Look Back at Selena Quintanilla's Fashion Legacy 30 Years After Her Tragic Death
The Grammy-winning artist was known for her distinct style, fusing Western motifs with her Mexican-American heritage.
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known as the "Queen of Tejano Music," was an icon whose star shone brightly for 23 years. Simply referred to as Selena, some called her the "Mexican Madonna" for her powerhouse vocals and her undeniable style.
Her signature staple included a flashy, sequined bustier, under a mariachi-inspired bolero jacket, and high-waisted pants. In every performance, award show, or other publicized appearances, she effortlessly infused the '90s contemporary trends with her familial roots. Born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, Selena was always destined to change the course of the music industry and do so with her distinctive style. Just like in her music, the "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" singer always honored her Mexican American heritage in fashion.
The Grammy-winning artist's sense of style was authentic to who she was. She exuded confidence and personified elegance while highlighting the significance of respecting cultural roots. In 1993, Selena enlisted the guidance of designer Martin Gomez to launch Selena Etc., a fashion boutique with two locations in Texas, one in San Antonio and the other in Corpus Christi.
A staple in her iconic glam routine was a bold red lip. Before Taylor Swift, Selena was a champion of the sultry lip and made it the focal point of her makeup look. The Tejano artist embraced Western motifs like Western belt buckles, cowboy boots, and animal prints.
It's been more than 30 years since Selena's untimely death in 1995 shook the world, especially deeply impacting the music industry and Latin community. At age 23, the singer was shot and killed by her fan club's manager, Yolanda Saldívar, who was recently denied parole after serving 30 years in prison, according to The New York Times. Saldívar will be eligible for parole again in 2030.
In the face of tragedy, Selena's legacy continues to live on. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé have emulated her trailblazing style in their own wardrobes. Her most iconic outfits are preserved at the Selena Museum located in Corpus Christi.
Keep scrolling to revisit some of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez's most iconic fashion moments, including her outfits with everything from newsboy caps to twinkling gowns.
