My heart hurts as I write this. Today the world mourns the loss of one of the greatest in music, fashion and life: Prince. He was, and will always continue to be an icon in every sense of the word. His talent was beyond words. He was an incredible showman – between his guitar solos and riffs, jumps and splits, and that teasing little tongue.

Prince‘s music and videos were timeless and revolutionary. How many of us still sing to “1999” at every party, or on New Year’s Eve, or whenever it comes on the radio? Who remembers Prince performing with the word ‘SLAVE’ written on his face, in protest of Warner Bros., his record label? Or when he changed his name to a symbol and went by “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince“, “TAFKAP“, or just “The Artist“. How many times have you sung along to the entire “Purple Rain” soundtrack, or watched the movie?! Nothing about Prince ever felt old or dated. His music from the 80’s and 90’s is still just as popular and relevant today as when it first came out.

Only second behind my love for the music was Prince’s iconic style. The man was so unique, risqué and innovative, especially during a time when it wasn’t popular to go against the grain. He loved to take chances, and keep his fans’ interest piqued. Prince never followed trends – he set them. He had a style all his own, from head to toe. He rocked every hairstyle known to man (and woman), from curly mohawks, to freshly blown out long bobs (lobs), to pixie cuts and most recently, the mini Afro. And he was one of the few men that could wear eyeliner and wear it well.

And when it came to the clothing he wore – boy, the man loved to take a risk! He was obsessed with the color purple, tight pantsuits and high heels. No one else could or would dare to wear the outfits that Prince rocked. What other man could wear a high-necked, Victorian-style ruffle blouse, and heeled booties, and still be a sex symbol to all the ladies? Who else could wear a canary yellow, laser cut pantsuit with assless chaps and make it look equal parts adorable, androgynous and sexy?! Only Prince. Who do you know that could wear an Afro, a turtleneck and tunic, aviators and a bedazzled scepter to the French Open and it be totally acceptable?! Again, only Prince. Or just go shirtless with a pair of tight, high-waist pants. He could do whatever the eff he wanted and we always paid attention and loved it. If Prince showed up to an event, he showed out!

Rest in peace, Prince Rogers Nelson. Your one-of-a-kind voice, your innovative style, and your irreplaceable energy will be sorely missed!

What was your favorite song or look of Prince’s?