Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin | Essence

01

Boho Beads

The soul singer’s style was as distinct as her voice. Specifically, Aretha Franklin had an affinity for ornate caftans especially beaded ones. Here, Aretha Franklin poses for a portrait in 1965 wearing a embellished bell-sleeve style to die for.

02

Sultry Style

Franklin’s voluptuous curves were front and center proudly. On a 1973 comp card sporting an oh-so hippie style fringe number with cowgirl boots.

03

Glam Girl

In this 1968 portrait, Aretha Franklin sports a then fashion-forward afro, glamorous fur stole and embellished gown.

04

Lovely Lace

With hair perfectly primmed and make-up naturally stunning, the singer completes this look elegantly in a beautiful lace shroud.

05

One-Shoulder Style

When it came to 80’s style, Franklin was just as fierce. This ruffle asymmetrical says it all.

06

80s Glam

Franklin’s affinity for fur and animal print were very apparent. Here, the 18-time Grammy winner throws a leopard and zebra mix-print coat over a white mini-dress with wild mink cuffs for an over-the-top touch.

07

Larger Than Life

“The bigger, the better” became Aretha Franklin’s fashion motto in the ’90s. The talented singer and pianist gravitated to ornate and over-the-top details to make a statement.

08

Fabulous in Fur

Even today Aretha Franklin never misses an opportunity to wrap herself in fur. Here, she dons a long mink with matching headscarf during a tree lighting performance at the Rockefeller Center.

09

Take A Bow

Aretha Franklin brings back the chic chapeau, one that caused a fashion frenzy at Barack Obama’s inauguration –– a Swarovski crystal-bedazzled wool hat with a large bow hand molded especially for her by a Detroit milliner.

10

Sequin Star

At the 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival, Franklin sparkled on stage in a green caftan with silver sequin embellishments while singing “Chain of Fools.”