2. Grace Jones
The dictionary definition of style icon, the Jamaica-born, New York-raised, Europe-based model turned singer turned actress turned enigma might have made No. 1 on this list if she didn’t transcend ethnicity and geography. That’s not to say Grace Jones doesn’t rep her culture as much as any Caribbean on the world stage: just cue up “My Jamaican Guy” or any of her reggae-flavored 80s collaborations with Sly and Robbie and Chris Blackwell. MIA through much of the ’90s and 2000s, the 63 year old has returned in a big way in the last few years, most notably as a reference point/inspiration for Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga and Amber Rose.