It’s hard to believe she’s been gone over 16 years now, but Aaliyah — who would’ve turned 39 today (Jan. 16) had her life not been cut short in a 2001 plane crash — left a lasting imprint on the culture. The influence of her fearless fashions and strong sense of self can clearly be seen on today’s music stars, runways and beauty palettes.
Like the title of the then-14-year-old’s R. Kelly-produced 1994 debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number, suggested, Aaliyah sounded and telegraphed older than her years. When it came to fashion, she was a trailblazer, confidently mixing streetwear with high fashion long before the word “athleisure” came into play.
“Aaliyah’s style was ahead of its time 15 years ago and it’s still relevant today,” says Brooklyn-based stylist Marcus Paul, who works with hip-hop stars like Pusha T and Desiigner, and Swedish singer Zara Larsson. “She came onto the scene singing Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number, with a tomboyish style that had a twist of sex appeal. She would wear unique shades, crop tops, baggy jeans and Timberlands. I’m sure Aaliyah’s style has been on countless mood boards from stylists to designers within the last 15 years.”
Aaliyah also blurred fashion’s binary gender lines in a way that predated the trend by more than a decade. “Her ability to open the conversation of androgynous fashion was beyond her time,” according to Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist Ade Samuel, whose clients include Kelly Rowland, Jhene Aiko and Big Sean. “She was a pioneer in taking risks and creating fashion moments that still remain iconic even today.”
Exemplifying her lasting impact on both music and culture, MAC Cosmetics announced back in August that it will roll out the MAC Aaliyah Collection, set to debut in summer 2018. The line was inspired by a Change.org petition that was started by fans two years ago.
“Aaliyah is truly one in a million — an unstoppable icon whose groundbreaking work in R&B music and film inspires us all,” the cosmetic brand announced on Instagram.
Today, fans on social media are remembering her music, talent and beauty— both inside and out— with photos, interview excerpts and video montages.
Check out some of the tributes to “Baby Girl” below.
currently waiting for #Aaliyah to be trending, yet again?? pic.twitter.com/w3zWib2a71
— soul. (@TheFatherSoul) January 16, 2018
Happy 39th birthday?#Aaliyah pic.twitter.com/PbFkfxSDAL
— AIDAN?? (@KnowlesAidann) January 16, 2018
i miss aaliyah pic.twitter.com/810pKLtioP
— ? (@mattwhitlockPM) January 12, 2018
#Aaliyah ?? More than a Woman ?? Aaliyah is an angel now ?? she was 1 in a million pic.twitter.com/T2d14vPtOW
— Joli Monsutā (@JoliMonsuta) January 16, 2018
Aaliyah would be turning 39 today. Experience a journey that documents what made her so special, with 'AALIYAH – The Inside Look', which is available to watch now. #HappyBirthdayAaliyah #Aaliyah https://t.co/9Irzy7iUvG pic.twitter.com/MzX9zVvPau
— amorphous (@loneamorphous) January 16, 2018