THE ARCHIVE ADVANTAGE: WOMAN OF THE YEAR DOECHII REVIVES FASHION HISTORY
In a glittering testament to her rising stardom, Doechii claimed Billboard’s Woman of the Year accolade at the 2025 Women in Music Awards—cementing her position as both musical innovator and fashion provocateur. The Tampa native eschewed predictable red-carpet protocol, instead delivering a masterclass in archive resurrection that left attendees breathless at the Inglewood ceremony.
Collaborating with visionary stylist Sam Woolf, Doechii unearthed a diaphanous marvel from DKNY’s Fall/Winter 2014 collection—a strategic sartorial decision that speaks volumes in an era increasingly embracing fashion’s cyclical nature. The gown’s delicate construction featured sumptuous velvet panels strategically positioned throughout the otherwise gossamer fabrication, creating a luxurious tension between opacity and revelation.
A dramatic thigh-high slit introduced kinetic intrigue to the silhouette, while her footwear selection—metallic Manolo Blahnik sandals with an open-toe architecture—introduced a contemporary counterpoint to the decade-old garment. Rather than allowing the archival piece to read as vintage, Doechii’s accessory strategy transported the look firmly into 2025’s maximalist moment.
The musician’s jewelry curation proved particularly inspired—stacks of mixed-metal bangles cascaded down her wrists, while an unexpected coin belt cinched the ethereal gown at the waist, introducing a welcome structural element. Her digits showcased an array of substantial rings, complemented by a meticulously executed silver-toned manicure that demonstrated her commitment to cohesive styling. Oversized hoop earrings in dual metallics framed her face, while her braids were swept into an elegant topknot—a sophisticated resolution that allowed the gown’s neckline to command proper attention.
In the evening’s most delightful sartorial subversion, Doechii rejected the standard jewel-box clutch, instead slinging a vintage Fendi baguette across her body. The capacious blue accessory with its distinctive spotting pattern not only introduced a chromatic pop to her ensemble but provided ample room for essentials—and, ultimately, her well-deserved trophy.
During her acceptance speech, Doechii acknowledged persistent industry challenges, noting: “In 2025, lack of inclusion and sexism are, unfortunately, still an issue in this industry. Which is why I’m grateful that we have Billboard Women in Music.” She continued with a moment of genuine appreciation: “And while I may be the one front and center who’s rapping, singing, and performing, I’m not doing this alone.”
The Billboard spectacle, hosted with characteristic eloquence by Laverne Cox, celebrated an illustrious assemblage of musical talent including Blackpink’s Jennie Kim, Tyla, Meghan Trainee, Gracie Abrams, and GloRilla. Cox poignantly addressed the gathering, observing that “music allows me to release emotions I sometimes can’t name. Music can be a catalyst for contemplation, protest, mourning, resurrection and unspeakable joy.”
In an industry landscape where red-carpet appearances often skew predictably toward current-season couture, Doechii’s deft navigation of fashion’s archival treasure troves signals a refreshing authenticity. Her triumphant evening attire—at once reverent toward fashion history yet thoroughly modern in execution—mirrors the innovative spirit that has propelled her musical trajectory. As Woman of the Year, she demonstrated that true style transcends temporal boundaries, making a compelling case for fashion’s endless capacity for reinvention.
