Every Single One Of Missy Elliott’s Iconic Fashion Moments
Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott is a legend who has blessed an entire generation with classics like "Get Ur Freak On," "Work It," "Lose Control," and "Gossip Folks." The rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer has won four Grammy Awards, and earlier this year, she was inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, becoming the first woman rapper to ever receive the honor.
A major component of her body of work are the groundbreaking visuals she created for her numerous music videos. For example, who among us does not remember seeing her wear that iconic inflatable black ensemble styled with a cream helmet contraption in the video for "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) "?
It's no surprise, then, that Missy is finally getting her due at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, where she will receive the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award. As an artist, her contributions to music are unmatched. Play "Get Ur Freak On" at any social function and those first few notes will get everyone onto the dance floor (and if there's no dance floor, people will make one). Most recently, she dropped her first EP in 14 years, the aptly titled Iconology, further cementing her place among the musical greats.
But we can't overlook her truly dope sense of style. Ahead of her big night at the VMAs, we've collected some of her best looks throughout the years. From sporting athleisure looks before they were called athleisure to rocking head-to-toe black like she invented it, Missy has long been an undeniable style icon.
Aaliyah Jacket
Missy Elliott wore a custom jacket to pay tribute to Aaliyah, her close friend and collaborator, at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City. The late singer had tragically died in a plane crash just a few days earlier.
Photo: Evan Agostini/ImageDirect.
Adidas Tracksuit
The undisputed queen of matching tracksuits, Missy opted for a fiery red and yellow Adidas ensemble at the 2001 American Music Awards in Los Angeles.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc.
Powder Blue Puma
You guessed it: Another tracksuit, this time by Puma, at the 2nd Annual BET Awards in 2002.
Photo: SGranitz/WireImage.
Head-To-Toe Purple
At the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in 2002, she looked regal in a custom purple leather ensemble that only Missy could pull off.
Photo: SGranitz/WireImage.
Back To Black
In 2003, she won Favorite Female Rap Artist at the 31st Annual American Music Awards. She stepped out in an all-black look accessorized with a leather baseball cap and a cross chain.
Photo: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.
Couture Snowgear
Dior snowboots with fur trim? Your fave could never. A blinged out baseball cap completed her Matrix -inspired ensemble at the "Verizon Ladies First Tour" in 2004.
Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images.
The Trash Bag Suit
The inflatable black outfit from the "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" video made its return during her performance at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
Leather Biker Jacket
Hanging backstage at BET's 106 and Park in 2013, Missy went for comfy-glam in a black-and-white look topped off with gold accessories.
Photo: Cindy Ord/BET/Getty Images.
Sleek Pops Of Pink
She served pink-and-black realness at a 2016 VH1 event in New York City. Those earrings look lethal, but in the best way possible.
Photo: Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images.
Gucci Hoodie
During her performance at the 2018 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Missy wore a vibrant Gucci number and larger-than-life hoops.
Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images.
Monogrammed Tracksuit
Naturally, she opted for one of her signature tracksuits during her Video Vanguard performance at the 2019 VMAs. This one was extra special: "Missy" was emblazoned on the front in glittery yellow font. She also wore custom Jennifer Fisher hoops.
Noam Galai/Getty Images
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