Jennifer Lopez is known for her curves. But when she started out in the music industry in the late 90s with her album On The Six, no one looked like her.
And during the CFDA Fashion Awards in NYC on Monday, the 49-year-old artist talked about how at the time, only skinny girls ruled the scene.
‘I started making records in the ’90s, in the era of the waif and the supermodel,’ said the World Of Dance star. At the time, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington were the poster women for good looks.
New look: Jennifer Lopez is known for her curves. But when she started out in the music industry in the late 90s with her album On The Six, no one looked like her. Seen in 1999
She has kept it up: The World Of Dance star has stayed fit – in her next film, Hustlers, she plays a stripper
Lopez didn’t fit into a lot of sample sized and wanted to embrace her curves, not fight them.
So she looked for clothes that worked for her and was confident about her shape, telling her fans it was OK to have a rounder bottom.
On Monday, Jennifer thanked the designers who were ahead of the trend by embracing her naturally curvy figure. ‘Once I was introduced to those people, like in this room, my life changed,’ she said.
The in look at the time: Kate Moss’ lean figure was the ideal body image in the 90s
My look is good: Lopez didn’t fit into a lot of sample sized and wanted to embrace her curves, not fight them. So she looked for clothes that worked for her and was confident about her shape, telling her fans it was OK to have a rounder bottom. Seen in 1997
Take me as I am: On Monday, Jennifer thanked the designers who were ahead of the trend by embracing her naturally curvy figure. ‘Once I was introduced to those people, like in this room, my life changed,’ she said. Seen in 1997
‘Sitting in the design rooms of Oscar de la Renta, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and so many of you guys here tonight, people who designed and allowed me to get into their designs with curves like me.’
‘To say I was like a kid in a candy store was an understatement. And slowly, as curves began to be embraced, the girl who wanted to combine street style with couture began to blossom, and I’m grateful to all of you for that.’
She also thanked her fiancé Alex Rodriguez for making her ‘feel like the most beautiful person in the world’ as she accepted the Fashion Icon prize.
Haute Jenny: ‘Sitting in the design rooms of Oscar de la Renta, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and so many of you guys here tonight, people who designed and allowed me to get into their designs with curves like me.’. Seen in 2002
The singer-and-actress stepped on stage to receive the final award of the night from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in recognition of her longstanding impact on the fashion world and during her acceptance speech she teared up as she thanked her partner and her children – 11-year-old twins Max and Emme – for their unconditional love and support.
‘You make me feel like the MVP every day. You make me feel like the most beautiful person in the world, just from your love. Thank you so much,’ said the Dinero singer.
During her speech, the Love Don’t Cost A Thing hitmaker also got emotional when she dedicated her win to the late Hollywood hairstylist, Oribe – who died in December 2018 – and A-list make-up artist Kevyn Aucoin, who passed away in 2002.
Thanks A-Rod: She also gave love to her man. ‘You make me feel like the MVP every day. You make me feel like the most beautiful person in the world, just from your love. Thank you so much,’ said the Dinero singer
She said: ‘We lost two (great) artists this year, Kevyn Aucoin and Oribe, who helped turn me from an around-the-way girl.
‘I said I wouldn’t cry. Together we created so many iconic looks, and I’m forever grateful. And tonight, I’m dedicating this award to them.’
J.Lo looked stunning at the event, which was held at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, in a red custom Ralph Lauren ensemble, comprised of a turtleneck crystal embellished crop top and a long flowing skirt which was finished with sporty drawstring waist.
She finished the look with 3.23-carat Harry Winston diamond link earrings and a 2.44-carat diamond Harry Winston ring, as well as a red clutch handbag and red platform heels.
Other winners on the night included Brandon Maxwell, who was named Womenswear Designer of the Year, Menswear Designer of the Year Rick Owens and Bob Mackie – who was honoured with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.
Still singing: She has the new remix of Medicine out. Seen here on May 6 for Today in NYC
