A$AP Rocky to Receive Vanguard Award for Fashion at NAACP Image Awards

A$AP Rocky is set receive the NAACP Image Awards‘ Vanguard Award for Fashion, solidifying the multihyphenate artist’s status as the ultimate “fashion killa.”

via: Billboard

A$AP Rocky will receive the Vanguard Award for Fashion at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show on Friday, Feb. 27, the day before the 57th NAACP Image Awards‘ telecast. Previous Vanguard Award honorees include ESSENCE magazine, June Ambrose, Bethann Hardison and Ruth E. Carter.

The award to Rocky is fitting: His song “Fashion Killa” was the fourth single from his 2013 debut studio album Long. Live. ASAP. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

“This year’s Vanguard Award honoree, A$AP Rocky, embodies the power and evolution of Black artistry,” Karen Boykin-Towns, vice chair, NAACP national board of directors said in a statement. “As a creative force who consistently pushes culture forward, he has redefined the intersection of music and fashion, shaping global trends and inspiring new generations.”

“A$AP Rocky represents the fearless evolution of Black creativity,” said Connie Orlando, evp of specials, music programming & music strategy at BET. “His influence extends far beyond fashion. He has reshaped how culture, music, art, and personal expression intersect on a global stage.”

Rocky is nominated for three NAACP Image Awards this year for his performance in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest – outstanding supporting actor in a motion picture, outstanding breakthrough performance in a motion picture and outstanding ensemble cast in a motion picture. He is nominated in the latter category alongside costars Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright and Ilfenesh Hadera. Rocky also demonstrated his acting prowess in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, directed by Mary Bronstein.

On Jan. 16, Rocky released his fourth studio album DON’T BE DUMB, which enters the Billboard 200 this week at No. 1. Rocky’s first studio album in eight years features cover art by filmmaker and illustrator Tim Burton and collaborations with BossMan Dlow, Brent Faiyaz, Danny Elfman, Doechii, Gorillaz, Jessica Pratt, Jon Batiste, Slay Squad, Thundercat, Tyler, The Creator, Westside Gunn and will.i.am.

Rocky co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala with the theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” showing off a full wardrobe of his own brand AWGE. Later in the year, he received the 2025 CFDA Fashion Icon Award. He is currently the creative director of both Ray-Ban and PUMA and has been a part of high-profile commercial campaigns for such clients as Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Gucci, Courvoisier, Mercedes Benz, Guess and Fenty Skin. He was also the first Black male face of Dior Homme.

Rocky’s partner since 2021 is style icon Rihanna. The two superstars have three children together, two boys and a girl.

By visiting the NAACP Image Awards site, the public can vote to determine the winners of the 57th NAACP Image Awards in select categories. Voting closes on Feb. 13 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Winners will be revealed during the 57th NAACP Image Awards’ telecast on Saturday, Feb. 28. The show will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on BET and simulcast on CBS. NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised categories at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors on Thursday, Feb. 26 and virtually on YouTube/NAACPPlus from Monday Feb. 23 to Wednesday, Feb. 25.