Aya Nakamura is among one of the most popular artists in France. The French Malian singer and songwriter rose to fame in the late 2010s. Now, she’s rumored to be among the artists performing at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
With her rise, Nakamura, born Aya Danioko, has built relationships with some of the biggest labels in the fashion and beauty world. She became an ambassador for Lancôme in February 2023, and sat front row for such fashion shows as Balmain’s fall 2024 collection and Loewe’s spring 2024 collection — both during Paris Fashion Week.
Ahead, see how Nakamura’s style evolved through the years.
2018
Aya Nakamura arrives at the 20th NRJ Music Awards at Palais des Festivals on Nov. 10, 2018, in Cannes, France.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
In 2018, Nakamura attended the 20th NRJ Music Awards at Palais des Festivals in Cannes. For the red carpet occasion, the singer wore a fiery red sleeveless midi dress with fabric ruching. She paired the look with an oversize black coat with white patterning and translucent pumps.
2019
Singer Aya Nakamura attends the 21st NRJ Music Awards at Palais des Festivals on Nov. 9, 2019, in Cannes, France.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
At the same event one year later, Nakamura proved she can fashion looks evocative of Old Hollywood glamour. The singer wore a sleeveless white gown with a plunging neckline, fabric ruching and a thigh-high slit. The fabric of the off-white dress shimmered in the flashing light of cameras on the red carpet. She paired the dress with simple strappy black heels.
2022
Aya Nakamura attends “Le Raphia” Jacquemus show on Dec. 12, 2022, in Le Bourget, France.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
2022 saw Nakamura attending runway shows for top designers. At “Le Raphia” Jacquemus show, the singer wore a monochrome body-con dress with dramatic fabric draping.
2023
Aya Nakamura attends Hommes de l’année GQ France 2023 ceremony at Shangri-La Hotel Paris on Nov. 30, 2023, in Paris.
Kristy Sparow/Getty Images for GQ France
During her appearance on the red carpet of the Hommes de l’année GQ France ceremony in 2023, Nakamura put a sultry spin on this custom look inspired by Balmain’s spring 2023 collection. The garment featured an intricately woven fabric with cutouts.
2024
Aya Nakamura attends The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Nakamura took inspiration from the 2024 Met Gala theme — “The Garden of Time” — for her look on the red carpet of the event. The singer wore a sleeveless gown by Balmain, which featured a bevy of intricate glittering silver elements and beading, floral details of muted blue and pink rosettes and a thigh-high slit.
