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Home · Fashion

Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin

Wishing a happy 72nd birthday to the Queen of Soul in style!
By · Updated October 29, 2020
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.
Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin
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.
Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin
03
Glam Girl

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

Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin
04
Lovely Lace
With hair perfectly primmed and make-up naturally stunning, the singer completes this look elegantly in a beautiful lace shroud.
Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin
05
One-Shoulder Style
When it came to 80’s style, Franklin was just as fierce. This ruffle asymmetrical says it all.
Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin
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.
Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin
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.

Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin
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.

Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin
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.

Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin
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.”

Fashion Flashback: Aretha Franklin
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