Erykah Badu Goes Glam

Erykah Badu's done something that's not at all controversial.

The outspoken singer, known almost as much for her activism as for her music, appears in new adds for Givenchy's spring collection.


Badu, 42, explained to her hometown newspaper, the Dallas Morning News, just why she agreed to work with the brand and its creative director Riccardo Tisci.

"Riccardo's a fan of my style," Badu said of the man who memorably dressed Kim Kardashian in a much-maligned floral frock for the Met Gala back in April. "He told me he really wanted to work with me because he had a special campaign he designed for me. He sent me some of the photos, and I was super-honored; I didn't take it for granted. Fashion is my thing, and I am a big fan of Riccardo's — not just because of his amazing eye, but because of his spirit, what he wanted. He wants to give models of color an opportunity, and he chose me as the face for that campaign because he told me I fit what he wanted to represent"  

In fact, the new collection is filled with Asian and African influences, with Erykah sporting tribal graphics and patterns. Her tresses, which were once regularly concealed with a head wrap, are completely pulled back in one shot and flowing in another.

What do you think of her look?