When Nelly Furtado first came on the scene over 25 years ago, she was an unknown singer-songwriter from Victoria. Ten Junos, a Grammy, a Latin Grammy and a handful of No. 1 hits later, she will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during the 55th annual Juno Awards on March 29 at Hamilton’s TD Coliseum.
It’s just the latest achievement in Furtado’s genre-spanning career, which took off after the release of her hit single I’m Like a Bird and debut album Whoa, Nelly! in 2000.
During that period, the artist’s style had a sporty Y2K vibe. But when she followed up with Folklore in 2003, she paired the eclectic sound with an artsy wardrobe. Then came her 2006 album, Loose, and its pop anthems Promiscuous and Maneater, which were accompanied by a more grown-up, polished look.
Furtado went on to release the Spanish-language Mi Plan, in 2009, plus three more studio albums, and has collaborated with a range of artists, including producer Timbaland and Anisininew rapper Mattmac.
Like her music, Furtado’s style has evolved over the years. And here, we take a look at some of the most memorable fashion from her career.
Furtado performs during KIIS-FM’s Wango Tango at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. (SGranitz/WireImage)
Furtado’s signature look in the early days was defined by Princess Leia buns, hoop earrings, low-rise jeans, a tank top and sneakers.
Furtado poses backstage at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Frankfurt. (Anthony Harvey/Getty Images)
For the 2001 MTV Europe Music Awards, Furtado swapped her go-to jeans for a quintessentially Y2K outfit featuring a knee-length denim skirt, a lingerie-inspired top and boots.
Furtado walks the red carpet at the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider premiere in Los Angeles. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
For the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider premiere in 2001, the singer stepped out in a yellow ensemble featuring Madeira embroidery. She completed the look with a sparkly belly chain, Puma sneakers and a Tiffany heart-charm bracelet.
Furtado arrives at the 2002 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. (Lucy Nicholson/AFP via Getty Images)
Furtado dialed up the glam in a white lace dress by Giorgio Armani for the 44th annual Grammy Awards in 2002. She took home the award for best female pop vocal performance for her single I’m Like a Bird.
Furtado arrives at the 2004 Juno Awards in Edmonton. (Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
During her Folklore era, the artist was often spotted in vintage-inspired pieces, like this army-jacket-and-denim combo she wore to the 2004 Juno Awards.
A still from Furtado’s video for Promiscuous. (Geffen Records/Director X)
In her 2006 music video for Promiscuous, Furtado famously danced in a draped crop top, dark low-rise jeans fastened with a thick white braided belt, and a large statement necklace.
Furtado performs at the 2006 MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto. (George Pimentel/WireImage)
When Loose was climbing the charts, Furtado adopted a more polished, glam image, while still leaning casual. Case in point: the 2006 MuchMusic Video Awards, where she performed in a white beaded waistcoat, tank top and dark-wash jeans.
Furtado poses for a picture in the awards room during the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards in Copenhagen. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for MTV)
The singer made a bold statement at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards in a couture gown by Dsquared2 (the brainchild of Canadian-born designers Dean and Dan Caten), and airbrushed tattoos on both arms.
Furtado arrives at the 2006 American Music Awards in Los Angeles. (Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
The artist walked the 2006 American Music Awards red carpet in a shimmering light-blue frock, bedazzled accessories and printed heels.
Furtado poses with her award at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
In 2006, Furtado took home the Pop 100 single of the year at the Billboard Music Awards for her chart-topping single, Promiscuous, wearing a vintage Vivienne Westwood dress with a delicate gold overlay.
Furtado poses backstage at the 2007 Juno Awards in Saskatoon. (Jim Ross/Getty Images)
Furtado wore a strapless gown and statement necklace as host of the 2007 Junos — an elegant backdrop for the five awards she won.
Furtado walks the 2008 Grammy Awards red carpet in Los Angeles. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
For the 50th annual Grammy Awards in 2008, the singer sported a draped strapless dress in a striking electric blue by Canadian designer Arthur Mendonça and accessorized with a gold collar necklace.
Bryan Adams, left, and Nelly Furtado perform during the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. (Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images)
For her performance during the opening ceremony at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Furtado wore an elegant one-shoulder frock in deep blue by DSquared2.
Furtado arrives at the 2012 Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year Gala in Las Vegas. (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Furtado was photographed ahead of the 2012 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Gala in a floaty dress with a subtle colour gradient.
Furtado performs at the 2016 NBA All-Star Game at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. (George Pimentel/Getty Images)
For her performance of O Canada at the 2016 NBA All-Star Game, Furtado went the patriotic route in a red crop top and pants by Toronto’s Bazzul Studios.
Nelly Furtado arrives at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, New Jersey. (Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV)
For the ultimate comeback, Furtado attended the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in a long-sleeve black gown by Dundas, notable for its plunging open-back design.
Furtado smiles for a photo leaving the Z100 Studios in New York. (Mega/GC Images)
Channelling her casual roots, the singer was spotted out and about in 2024 in a cropped hoodie, baggy cargo pants, white tank top, sneakers and, of course, bold jewelry.
Furtado arrives at the 2024 Juno Awards in Halifax. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
As host of the 2024 Junos, Furtado switched it up with her usual style, including this gorgeous burgundy sequin gown by Galvan London and jewelry from the Canadian company Birks.
