15 D Dipasupil/Getty Images

Va-va-va voom! New York Fashion Week found the rapper hugged up in Herve Leger and an old screen-siren side-swept hair style, leaving the costumes behind.

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Minaj makes it clear in this toned-down biker-chic look that she’s headed in a more polished direction.

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She may have ditched the caricature style, but there’s certainly no departing from sexy. This is made clear in a nude lace lingerie-like dress.

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Minaj officially earned her chic points with the fashion set when she arrived at the MTV Movie Awards poised in a black Alexander McQueen gown and chunky gold metal accessories.

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How pretty is she in a leopard print pussy bow dress on Good Morning America? We could get used to this!

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Her stage style has evolved dramatically in a paired down sexy but sporty look, barely-there make-up with her naturally beautiful mane.

15 of 15 Steve Granitz

Nicki Minaj is all grown up in a knit Alexander McQueen gown looking more polished than ever, but don’t let the demure glance fool you, she's been known to shock a few fans or two.