Cardi B Channels Naomi Campbell in Vintage Mugler for NPR's Tiny Desk Concert
The rapper sported a celestial-embellished jacket and latex pants, drawing significant attention for her fashion-forward performance.
Cardi B made a powerful style statement during her performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk concert, opting for a vintage Thierry Mugler jacket adorned with celestial embellishments. The ensemble, which included matching latex pants and square-toe boots, drew comparisons to a similar look worn by supermodel Naomi Campbell on the runway in 1990.
The rapper, 34, completed the look with her hair styled in a sleek updo, silver star earrings, and a black-and-silver stiletto manicure, all contributing to a polished, business-like aesthetic. The distinctive four-point stars featured on the jacket are a signature motif of Mugler, notably echoing the design of the brand's iconic Angel fragrance bottle.
Campbell had previously worn a comparable star-studded blazer over a latex turtleneck on Mugler's fall 1990 runway. The jacket Cardi B chose for her performance is reported to be a near-twin to Campbell's runway piece. Another similar jacket from Mugler's collection sold for nearly $3,500 on the secondhand market.
NPR reported that Cardi B's Tiny Desk performance attracted one of the largest crowds the series has seen in its office. The setlist included hits such as "Bodak Yellow" and "I Like It." Following the performance, Cardi B shared a post on Instagram, encouraging fans to watch and share their reactions, which garnered praise from figures like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The rapper's choice of vintage Mugler also evoked comparisons to Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" era and, by some fans, to the singer Selena, referencing Cardi B's own lyric that calls her the "real trap Selena."
This appearance continues Cardi B's history of embracing archival Mugler designs. In 2019, she notably wore a 1995 couture gown from the designer, emerging from an oyster shell at the Grammy Awards. She has since continued to engage with the brand, attending its fashion shows and wearing its designs for significant events, including the Paris opening of Mugler's "Couturissime" exhibition in 2021.