Kelly Rowland's Style Evolution
From 90s girlband member through bona fide solo artist to British TV darling, we chart the wardrobe highs and lows of Destiny's Child member and former UK X Factor judge Kelly Rowland
Rex FeaturesIn 1998, at the tender of age of 17, Kelly Rowland makes one of her first red carpet appearances with Destiny's Child. At the MTV EMAs in Milan, Kelly's outfit is textbook Bills, Bills, Bills-era DC. Dressed by Mama Knowles, pleather crop tops, knee-high boots and metallic eye shadow were, more often than not, the order of the day.
RedfernsFast-forward 18 months and fresh from the success of their second smash-hit studio album, The Writings On The Wall, Kelly takes to the stage with Beyonce and co. at Scotland's Party In The Park. Working that high fashion bikini top with frayed denim skirt look (remember?), Kelly earns hair and beauty points for those flicked curls on her trademark crop.
Getty ImagesYet just months later at a Destiny's Child gig in Las Vegas, Kelly makes an interesting choice with this pleather, crystal-encrusted bra-cum-necklace trouser suit.
PA PhotosKelly gives a master class in early Noughties cool, working the much-copied bootcut jeans look. Teaming it all with lashings of diamante and newly pink-streaked hair extensions, you've got to love a girl who wears her name on her spaghetti straps. Say My Name, indeed.
PA PhotosWith a debut solo album and global No. 1 duet with Nelly under her belt, 22-year-old Miss Rowland looks the picture of chic at the Soul Train Awards in California in 2002.
Rex FeaturesKelly was working the double denim look long before it was en vogue, and accessorising with a super cute pooch.
Rex FeaturesOn a trip to Cannes in 2003, K-Row wraps up against the chilly weather in a fur-trimmed leather jacket, bootcut jeans and pointy-toed heels.
PA PhotosLater that same year, Kelly turns heads at the Grammys, scooping not only one of the prized gongs for her solo efforts but managing to score some serious style points in this blush pink gown too. Showcasing her toned and trim physique to perfection, has Kelly turned a sartorial corner?
Rex FeaturesThe midi skirt that Kelly wore to The Kids Choice Awards in Santa Monica in 2003 might have been on-trend, but it didn't show off the star's amazing figure.
PA PhotosWhile we appreciate the nod to the King of Pop, Kelly's fash-dar ran a little off course, teaming those denim bad boys with this selection of accessories. However, the new sharp bob makes Kel look too cute for words and so we can’t stay too upset with her.
PA PhotosKelly was to have one more fashion hiccup before she successfully transitioned to the glamazon we know and love. This cutesy white cami, the frayed skirt and those high-heeled-pointed-toe-Converse-style shoes were slightly off the mark.
PA PhotosBut being a Survivor, Kelly claws it back. Although not our favourite of her red carpet moments, the flirty hem of this dress and the good-girl-gone-bad footwear perfectly showcase K-Row's enviable pins - and restore our faith in a heartbeat.
Rex FeaturesIndeed, by mid 2003 it seemed like Miss Rowland has turned a fashion corner, when just weeks later the Destiny's Child warbler was spotted in this summery get-up on stage in Leicester. Southern belle Kelly performed in a floaty sports luxe ensemble paired with killer stilettos.
PA PhotosAnd things only got better. Pictured at the MTV VMAs in 2003, K-Row opts for a hot citrus-hued mini and jewelled heels, while her Farah Fawcett-style longer locks with 70s flicks mark a new era for her hair.
Rex FeaturesBy 2004, Michelle, Beyonce and Kelly are back together working on their last studio album, Destiny Fulfilled, with Rowland marking the occasion with a red carpet splash in this silver, slashed-to-the-navel showstopper. Teamed with sleek Hollywood waves and simple diamond accessories, Miss Rowland sends our (fashion) pulses racing.
Rex FeaturesAlthough not to everyone's taste, we admired Kelly’s fashion gusto for this corseted print mini, worn to a party in New York. Set off beautifully by the singer's gorgeous skin tone, Kel's envious stems make another appearance and the shrewd accessorising makes this Independent Woman one to watch.
Rex FeaturesHowever, in late 2004, on the promotional trail for the new album, Kelly has a minor fashion misfire. Kel's take on the cowgirl trend is a little too literal - thank god for her gorgeous head of natural curls and that knock ‘em dead smile.
Rex FeaturesAs the festive season approaches, Kelly turns it around in this DVF wrap dress and Mary Jane heels. Although the look feels a tad too mature for her 24 years, failing to show off that killer bod, we simply cannot get enough of those newly tousled tresses and so begins our love affair with Kel's hair and beauty looks.
