Then and WOW: Lizzo

The superstar singer’s style and diamond jewelry evolution.

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Melissa Viviane Jefferson, better known as Lizzo, is one of music’s most exciting voices, with a unique style that has in recent years taken red carpets by storm. And while the singer has been making public appearances since her first album debuted in 2013, there’s no denying Lizzo’s fashion evolution since cementing her spot on the A-list in 2019 thanks to her platinum-selling collection Cuz I Love You. The breakout release helped the star earn three Grammy awards and made her one to watch at every major music industry event. As her star has ascended to new levels, Lizzo’s fashion has also evolved from quirky ingénue to glamorous diva.

With the help of stylists Marko Monroe and Brett Alan Nelson—who also counts Doja Cat, Karol G, Travis Scott and Nicki Minaj as clients—Lizzo’s incredible style transformation has made her one of the most eye-catching celebs on any red carpet. She has traded in minimal accessories and costume jewelry for stunning pieces that get any fashionista’s tongue wagging. Lizzo’s looks always have a playful take on old school charm, and she knows how to display her diamonds with enough personality to truly make them shine.

Check out these Lizzo looks that highlight just how much her style has upped its wow factor over the years.

Now: 85 Carat Siren at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards

Lizzo attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for MTV)

One of Lizzo’s first show-stopping appearances that garnered the attention of fashion fans everywhere came at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. Not only did she receive praise for the stunning red sequined Moschino by Jeremy Scott dress with the word “SIREN” labeled all over it, which she paired with a giant feather boa, but not a single person could take their eyes off the 85 carat mixed cut diamond lariat necklace and diamond bracelet from Italian jeweler Gismondi 1754’s New Diva Collection that completed the look.

Then: Shining Simplicity at the 2017 Shorty Awards

Lizzo attends 9th Annual Shorty Awards at PlayStation Theater on April 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Chance Yeh/WireImage)

Before launching into Hollywood’s elite, Lizzo displayed a very youthful, attainable style. Seen here at the 2017 Shorty Awards, the singer hit the red carpet in a red strapless dress, which she paired with sneakers and a costume choker-necklace combo. Even early on in her career, it was clear the star had a knack for mixing her eclectic, edgy taste by choosing the right bling for any occasion. After all, it was just enough to get people wondering who she was. It was clear even from the start Lizzo would be a fashion plate to watch.

Now: Diamante Eleganza at the 2020 Grammy Awards

Lizzo attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)

At the 2020 Grammy Awards, Lizzo made every outlet’s ‘best dressed’ list the moment she hit the red carpet clad in a jaw-dropping white bespoke Atelier Versace gown. Hand-embellished with Swarovski crystals, the strapless frock featured a sweetheart-style neckline and proved the artist could do Old Hollywood glamour as well as fashion-forward music legends like Diana Ross and Cher. Not letting the dress do all the talking, Lizzo paired it with a crystal-embellished white faux fur stole and around $2 million of Lorraine Schwartz diamond jewelry. The winning accessories included Double V layered diamond tennis necklaces, diamond ear climbers and a mixed cut diamond open three stone ring. Stylist Marko Monroe told Page Six his inspiration for the look was “iconic status”, and boy did they achieve it.

Then: Costume Jewelry Chic at NYLON’s 2017 SXSW Conference and Festivals Party

Lizzo poses for a photo at the NYLON Party during 2017 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Bar 96 on March 13, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Sandra Dahdah/Getty Images for SXSW)

Everyone knows performance outfits for musicians tend to be more over-the-top than your typical ready-to-wear looks, and Lizzo has always been one to make a statement upon hitting the stage. She performed at the NYLON Party during the 2017 SXSW Conference & Festivals in a fantastic purple leotard with her signature sneakers, but the real scene-stealer of the look was the statement ice around her neck. Another necklace-choker combo, there was no ignoring the giant jewels shining the reflection of any nearby light. While the costume piece is a far cry from the high-end jewelry designers included in her more recent looks, Lizzo has always been one to incorporate major bling into her appearances, both on-and-off the stage. 

Now: Chocolate Dreams at the 2020 BRIT Awards

Lizzo attends The BRIT Awards 2020 at The O2 Arena on February 18, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Redferns)

Lizzo has perfected the art of taking her signature sexy, quirky edge and making it high glamour. This was never more apparent than at the 2020 BRIT Awards, where she arrived in a Hershey’s wrapper dress from Moschino by Jeremy Scott. The cocoa-hued dress from Moschino’s Fall 2014 collection gave onlookers a sweet tooth with its asymmetrical and ruched bodice, flared bottom hem and Hershey-graphics detailing. The look could have verged on cartoonish if it weren’t for the delicious accessories: oversized diamond hoop earrings dripping with large assorted natural nude, brown and yellow color diamonds from Lorraine Schwartz, plus matching diamond rings on every finger also speckled with natural color diamonds. She topped it off with a drool-worthy chocolate bar Judith Leiber clutch.