Niki Schwan, the stylist who brought the world some of Nicki Minaj's hottest outfits in 2010 and Vibe Magazine's Fashion Director, reviewed the year in music fashion to give us her list of the stars' 15 best (and worst) looks this year. Agree with her picks? Disagree? Tell us in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Schwan broke into the fashion world at the age of 16, working under the legendary Quincy Jones and stylizing the looks of burgeoning hip-hop acts like Kris Kross and Tamia. And although her initiation began in the that world, her resume also includes styling everyone from Bette Midler to Courtney Love. "I've always been able to reach out to different genres and age groups," says Schwan. "It's something that I really pride myself on because I don't feel like I fit into any category."
Full Niki Schwan Feature | Best of 2010 Main Page
Rihanna's Transition From Hardcore
NIKI SCHWAN: "I think that Rihanna had the biggest transition this year. When they launched her she was this pretty and talented girl. Then they did this massive makeover, Mariel [Haenn] came on-board. They really went hard and cut her hair off- she was hardcore, dominatrix and s&m and she really made that a style. In 2010 I think she decided that she wanted to make a drastic change and she went from wearing all black to having bright red hair, bright red lipstick, bright red everything. Style-wise, she didn't have an 'it' moment but I think musician-wise, she had the biggest transition. She went from wearing only spikes and wild leather to wearing flowers and tiaras and dancing around. A year ago, Rihanna wouldn't be caught dead in a tiara. In some ways im not sure if i like it, it's almost clown like... but she made a statement this year."
Up for Discussion