Table of Contents
Celine Dion’s Iconic Style Evolution
From weak vocals to the queen of fashion, the Canadian superstar confirms with her fashion that she is not only one of the most talented singers in the world but also one of the most fashionable ones.
One of the most powerful and defining vocalists in the world is none other than Canadian legend Celine Dion—she is subsequently a force to fashion. For almost four decades, Dion has mesmerized the world with her unrivalled vocals, timeless ballads, and deeply moving performances that have become staples of pop culture history.
Born and raised in a modest family as the youngest of 14 children in Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion’s journey is one of grit and determination. In addition to turning a drawer into a bed to sleep in, she has climbed her way to the top of the world and made a name for herself among the “vocal trinity” of the ’90s with Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey as the closest rivals—she did this partly through landmark soundtrack hits like Beauty and the Beast and My Heart Will Go On.
Despite that she was not always styled as a trendsetter, Dion’s daring fashion selections and self-assurance have paved the way for her to the title of a real couture queen— the rebranding of her character with the help of fashion and her inheritance of fashion notoriety as much from runway as stage have are the two main consequences.
Celine’s Backward Tuxedo Which Was Historically Significant
Perhaps one of the most outrageous red carpet choices, Celine Dion’s now-infamous backward Galliano tux at the 1999 Oscars ranks right at the top. Among a sea of magnificent dresses, Dion wore a bold pantsuit that set her apart, while the blazer that was put on in reverse created that eye-catching backless silhouette. At that time, it was a divisive opinion concerning the look, but now it is seen as one of her most fashion icons.
After reflecting on the outfit years later, Dion in 2017 told People that the avant-garde tux might be better appreciated in today’s fashion world. “Now, if I were to do it today, I would be of the opinion that it would work. When I wore this suit, it was at the Oscars, everyone was in dresses, and I was the only one with pants in a backward Galliano suit.”
Although she once called the moment a “flop,” Dion has acknowledged it as a favorite, telling Vanity Fair in 2019: “People thought, ‘Is that a joke? What is she trying to say?’I was not trying to say anything, I am just having a great time. Besides that, Dion also gave a new and funny light to the reversed tux at the 2019 Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture show, showing that her fashion caprice is still there. For this event, she paired wide-leg Armani pants with a very neat white shirt that, changing into a knee-length tail, she had layered with a safe black bow tie. At the event, she shone out of her love for fashion as the paparazzi, capturing her wide-eyed and delighted, fired a very intense reaction when a spectacular gown came down the runway—a video that went instantly viral.
Dion Shines Bright in Dazzling Necklines
On stage, Celine Dion has always been a spectacle that rivaled her very own light show, clothing included, as she wore nothing less than gowns that looked as if they were made of precious stones. Not only did her debut Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace in 2003 give her family a stable future but she also changed the idea of the Vegas residencies. Once considered a “final stop” for declining stars, Dion’s 16‑year domination altered the Strip to a new place where the planet’s greatest artists go. To Elle she said: “People thought the whole thing was crazy.” Palms Casino GM Jon Gray said it simply: “Vegas was a place where singers went to die. Celine changed that.”
Gowns that blinged and showed were part of Dion’s fashion choices at her concerts, much to the delight of her fanbase. In 2011, one such instance was when the curtain was drawn to expose her wearing a 25,000‑crystal Armani Privé sparkling under the stage lights, could anyone ever forget that moment?
Her stylist, Annie Horth—who first worked with Dion in the late ’90s—was behind most of those striking couture looks. “You want people to be excited by what they see,” Horth told the Review‑Journal. “The stage clothes have an edge all their own.” When Dion chose to break away from the standard Vegas costumes and went for couture, she got Horth back to revamp her wardrobe for the show. The two of them invited the high-standing couture designers to co-design seven one-off looks, hence, Dion’s transformation from a mere chanteuse to a fashion maven.
The Pink Gucci Dress That Marked a New Beginning
2016 saw Celine Dion’s Fashion personality making a radical change, which was to go from couture diva to what Harper’s Bazaar described as “the avant-garde style maverick.” Stylist Law Roach was the key to the transformation. After seeing Zendaya’s Instagram fashion, she was so impressed that she called him immediately.
Roach was telling Vanity Fair: “At first, I was like: Céline who? I don’t think I’d even thought of such a big dream. That this icon, this woman whose music… we were all brought up to… was calling me to work alongside her.” Without a day passing, he was already in Paris with her as her stylist.
