Barbed Sandals and Bold Choices: Nicki Minaj’s CFDA Red Carpet

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We never really know what to expect from Nicki Minaj on the red carpet, but we were hoping for something a little more fashionable and a little less bold from her at the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards.

Nicki Minaj showcased sleek platinum-blonde hair, flawless Barbie-pink makeup, and soft contouring at the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund AwardsNicki Minaj showcased sleek platinum-blonde hair, flawless Barbie-pink makeup, and soft contouring at the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards

A Closer Look at Nicki Minaj’s Alexander Wang Ensemble

We were surprised by Nicki’s choice of attire for the glamorous occasion, as she opted for a bold high-low satin gown paired with snap-front leather shorts.

Her custom Alexander Wang ensemble, featuring a ball-studded leather harness, brought an edgy, S&M-inspired twist that stood out against the evening’s more traditional red-carpet styles. While undeniably daring, the outfit sparked debate about its appropriateness for the event’s sophisticated atmosphere. What do you think of Nicki Minaj’s daring look?

Nicki Minaj turned heads at the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in a daring Alexander Wang ensemble featuring a high-low satin gown, leather shorts, and studded harness in New York CityNicki Minaj turned heads at the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in a daring Alexander Wang ensemble featuring a high-low satin gown, leather shorts, and studded harness in New York City on November 6, 2017 (Credit: Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Accessories and Details: Nicki Minaj’s Bold Fashion Choices

The then-34-year-old rapper toted her essentials in a fringed leather drawstring bag and donned barbed leather-lace-up sandals on her feet. She completed her look with long, platinum-blonde locks, pale pink talons and Barbie-pink makeup.

Nicki Minaj posing with designer Alexander Wang in her custom Alexander Wang lace-trimmed silk gown, ball-studded leather harness, snap-front leather shorts, fringed leather bag, and barbed leather lace-up sandalsNicki Minaj posing with designer Alexander Wang in her custom Alexander Wang lace-trimmed silk gown, ball-studded leather harness, snap-front leather shorts, fringed leather bag, and barbed leather lace-up sandals

For readers interested in exploring more of Nicki Minaj’s fashion collaborations and style evolution, delve into her transformation from vibrant wigs to sophisticated looks in our article on her style transformation. Additionally, discover how she has incorporated bold accessories into her ensembles, as seen during Paris Fashion Week.

For a closer look at her footwear choices, check out her appearances in Giuseppe Zanotti booties. These articles provide a comprehensive view of Nicki Minaj’s dynamic presence in fashion.

Barbed Wire and Studded Designs: A Trend in Shoe Fashion

To us, Nicki’s open-front gown and shorts outfit is reminiscent of her 2017 Met Gala bodysuit and Kimono ensemble, which was also not well-received by fashion critics.

Nicki Minaj completed her look with Alexander Wang lace-up sandals featuring barbed-effect leather straps, perfectly paired with her crisp white pedicureNicki Minaj completed her look with Alexander Wang lace-up sandals featuring barbed-effect leather straps, perfectly paired with her crisp white pedicure

Barbed wire has long been an inspiration for shoe designers. While we wait for Nicki Minaj’s custom Alexander Wang barbed lace-up sandals to hit stores, check out other studded and chained Alexander Wang shoe styles like the “Tilda” below at Farfetch.

Alexander Wang's 'Tilda' sandals feature bold chain ankle straps and sleek silver stud detailingAlexander Wang’s ‘Tilda’ sandals feature bold chain ankle straps and sleek silver stud detailing

Explore More CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Stories

For readers looking to dive deeper into the world of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, we’ve got you covered with plenty of exciting reads. Learn about Alexander Wang’s signature black aesthetic and his rise as a celebrated designer. If you’re a fan of timeless elegance, check out Chloë Sevigny’s sophisticated nod to C.Z. Guest’s understated style.

And don’t miss Hailey Baldwin’s daring tangerine outfit and Brian Atwood heels at the CFDA Awards, which turned heads on the red carpet. These articles provide fascinating insights into how the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund shapes celebrity fashion and emerging trends.