Nicki Minaj, Self-Styled Creator Of A Lipstick Boom Badoom Boom

​"On Nov. 26, 2010, MAC introduced Ms. Minaj's Pink Friday lipstick, selling all 3,000 in stock in 15 minutes, in addition to an eye-popping 27,000 in the next three weeks. The company spent little on advertising, Mr. Demsey said, with sales driven mostly by Ms. Minaj's voluminous postings to fans via Twitter and Facebook. Indeed, 8 of 10 buyers were new to the MAC Web site."
—The New York Times took a look at the rising fashion-industry moxie of Nicki Minaj, and this anecdote showcasing her fans' devotion all the way back in 2010 serves as a sort of portent to her being invited to fashion shows by Anna Wintour and the like. Beginning next month, Minaj will help promote the cosmetic company's Viva Glam line alongside Ricky Martin; she's stepping into the awkwardly heeled shoes of none other than Lady Gaga. The Mr. Demsey referred above is John Demsey of MAC parent company Estée Lauder, who referred to Minaj's aesthetic as "a mashup style between Vivienne Westwood and a Harajuku girl." Which I think sounds a bit reductive!