The swing between art and life became the opposite of a beautiful story: Dion had lost her husband René Angélil, and her brother, cancer killed him within days of each other. According to Roach, Fashion Week and the creative laughs with her gave her immense joy that ultimately helped her to grieve.
With Paris as her stage, Dion turned the city into her fashion show with a series of noteworthy get-ups. Among them one in particular was a delicate, tiered, pink Gucci dress, which she accessorized with Gucci sunglasses, Fendi stiletto shoes, and it was a moment that told the world she was a fashion icon no less.
Streetwear also contributed to their headline-grabbing, the Vetements Titanic hoodie was among the streetwear inspired choices. Roach told InStyle it “was the catalyst that brought all of the attention that’s happening now.” Each time Dion appeared in a new ensemble, she wasn’t just talking about fashion, but also about strength.
Celine Dion’s Heavenly Angel Look
Celine Dion’s couture “angel” gown made her one-of-a-kind Titanic “My Heart Will Go On” performance at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, the 20th anniversary of the song, go way beyond what anyone expected. Her fading face in front of a giant crystal chandelier curtain with shots from the film was indeed a call for her cathartic vocals and otherworldly aura to make the crowd burst out in tears. The Atlantic was even ecstatic to say that her performance “saved the Billboard Music Awards.”
Her longtime stylist, Law Roach, told Billboard that the look was designed to capture a breathtaking first impression: “I think when those lights come up, people are really going to have that clutch‑my‑pearls, that deep sigh moment. You will remember her performance and her voice, but you will also remember her dress. No doubt about it.”
The gown was made by Stéphane Rolland Couture was a marvel that showed the luxurious puffed shoulders over a body-skimming silhouette with a plunging neckline and silver details. The choice of jewelry was very simple, just one ring by Harry Kotlar, to allow the dress and Dion take the full command of the stage.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Roach said fashion has become a new way for fans to see the singer beyond her voice. “I think I’ve really gotten to know Celine as the artist, the woman, and the fashion girl. The majority of people did not see that … I find it so cool to introduce people to the woman we all grew up listening to.”
The Golden Suit That Defined a “Celine-aissance”
During 2018, Celine Dion left her Vegas residency to tour and with that she started to wear daring and more theatrical outfits. Among her glamorous gowns was a splendid gold suit by Schiaparelli Couture which was sparkling as if it was a new Liberace’s outfit. According to Vogue, this amazing dress made of gold foil fabric combined high-waisted pants with the blazer that had been more impressively designed with embossed prints and flashy embellishments and that was humble layered over the crisp tuxedo shirt with daring sheer lace panels. It was not Dion’s first venture into golden power suits – supporters might remember that she wore one in the ’90s when she sang “Falling Into You.”
Her stylist Law Roach said to Vanity Fair, “Céline is fearless. And with that kind of energy, you get the vibe that we can do whatever we want and we don’t care if someone likes it or not. Fashion should be polarizing. It has to be staggering.” Even though the main point was that she was praised for the reinvention of her image, Roach still acknowledged that Dion was already more fashion ‑adept than he had expected.
Moreover, Schiaparelli Couture was hers as always, including a beige haute couture ensemble that she donned on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The bold garment, made of pleated wool skirt and black pumps with a gathered‑sleeve double organza top that was draping off her shoulders for an enticing look. Fallon became the best summarizer of the situation during the interview: “We’re in a Celine‑aissance,” referring to the worldwide buzz she caused not only at Paris Fashion Week catwalks but also on the streets.
Dion’s Dazzling Fringe Moment
In 2019, Celine Dion went Met Gala beyond the ordinary when she wore a dazzling Oscar de la Renta sequin leather bodysuit that shimmered with detailed beading and pretty flowing fringe. Though PopSugar cites that the ensemble with a massive feathered turban was an evident homage to the glittery costumes of the 1930s Ziegfeld Follies showgirls, it actually made for Dion’s radiant march and playful showgirl antics to be truly captivating, and it was a total of over 22 pounds in weight, made of 18 panels decorated to such an extent that it required 3,000 hours and 52 master embroiderers to do so.
Even though it was only her second Met, Dion was already known to be a red carpet favorite. She first appeared in 2017 when she dressed in a striking black-and-white Versace dress in addition to a designed headwear. Her unadulterated delight charmingly captivated the audience and critics, and the press was unable to stop themselves from calling 2017 “the Celine Dion year” because of it.
