When it comes to A-list hairstyles, everything old is new again! These days, all the top superstars are taking hairdo cues from icons of the past. Just look at Alicia Keys’ American Music Awards style—it’s almost identical to Lena Horne’s World War II era, elegant updo.
When Erykah Badu appeared on ‘The Williams Wendy Show’ rocking hip-length, beaded braids, we immediately thought of early-80s dance music chanteuse, Patrice Rushen. The “Forget Me Nots” singer’s beads were the envy of an entire generation of Soul Train fans.
In the 1980s, Shari Belafonte (daughter of Harry!) was a top model and actress—and her short-haired, pink-lipped style was all the rage. These days, she’s passed the torch onto her ’do doppleganger, Solange Knowles.
In the ’70s, actress Pam Grier was a pistol-packing sex symbol with a huge afro. In the ’80s, though, she grew out the ’fro and wore her hair in soft, loose crimps, parted down the center. Joy Bryant has definitely taken some style cues from the “Foxy Brown” star!
If we didn’t know better, we’d think Prince and RiRi were somehow related. First of all, they kind of look alike (huge, greenish-brown eyes, pouty lips, butterscotch complexion…). Secondly, when Rihanna’s rocked a short hairstyle, it was a spot-on perfect imitation of the Royal Purple Pompadour. The beautiful ones, indeed.
The Noisette’s lead singer, Shingai Shoniwa, has an impressive range of natural hairstyles. But our favorite one is this high-drama pouf—which absolutely recalls Grace Jones’ ’80s-era, “Pull Up to the Bumper” flattop.
We love Ciara’s long hair, but her closely-cropped, heavy-banged wig was so fly! It was a gorgeous retread of Diahann Carroll’s 1960s hairdo…elegant, sleek, and effortlessly chic. Brava.
