Celebrities

Fashion’s hottest celebrity muses

In the game of fashion, to be muse is to be king. Granted, every A-lister bills a fashion stylist, but having access to a designer’s entire collection before it hits the runway is a whole different ballgame. Rihanna is one of the few who sit atop the pillar of muse-hood. Backstage at Balmain’s runway show in Paris, creative director Olivier Rousteing playfully styled the pop star in an army-green leather ensemble, one outfit in a collection he designed around her image. The idea of being a muse is nothing new — just Google “Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy” for a refresher. From Jean Paul Gaultier’s ’90s love affair with Madonna to Donatella Versace’s recent infatuation with Lady Gaga, here are a few more muses in fashion.

Jennifer Lopez, muse to Zuhair Murad

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Jenny from the block’s head-turning red-carpet looks put this Lebanese designer on Hollywood’s radar. Since their fashion love affair began around 2011, it’s rare that you’ll ever see the “American Idol” judge on a red carpet in anything but one of his gowns. Murad is known for his intricate beadwork, sensual cut-outs and figure-flattering shapes, all things J.Lo loves.

Naomi Campbell, muse to Azzedine Alaia

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In 2009, when Azzedine Alaia decided to pull his garments from the Met Gala’s “Model as Muse” exhibit, Naomi Campbell was one of the first to take a stand with him in protest. Their muse-designer relationship spans over 25 years. She’s friendly with a slew of fashion newsmakers like Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg, but the veteran model pledges her allegiance to the House of Alaia. She often makes appearances in the designer’s flirty black cocktail dresses and sky-high heels.

Kim Kardashian, muse to Riccardo Tisci

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It was the quote heard ’round the world: “Kim Kardashian is the Marilyn Monroe of our age.” Riccardo Tisci said it, suggesting the reality star has an innate style that other celebs can’t imitate. Since becoming a mom, she often relies on the designer to craft her edgy monochromatic looks.

Diane Kruger, muse to Karl Lagerfeld

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This muse-ship goes well beyond what is typical. Kruger met the stern head designer of Chanel when she was 16, and she claimed in a magazine interview that the two now regularly kick back for drinks at 4 a.m. A front-row mainstay, Kruger is the ideal Chanel girl and perfect model for the frilly, button-up wardrobe.

Madonna, muse to Jean Paul Gaultier

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Madonna ushered in the modern era of the designer’s muse when she hired Jean Paul Gaultier to create her infamous golden cone bra for the Blonde Ambition Tour. The diva took a turn as model and walked in Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring 1995 runway show with a baby carriage and puppy in tow.

Lady Gaga, muse to Donatella Versace

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In the midst of rocky times (ArtPop didn’t do so well) a real designer stands by her muse. Donatella Versace asked Lady Gaga to front the Italian brand’s current advertising campaign. In January, the sultry singer garbed in a midnight hued Versace gown attended the Atelier Versace show in Paris. With blond hair cascading beneath a bedazzled hood, she and Donatella posed resembling sisters for the shutterbugs.