Nostalgic Scoop: Aaliyah and Kidada Jones Were in The Process of Starting A Clothing Line

Before athleticwear became synonymous with names like Gigi Hadid or Rihanna, it was Aaliyah who defined the aesthetic. The R&B icon made it effortless to pair crop tops and sports bras with baggy pants, and she normalized showing boxer waistbands under low-rise jeans, creating a signature look that still influences fashion today.

Despite her cool, sporty edge, Aaliyah could just as easily command a red carpet, stepping out in thigh-high slit gowns and heels with the same quiet confidence.

Shortly before her passing, Aaliyah was set to launch a Japanese-inspired girls’ clothing line called Dolly Pop with her close friend Kidada Jones.

Kidada Jones, the daughter of Quincy Jones, was not only Aaliyah’s best friend but also the fiancée of Tupac Amaru Shakur. She is an actress, model, and jewelry and fashion designer.

Eighteen years after the 22-year-old singer tragically died in a plane crash in 2001, we'll forever remembering Baby Girl.

Reflecting on their bond and creative vision, Kidada shared:

“Me and Aaliyah met at a Tommy Hilfiger fashion show that I styled around ’93. She had really small feet, and so did I, and she didn’t have shoes for the show, so I remember lending her mine. We met again later on a Tommy Hilfiger photo shoot, when we were both featured in the campaign.

There was an edgier side to her that people didn’t really see. She was more forward-thinking than most, deeper. She was comfortable spending time alone. She was a thinker.

In fashion, she was a little risky, always trendsetting. We were in the process of starting a girls’ clothing line called Dolly Pop. Right before she passed, we were getting ready to sign our contracts. We were making plans for a brand that was going to be girly, cute, and inspired by Japanese culture. At that time, that kind of inspiration wasn’t at the forefront.”

Aaliyah and best friend Kidada Jones, photographed by Jason Keeling