Regarding the 2019 theme, Camp: Notes on Fashion, Dion confessed that she first felt lost. “I was prep for Camp, ready to give it a miss and sleep all night,” she told People, laughing. “They said, ‘You don’t know what camp is, girl! Oscar de la Renta will show you.’” In the end, Dion was more than befitting the theme as Susan Sontag declared in her 1964 essay, camp’s defining feature is over-the-top, playful, and the “anti-serious.” Whether she was aware of it or not, Celine Dion has always been the epitome of camp.
Celine’s Valentino Moment of Grace
The renascense of Dion’s style peaked at the Paris Fashion Week 2019, where she was the center of attention of every big event with her brave and fashionable but still elegant outfits. Among the wildest moments was that at the Valentino show when she entered wearing a spectacular feathered turtleneck dress accompanied by silver shoes and a metallic handbag. She told Vanity Fair, “Valentino blew my mind.”
Her passion for fashion is always there — although fashion week is typically a more downbeat affair. She has been seen applauding, shouting, and even catching an infectious mood. At Giambattista Valli in 2017, she was very energetic and at Valentino, a scene captured from 2019, a video, showed her very emotional. Dion was seen dabbing tears inside the flower and color-filled venue as the models were walking in their light organza dresses. Samira Nasr (the reporter) was tearful too; she called the event “one of the most powerful and beautiful celebrations of diversity”.
The event had a lot of meaning to Dion. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack was the track played over the runway, the very song that she and her late husband René Angélil used for their first dance at the wedding in 1994. It was simply heartbreaking for the singer to witness such a tribute as it was only a few days before the first anniversary of her husband’s death, putting together her love for fashion and her personal life in such a loving and gentle manner.
“When Sleeves Took Center Stage”
Part of Celine Dion’s high-fashion look was a sinful satin, bridal-inspiration, Alexandre Vauthier gown that was just … wow! Most memorable were the billowing floor-length sleeves that gave the dress a visual of a regally flowing gown, despite the off-the-shoulder crossover dress which was a sophisticated midi cut. The singer picked it out with gold strappy heels and (pretty) rings that covered her fingers, reports Daily Mail.
Compared to Vauthier, Dion said to AP, “I just love it, it’s so classy, so chic and just so sexy at the same time.” Fashion wise, Dion calls herself a fashion fanatic and she also shouts about her designer collection that keeps growing: “Wow! What am I going to do. Once more, I’m in a hot spot!”
Her passion for fashion is not made up — Dion has approximately 10,000 pairs of shoes and her huge shoe collection is kept in a custom-made two-story warehouse. “I cannot let go of anything, since every piece I own has led me to where I am tonight.” she explained to WWD. One funny episode was in “Carpool Karaoke,” when James Corden got her to give five pairs of shoes to random people in Las Vegas. While they were leaving, Dion theatrically shouted at the window which made her protest, thus letting the audience know that even the stars of couture can be immensely human.
Celine’s CEO Moment
One of Celine Dion’s most audacious style changes was revealed at Paris Fashion Week 2019 when she wore a city-inspired high-fashion ensemble by Ronald Van Der Kemp to express her couture fashion sense. Having gone to his show, Dion was out of this world in a sharp, metallic-gray suit with glittering fabric and exaggerated, padded shoulders that radiated off the power of a CEO on the catwalk. Although toned down in comparison with her other looks, it cast a serene vibe — with the addition of gold jewelry and well-cut stilettos to the ensemble. “RVDK is my current obsession,” Dion told Vanity Fair. “Every piece they make is unique.”
The style of Céline keeps surprising the stylists and the designers. Sydney Lopez mentioned to People, “I don’t think Céline is limited to any type of look … she is able to capture so many styles and own them.” Dion also confessed to Yahoo! that the change of her image through the use of couture was very powerful: “It gives me voice, it makes me feel strong, happier, and a better person — I’m wearing it and it takes me to where I want to be.”
By the time 2019 came around Dion was already labelled fashion’s “couture queen” and “designer darling”, raving fans from the fashion world that couldn’t have been more disproved by her upbringing. The youngest of 14 siblings, she was brought up with less in Charlemagne, Quebec. “My mother didn’t have money to buy clothes, so she made them,” Dion told Vanity Fair. “She was very aware of the trend in tailoring at the time, whether the trousers were wide or narrow. She was watching.” That initial impact, linked with her daring personality, is what she still draws on to turn into fashion’s most contrary and unforgettable mavericks.