PA PhotosStop press! In one of her most fabulous red carpet looks to date, Kelly Rowland looks positively out of this world in a frill-hemmed Oscar De La Renta cocktail dress at a Vanity Fair party in 2005. The sweetheart neckline perfectly off-sets La Rowland's gorgeous tumbling tresses, while expertly letting the simple diamond drop earrings and necklace do the talking.
PA PhotosFlying solo at the American Music Awards in 2005, Kelly opts for this peach gown with velvet inserts to collect two awards on behalf of Destiny's Child: Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Soul/Rhythm & Blues award, and Favorite Album: Soul/Rhythm & Blues, for Destiny Fulfilled.
PA PhotosYet by 2006 Kelly is back to her best in a sequinned frock at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards in LA. Despite Destiny's Child failing to scoop a gong, Kelly's elegant gown with Egyptian style accessories wins accolades across the board.
Rex FeaturesIn early 2007, Kelly comes over all Carrie Bradshaw in jeans, chemise and a luxe coat at New York Fashion Week. With the Destiny's Child chapter now closed, Kelly Rowland, the solo artist, hits up the Big Apple with another fashion hit. Accessorising to the max, we’re given a big dose of bag envy.
PA PhotosAhoy there, Sailor! Snapped behind the scenes of Skating With The Stars in Central Park, Miss Rowland's nod to the nautical trend, with kooky gold accessories, is a relaxed and welcome departure from the high-octane red carpet numbers, proving that this girl can do casual just as well.
Rex FeaturesPapped on her way to dinner on trip to London in 2007, we get our first glimpse of Kelly's love affair with all things leopard-print.
PA PhotosFear no more, people of the world. Kelly more than makes up for her sartorial misgivings in this short 'n' flirty Burberry Prorsum mini at GLAMOUR's very own Woman Of The Year Awards 2007. The metallic dress is excellently accessorised with 20s style peep-toes and a head of glossy waves.
PA PhotosAnd just weeks later at the The BET Awards in LA, K-Row turns heads in this blue and brown embellished frock with feather-trim detailing. Paired with metallic heels, matching clutch and bouncy curls, a fashion star is born.
PA PhotosOoh la la! Mlle Rowland’s très chic look at a press conference in London comes fresh from the success of her second album, Ms. Kelly. Channelling a distinctly Gallic vibe with beret and palazzo trousers, those crop-top-wearing Destiny's Child days are fast becoming a distant memory, non?
PA PhotosAs her fashion confidence grows, Kelly ramps up the se-X Factor in a plunging, split-to-the-thigh gown at the Brit Awards in 2008. Teamed with celeb-fave platform Louboutin peep-toes, high-octane diamond drop accessories and a chic Hollywood up-do, Kelly Rowland is 100% drop-dead bootylicious.
PA PhotosEver the style chameleon, Kelly turns her hand to boho luxe at the drop of a wide-brimmed felt hat in 2008. The chanteuse's graphic print maxi teamed with 70s headgear and big, ostentatious accessories divide opinion but we applaud her fierce fashion confidence.
PA PhotosBack on the stage and proving that her fashion forte isn’t just the red carpet, Kel goes for a dressed-down shorts and top combo with simple heels. Although we're loving that chic bob with blunt fringe, are they skin-coloured tights that we spot there, Kelly? Hmm.
PA PhotosIn mid-summer 2008, Kelly dons a plaid pussy bow blouse with perfectly tailored jeans.
Getty ImagesPutting her own spin on the androgynous trend, the singer's tux is fierce and sexy. The silk jacket teamed with cigarette trousers, a chic pair of pointed courts and slicked back hair makes this one of her best looks ever. Arise, Queen Kelly!
PA PhotosContinuing to push the envelope in 2008, Kelly opts for this diaphanous creation at the Roberto Cavalli show at Milan Fashion Week. Working the dropped waist and puffball sleeved confection with huge earrings and shoe boots, Kelly's transition from girl band sweetheart to bona fide fashionista is complete.
PA PhotosHowever, with great fashion prowess comes great responsibility, especially when you’re in Paris. Although we love the skinny jeans and platforms south of the waist, the popped collar, lashings of necklace and big hair feel too fussy on this occasion.
PA PhotosBut Kelly finds her fashion feet again in the French capital at a presentation of her then-as-of-yet unreleased 2009 collaboration with David Guetta, When Love Takes Over. Dressed in a slinky chainmail-style mini teamed with sleek locks and silver sandals (check out the pop of colour on her extremities!), Kelly gets her style mojo back.
