Today, the NAACP announced that multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor and style icon A$AP Rocky will receive the Vanguard Award for Fashion at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show on Friday, February 27. He is also nominated for three NAACP Image Awards for his role in Highest 2 Lowest, which has garnered a total of nine nominations.
From defining signature streetwear to reimagining the boundaries of high fashion, A$AP Rocky has consistently challenged convention and reminded us all that fashion is a powerful form of storytelling. His vision has left an undeniable mark on fashion and culture, inspiring artists, fans, and audiences alike to take risks, embrace individuality, and express themselves with confidence.
This award recognizes not only his influence but the energy, originality, and spirit he brings to everything he does, solidifying his place as one of the most prolific style icons of his generation. Previous Vanguard Award honorees include ESSENCE, June Ambrose, Bethann Hardison and Ruth E. Carter.
“This year’s Vanguard Award honoree, A$AP Rocky, embodies the power and evolution of Black artistry. As a creative force who consistently pushes culture forward, he has redefined the intersection of music and fashion, shaping global trends and inspiring new generations,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors. “Honoring A$AP Rocky with the Vanguard Award celebrates his lasting influence, and the legacy he continues to build.”
“A$AP Rocky represents the fearless evolution of Black creativity,” said Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “His influence extends far beyond fashion. He has reshaped how culture, music, art, and personal expression intersect on a global stage. The NAACP honoring him with the Vanguard Award celebrates not only his style, but his vision, leadership, and lasting impact on the next generation of creators.”
Most recently, Rocky released his fourth studio album DON’T BE DUMB to unprecedented global demand, reaching over 1 million pre-saves on Spotify before release and debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Rocky’s first project in 8 years features cover art by the visionary filmmaker and illustrator Tim Burton and features collaborations from BossMan Dlow, Brent Faiyaz, Danny Elfman, Doechii, Gorillaz, Jessica Pratt, Jon Batiste, Slay Squad, Thundercat, Tyler, The Creator, Westside Gunn, and will.i.am.
Rocky co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala with the theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” showing off a full wardrobe of his own passion project and brand AWGE and later in the year, he received the 2025 CFDA Fashion Icon Award. 2025 also saw Rocky demonstrate his incredible acting prowess in two films produced by A24 — Highest 2 Lowest directed by Spike Lee and the Golden-Globe-winning If I Had Legs I’d Kick You directed by Mary Bronstein.
He is currently the Creative Director of both Ray-Ban and PUMA and has been a part of many high-profile commercial campaigns including Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Gucci, Courvoisier, Mercedes Benz, Guess, Fenty Skin and more. He was also the first Black male face of Dior Homme. Rocky’s creative agency AWGE has launched partnerships with Marine Serre, Amina Muaddi, Selfridges, JW Anderson, MTV, and more. In addition, AWGE has launched the careers of notable artists such as Playboi Carti, slowthai, Smooky MarGielaa, and more. In June of 2025, AWGE put on their second annual Paris Fashion Week show to rave reviews.
