Nicki Minaj Just Signed a Major Modeling Contract

Nicki Minaj
Dress: McQueen
Headpiece: Démodé Jewelry
Styling: MaherPhoto: Courtesy of Grizz

As a singer, songwriter, actress, and hip-hop queen, Nicki Minaj has spent her career juggling a multitude of roles, and her latest move brings her into yet another creative sphere—modeling. Signing to Wilhelmina’s celebrity division, Minaj becomes the latest star to add professional posing to her repertoire. She has already served as the face of brands such as Roberto Cavalli, and has been shot by boundary-pushing photographers including Mario Testino and Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. By joining an agency, she opens up the door for even more opportunities.

With 77 million followers on Instagram, household name status, and a larger-than-life persona, Minaj has plenty to offer the fashion world. Causing a sensation during the Paris collections with one statement look after another, it’s clear she loves fashion and her presence on the modeling scene could be a welcome breath of fresh air. The idea of balancing a tour schedule with photo shoots and potential brand collaborations might seem overwhelming to some, but Minaj is up for the challenge. “I love the synergy between my music and how it inspires my fashion. My message is always celebrating your own style,” she tells Vogue via email. “I’m thrilled and honored to have signed with Wilhelmina—they get me.”

Nicki Minaj and Jeremy Scott on Expressing Yourself Freely at Met Gala 2016: