You can’t talk about Latin music without mentioning Shakira. The Colombian artist broke into the music scene back in 1991 after dropping her debut album, “Magia”; embraced her rock en español roots with her 1995 hit album, “Pies Descalzos“; and started taking the world by storm after crossing over with hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Beautiful Liar,” contributing to Latin music becoming a global phenomenon. While she’s produced many era-defining moments throughout her three-decade-long career, her style is just as referential and unforgettable. Since attending the first Latin Grammy Awards in a vibrant red ensemble with one of her signature waist belts, Shakira has become a red carpet style mainstay. She continued with a streak of sultry, risk-taking looks that only she could rock, including naked dresses, ab-baring crop tops, and low-rise jeans (even shredded), becoming the epitome of Y2K fashion.
Apart from her unmatched imprint on fashion in the early aughts, the Colombian star has also donned classic silhouettes while mixing in modern trends. In 2009, she memorably made minidresses red-carpet worthy with a yellow strapless number at the American Music Awards, a gold shattered-glass dress for an album release party in 2017, and an iconic LBD from David Koma for her big win at the 2023 Latin Women in Music Awards. She’s even fostered relationships with designers like Burberry, making her fashion campaign debut in the brand’s 2022 holiday project, as well as Viktor & Rolf, infamously wearing a white “no” trench coat during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, effortlessly embracing the no-pants trend.
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Shakira continues to prove her timeless beauty and staying power with looks that match her professional evolution. Most recently, she wore an open-back, sequined Versace dress with side cutouts at the 2023 VMAs and turned heads in a black, strapless Mônot gown for her first Cannes Film Festival last year.
Ahead, take a look at Shakira’s best style moments – dating back to 2000.
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Shakira at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Shakira celebrated her Video Vanguard Award in style in a baby-blue Versace gown that was held together by metallic safety pins. The skin-baring dress also featured cutouts, a thigh-high slit, and a plunging neckline. She then accessorized with gold platform heels, dangling diamond earrings, and her wavy tresses styled to the side.
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Shakira at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival
For her debut at the Cannes Film Festival, the “TQG” artist stunned in a sultry all-black ensemble that included a strapless Mônot gown, heeled sandals, and sheer, elbow-length gloves.
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Shakira at the 2017 "El Dorado" Release Party
While celebrating the release of her album “El Dorado,” Shakira wore a gold minidress that imitated the look of shattered glass.
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Shakira at the 2014 Academy of Country Music Awards
Shakira turned heads in a blue Zuhair Murad dress with cutouts that cascaded the arms and waist for the 2014 Academy of Country Music Awards.
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Shakira During the 2011 Coca-Cola Pop Festival "Sale el Sol" World Tour
In classic Shakira fashion, the Colombian superstar wore a voluminous hot-pink tulle gown and black shoes during a performance at the 2011 Coca-Cola Pop Festival.
Getty Images for DCP/Kevin Winter/AMA2009
Shakira Performing at the 2009 American Music Awards
Shakira traded her usual floor-length gown for a striking, sequined LBD at the 2009 AMAs.
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Shakira at the 44th TV Week Logie Awards
At the 2002 TV Week Logie Awards, Shakira put on her best power suit with a black blazer-and-pants set that featured subtle, sparkly pinstripes.
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Shakira at the 2001 MTV VMAs
With a red carpet track record like none other, Shakira conquered the VMAs carpet in the ultimate Y2K ensemble. The boundary-pushing look included a feathered bra crop top, low-rise jeans with metallic embroidery, cowboy boots, and a black headpiece.
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Shakira at the 2001 Grammy Awards
For her first Grammy win, the “Whenever, Wherever” singer subtly nodded to the naked-dress trend in a sheer dress adorned with gold embroidery throughout and boots to match, all of which seamlessly coordinated with her golden curls.
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Shakira at the 2000 Latin Grammy Awards
At the 2000 Latin Grammys, Shakira donned a captivating red outfit that featured a V-neck bodysuit with a back cutout, leather pants with diamond embellishments, and her signature waist belt, becoming one of her most iconic red carpet moments.