PA PhotosAnd from pink toes to a pink wardrobe, Kelly dazzles in this hot pink playsuit, artfully paired with pewter shoe boots and delicate muted accessories at a party in Las Vegas to celebrate her number one hit single. Oh, to have this woman's pins.
PA PhotosAround this time Miss Rowland also experiments with all-black outfits punctuated with one bold accessory - in this case, jewellery. Complete with catwalk hair, peaked shoulders, leather trousers and platform boots, Kelly Rowland is fast-becoming a fashion force to be reckoned with.
PA PhotosManaging to oscillate seamlessly between biker chick and girly, K-Row hits the NYFW front row in 2010 as a latter day Marie Antoinette. Although the look feels a little too prim for us, there's no denying this girl's fashion clout as she teams a baby doll lace mini with satin shoe boots and lengths of pearl necklace. As ever, the beauty element is spot on, as she teams smoky eyes with nude lips and a chic chignon.
RedfernsWe love Kelly’s longer length take on denim shorts, and the gladiators, but we can’t help but feel that this look would have been so much better if she hadn’t tried to restrain her curls beneath that hat. Set them free, Kelly! It’s a bit Sideshow Bob like this.
PA PhotosThe word 'triumphant' barely cut the mustard when Kelly returned to the red carpet at GLAMOUR’s Women Of The Year Awards in 2010. In a simple, yet directional, LBD Kelly Rowland is the envy of women the world over. Teamed with sleek hair, killer courts and colour pop nails... Oh gawd, who are we kidding? We just want to be her.
PA PhotosBiker chic gets given a glam makeover at Kim Kardashian's party as Kelly wins us over with laced-up boots and a killer dove grey jacket with peaked shoulders. The ultimate in smart casual chic? We think so.
PA PhotosReturning to those all-black ensembles, Kel opts for a turtleneck lycra dress for a red carpet event in 2010. She somehow manages to pull off this so-wrong-on-paper look with aplomb, sexing it up with bold jewellery and fierce platform boots.
PA PhotosAt an MTV party in London's swanky Mayfair, Kelly works her signature look again, this time opting for an asymmetric neckline on this smart black jumpsuit and pepping up the look with a pop of leopard print south of the ankle. We like.
PA PhotosAnd just days after having been announced as a new member of the X Factor judging panel in May 2011, Kelly took to the Billboard Music Awards in hot pink Hervé Léger. While there's no denying her ability to pull-off the famed bandage dresses, for us this is one of her greatest beauty moments. Working that sleek ‘n’ slinky long hair and side-swept fringe with a summery lip tint and lilac eyes, Kelly Rowland is a summer beauty dream.
PA PhotosKelly makes a splash in this yellow and black two piece during her first appearance as an X Factor judge in Birmingham. What a midriff!
PA PhotosBy the following week, Kel's got her act together, stepping out in this gorgeous cream skater dress cinched in with a metal belt and topped off with those fab blood orange booties. Managing to flaunt her wonderful figure while keeping it chic, Kelly is well on the way to becoming a British TV darling.
PA PhotosDo not adjust your computer screens; it's just Kelly's dress. The singer-turned-TV star went alternative in this Versace skirt and crop top.
PA PhotosOn a rare day off from X Factor duties, Kelly jetted to New York for a children's event in Manhattan's Union Square. Back on top form, her casual rock T and white jeans teamed with those lust-worthy ACNE boots rekindled our fashion flame for her in a New York minute.
Goff PhotosProving that you don't have to compromise on style while you travel, K-Row makes the runway her catwalk in this cosy red duffle, jeans and leopard-print heels combo. Wrapped up against the chilly weather, Kelly looks smart and chic.
PA PhotosAnd at the MTV Video Music Awards, where BFF Beyonce announced her first pregnancy, Kelly couldn't help but steal back a bit of the limelight in this little gold and black number. Complete with feathers, studs and ribbon and chiffon inserts, this busy mini was another fashion home-run for our new TV treasure. Consider her status as Style Icon cemented. Kelly, we salute you!
Rex FeaturesWe dread to think into what bleak depths the mid-winter days of 2011 would've dragged us if it weren't for the anticipation of seeing Kelly's latest look unveiled during The X Factor live shows. It all culminated in this: bespoke Julien Macdonald couture, with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and H. Stern jewellery. Tulisa and Little Mix may have won the contest, but Kelly raced to victory in the fashion war.
PA PhotosPost-X Factor, Kelly's been keeping a low profile in the style stakes. Is a couture overdose possible? This zingy orange maxi dress accessorised with lashings of gold, which the singer wore to the Essence Black Women In Music party in February, gives us hope that that's not the case. Come back, Kelly! We miss you.
