A$AP Rocky is set to be honored with the Vanguard Award for Fashion at the 57th NAACP Image Awards. The award will be presented during the NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show on Friday, February 27, one day before the main ceremony.
The Vanguard Award celebrates a creative force who has consistently pushed boundaries and reshaped cultural narratives. In acknowledging Rocky with this honor, the NAACP is recognizing him as a visionary whose fashion impact stretches far beyond trends. From signature streetwear to high-fashion collaborations, Rocky has made style an essential part of his artistic identity.
“This year’s Vanguard Award honoree, A$AP Rocky, embodies the power and evolution of Black artistry,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, vice chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “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.”
Over the last decade, the Harlem native has built a reputation as one of fashion’s most influential voices. His looks have graced runways, red carpets, and major campaigns while retaining the creative authenticity that first made him a standout figure. In 2025, he co-chaired the Met Gala under the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, a moment that brought his personal design vision and commitment to Black creative expression into the spotlight.
Rocky’s fashion accomplishments already include receiving the CFDA Fashion Icon Award, serving as creative director for brands like Ray-Ban and PUMA, and partnering with many of the industry’s top houses, from Bottega Veneta to Dior Homme, where he made history as the first Black male face of the line.
Beyond fashion, Rocky’s artistic pursuits have spanned music and film. His fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured an eclectic mix of collaborators. He’s also been recognized for his acting in high-profile projects such as Highest 2 Lowest and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.
The Vanguard Award places Rocky among an esteemed group of icons previously recognized for their cultural influence, including stylists, designers, and creative leaders who have shaped how Black style is seen and valued.
The 57th NAACP Image Awards will take place Saturday, February 28, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and will be broadcast live on BET, with a simultaneous simulcast on CBS.
