The Looks That Made Rihanna a Fashion Icon

No matter what you think about her music, her wild antics, her racy Instagram photos, or her hot-and-cold relationship with Chris Brown, Rihanna has style — that one's hard to deny. Whether she’s wearing a drop-dead-gorgeous gown, a major printed coat, or an outfit that leaves very little to the imagination, the Barbados beauty has a sense of confidence and the fashion know-how to make her look downright amazing — no matter how insane the ensemble may be — in practically anything. And now Rihanna is officially being recognized for iconic sense of style with the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s (CFDA) Fashion Icon Award.

The award — which has been given to fashionistas like Kate Moss, Iman, Lady Gaga, and even Johnny Depp in the past — will be handed to Rihanna in June at the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, honoring the singer as “fashion’s most exciting ambassador in recent memory,” according to a statement from CFDA CEO Steven Kolb.

And since we can’t possibly wait until June to honor Rihanna’s latest achievement, we’ve started the celebration early by rounding up 10 of the best and most iconic looks that have helped the pop star become a certified fashion icon.

1. In Jean Paul Gaultier at the 2013 American Music Awards

Showing a whole lot of skin is Rihanna's go-to look, but the singer often manages to make it look ridiculously chic, as was the case with this crop top and sheer, tulle skirt combo she wore at last year's American Music Awards.

2. In Chanel at the Fall 2013 Chanel Haute Couture Show

Could anyone other than Rihanna make a floor-length cardigan (sans anything but a neck full of pearls) look super high fashion? We think not.

3. In Azzedine Alaïa at the 2013 Grammy Awards

This may be one of the singer's most glamorous looks ever, with the bright red popping against her gorgeous skin and the flowing, voluminous skirt making her look like a veritable princess.

4. In Adam Selman at the 2012 MTV Music Video Awards

It's not often that Rihanna gives us a lesson in modern minimalism, but in this open-back, beautifully draped gown at the MTV Video Music Awards, she did just that.

5. In Marchesa at the TIME 100 Gala

How she managed to make a pretty-in-pink '80s prom dress look like the chicest thing on the red carpet, we'll never know. What we do know, however, is that she rocked the look flawlessly.

6. In Giorgio Armani at the 2012 Grammys

Channeling a '70s vibe with her high-slit, deeply plunging black gown and blonde, Farrah Fawcett–inspired hair, Rihanna was totally groovy at the 2012 Grammys.

7. In Max Azria at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards

Now this is how you suit up. Breaking up her monochromatic look with nothing but shocking red hair, Rihanna showed every Hollywood star how to do menswear the right way.

8. In Jean Paul Gaultier at the 2011 Grammys

Rihanna has a knack for pulling off intriguing, out-of-the-box designs as if they were your everyday LBD, and this sheer, tulle-striped number at the 2011 Grammys was just one of many examples.

9. In Elie Saab Haute Couture at the 2010 American Music Awards

Going red from head to toe, the singer sizzled on the red carpet in a sheer, brilliantly detailed gown at the annual music awards show.

10. In Marchesa at the 2009 American Music Awards

Rihanna did justice to this structured, laser-cut design, which she made look like a work of art with her white pumps, minimal jewelry, and enviable coiff.