Last weekend entertainer Little Richard passed away at 87. While his contributions to the music industry, including hits such as “Tutti Frutti,” will go down in history, his style was equally iconic.
The music legend created his own aesthetic by perfecting a polished makeup beat usually accompanied with a matching suit. Not only did he break barriers as a Black man performing rock ‘n’ roll, but he also did it to the beat of his own drum. Little Richard was never dull—and his look spoke before his electrifying music took away the room.
His nonconforming style, along with his music will be remembered forever. Scroll through our favorite Little Richard fashion moments through the years.
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01
1972 London Rock ‘n’ Roll Show
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2006 House of Blues
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1975 Copenhagen, Denmark
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1971 The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour
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1988 30th Annual Grammy Awards
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1974 16th Annual Grammy Awards
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2009 The Domino Effect Benefit Concert
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1975 Music Festival
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Little Richard, May 9
Born Richard Wayne Penniman, the rock and roll legend, who brought us smash hits like “Tutti Fruitti” and “Good Golly Miss Molly”, passed away at the age of 87 following his battle with bone cancer. According to his agent of 40 years, Dick Allen, ‘The Innovator, The Originator, and the Architect of Rock and Roll’ died in Nashville with his brother and son by his side.
Across the pond this evening the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards kicked off. The special occasion allowed actors and actresses to present themselves uniquely. Since red carpet season is well underway in the United States it was refreshing to see those who have been carving out a niche for themselves in matters of style operate similarly. Stars who attended opted to stick to their guns.
For example, Cynthia Erivo who never backs down from a print or pattern wore a custom Louis Vuitton frock crafted with white lace. Styled by Jason Bolden her look was topped off by exquisite gemstone earrings and white heels. An additional stunner? Colman Domingo arrived in a leather statement coat, patterned button-up, and sleek black trousers. Domingo’s outfit which was styled by Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald was entirely Versace.
Zoe Saldana who won a BAFTA Award for her supporting role in Emilia Pérez wore a black lace Saint Laurent gown. Saldana’s jewelry which consisted of a necklace, earrings, and assorted rings was striking, these pieces were credited to De Beers. Next, Lupita Nyong’o who was styled by her longtime stylist Micaela Erlanger stunned in a delightful ensemble by Chanel. The white top appeared to be made of white tweed, while the crystallized detailing which included a bow was emblazoned with glitzy black stones. The tulle skirt portion of Lupita’s outfit made for an excellent pairing.
Separately, Letitia Wright donned a custom Prada gown in a gorgeous maroon hue with jewelry by Chaumet. A hooded element was attached to the back of Wright’s gown embellished with hundreds of silver and glittered specks. Her cornrowed hair was a solid hair choice.
Nico Parker who is somewhat of a red carpet darling opted for a Chanel Fall/Winter 2024 Couture gown. The polka dot elements were striking especially when paired with minimal jewelry and black pumps.
Below take a look at the looks that caught our attention at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards.
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Cynthia Erivo
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Cynthia Erivo attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
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Colman Domingo
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Colman Domingo attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
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Zoe Saldana
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Zoe Saldana attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
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Lupita Nyong’o
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Lupita Nyong’o attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
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Vanessa Williams
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Vanessa Williams attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
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Letitia Wright
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Letitia Wright attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
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Marianne Jean-Baptiste
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Marianne Jean-Baptiste attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
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Naomi Ackie
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Naomi Ackie attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
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Wunmi Mosaku
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Wunmi Mosaku attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
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David Jonsson
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: David Jonsson attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: India Amarteifio attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
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Nico Parker
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Nico Parker attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
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AJ Odudu
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: AJ Odudu attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)