Talk show host Wendy Williams loves a good fashion and celeb drag, and she combined both in her commentary on Beyoncé winning the CFDA’s “Fashion Icon” award earlier this week. During her Hot Topics segment (starting at 6:00), she concluded that Bey is not really a fashion icon, describing her fashion as limited to her role as an entertainer, explaining, “I look at her like a showgirl and she does it like no one else–razzle dazzle, razzle dazzle!”
Williams goes on to say Rihanna (who won the CFDA award in 2014) is the true fashion icon, but still manages to downgrade her, saying she doesn’t really pick her own clothes, but just wears what’s gifted her by top designers, saying, “She’s a mannequin for top designers.”
This is a tough one. Even if Beyoncé’s fashion statements are limited to her performances, she still does exert influence whether on red carpets, in videos or on stage. And yet, there’s something to be said about her everyday style lacking a certain edge. It’s as though Beyoncé dresses as much to please herself as her husband. Not a bad thing, but it’s a look that wins you fewer points in the fashion world, which favors edgier style not viewed as traditionally femmy, the “man repeller” look if you will.
As for Williams’ critique that Rihanna doesn’t have her own perspective, we just say, nope, not accurate. The reason why Rihanna is widely viewed as deserving of fashion icon status is because of what she clearly brings to the table, and we’ve heard that stated publicly on the record by designers and stylists who work with her, but also off the record by people we know who have worked with her and have nothing to gain by saying she has a real fashion perspective.
