It was only a matter of time before RiRi nabbed the most fashionable title. Joining the ranks of Iman and Kate Moss, Rihanna is the newest recipient of the Fashion Icon award presented by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The pop star has been taking the fashion scene by storm for the past few years, making fashion statements both on and off the red carpet. Her rebellious style shifts between sexy and sweet mixing in street style with a dash of shock value.

Every year, CFDA puts on an awards ceremony to honor the accomplishments of fashion designers and creatives alike. CFDA is a network of more than 450 fashion designers in womenswear, menswear, and accessories with invite-only membership. Members include Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, and Tom Ford.

While there are awards for fashion designers, there are others that acknowledge influencers. One such influencer is Rihanna. According to CFDA, the Fashion Icon award is given to “an individual whose style has made a significant impact on popular culture on an international stage.”

The Barbados-native started making headlines with her fashion choices since her music career launched in 2005. Last year, she presented the first of four collections she designed for British street style label River Island during London Fashion Week. Since then, she’s cultivated numerous friendships with famous designers, including Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing and Karl Lagerfeld. In December 2013, it was announced Rihanna would be the face of Balmain’s spring 2014 ad campaigns.

During Paris Fashion Week in February, Rihanna graced the front row at a handful of runway shows, including Prada, Jean Paul Gaultier, Givenchy, Comme des Garçons, and Stella McCartney. More recently, she made a surprisingly sweet statement at Christian Dior’s resort 2015 show where the 26-year-old donned a silk powder pink shift dress and high ponytail.

In an interview with Digital Spy, Rihanna explained: “When I am putting looks together, I dare myself to make something work. I always look for the most interesting silhouette or something that’s a little off, but I have to figure it out. I have to make it me. I think that’s the thrill in fashion.”

And those risky looks have paid off, earning her not only the Fashion Icon award, but also international attention through her social media accounts. Before she was forced to deactivate her Instagram, the singer was photographing her outfits and expensive gifts from her designer friends. With a following of more than 12 million, Rihanna’s influence in the fashion industry was enough to have American fashion designer Tom Ford take notice.

“They care what picture Rihanna just Instagrammed while she’s naked in bed, what new shoes she has on, how she’s talking about them,” Ford told Style.com. “That’s what they respond to.” While her Instagram has yet to be resurrected, Rihanna’s style lives on.