Up Your Culture IQ: The Best Vintage-Inspired Looks from the CFDA Awards
How Rihanna, Blake Lively, and Solange turned back time.

1. The '20s: Rihanna in Adam Selman
Ah, Paris nightlife in the '20s — it was a magical time. No one was more prolific on the after-hours scene than Josephine Baker. The triple-threat performer was famous for her exotic beauty, audacious dancing, and opulent head-to-toe ensembles. In many ways, Rihanna is a modern day iteration of the brazen beauty. On the 2014 CFDA Awards red carpet, RiRi channeled Baker in a custom creation by Adam Selman: A Swarovoski crystal-encrusted fishnet dress with a matching headscarf and gloves. She topped off the look with a sumptuous pink fur stole. The get-up was not only dripping in glamour, but completely see-through. While it's a sight that would turn heads regardless of the date, Baker helped pave the way for that kind of state of undress. During her heyday, she'd often hit the stage dripping in sparkle and, to the shock (and delight!) of many, semi-nude.
2. The '60s: Blake Lively in Michael Kors
During the Swinging Sixties in London, Twiggywas the poster girl for the youthful movement. As the most in-demand model of the era, the gamine stunner she was at the helm of every trend liberating young women, from short hemlines to statement hairstyles. Today, there isn't a star with a more famous head of hair than Blake Lively. Much like Twiggy, her coif has the power to ignite a craze, which could very well be the case after Lively's look from last night. The actress was practically snapped up from Carnaby Street in 1968 wearing a Michael Kors Resort 2015 scalloped mini-dress and bouffant hairdo complete with a sleek headband. Lively's updated take on the sprightly trends of yore is proof that with her keen sense of style, she can take on any decade with ease.
3. The '70s: Solange in Calvin Klein Collection
As soon as Solange hit the red carpet, Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out," began playing in our heads — and not just because it's her first major appearance post-elevatorgate. The younger Knowles sister was the spitting image of our favorite '70s Disco queen wearing a ravishing gold silk Calvin Klein Collection dress and her hair in a voluminous 'fro. During Ross' golden age (pun very much intended), she was always the brightest star in the room with her no-holds-barred approach to dressing up, high-as-the-heavens hair, and penchant for shimmer. Solange's choice ensemble is proof that if you've got the right amount of moxie for a gilded look, it's always the right choice.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Will Situationships and Gossip Stop 'Love Is Blind' Stars Lauren and Dave From Making It To the Altar?
Here's what we know about where the season 8 couple stands now.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
It’s Time to Upgrade Your Spring Wardrobe With a Trendy Bag
I found 18 options that you can shop on sale.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Jennifer Lopez's Skintight Catsuit Gets a Standing Ovation
The singer's bedazzled chrome onesie was the highlight of her sold-out performance.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Rihanna Celebrates Her 37th Year Wearing a Reinvented Birthday Suit and $4,500 Dior Bag
A new take on the birthday girl uniform.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Co-Sign the Pinstripe Trend in Matching Gray Power Suits
The pair coordinated in pinstripes and oversize office-ready suiting.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Rihanna Expertly Styles the Rich-Girl Trench Coat Trend With a $6,900 Bottega Veneta Bag
Quite an accomplishment.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Rihanna Remixes the Rich-Looking Snakeskin Trend With Baggy Jeans
Her outfit is the real feast.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
I’m Swapping My Winter Boots for These Cozy, A-Lister-Approved Uggs
They're on major sale, too.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Coordinate Date Night Outfits in His-and-Hers Trench Coats
Ri combined leather, denim, and snake print in one textural outfit.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Rihanna's Spicy Savage x Fenty Lingerie Campaign Is the Ultimate Valentine's Day Mood Board
Her latest campaign is a V-day mood board.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Rihanna Makes Her Recording Studio Comeback in a Fur Coat, Puma Sneakers, and Louis Vuitton Bag
Is new music finally on the way?
By Kayleigh Roberts Published