Nelly Furtado turned fashion into a statement of self-confidence as she headlined Manchester Pride on Sunday, using bold, playful outfits to silence body-shamers and celebrate individuality. The 46-year-old singer appeared in an oversized T-shirt that featured a cartoon hourglass figure wearing a crop top, paired with a denim mini skirt and a belt that read “Whoa Nelly,” a nod to her debut album released in 2000. The back of the shirt showed the cartoon figure’s tattoo, scripted with the words “Better than ever.” She finished the look with fishnet tights and colorful boots that also bore the phrase “Better than ever,” which ties into a track of her latest album, 7, released in September 2024. The ensemble underscored a confident, high-energy performance as she took the stage.
Furtado has been turning heads with her on-stage style for a while. At Big Feastival in the UK on Friday, she wore a distressed denim bra and skirt by Stella Xingyi, layered over a bow-tied Thirteen Crosby tank top. A pinstriped trench coat by Samuel Gärtner, a wide belt featuring the same “Whoa, Nelly!” message, and knee-high boots completed that look. She shared the outfit on Instagram, where fans offered enthusiastic support.
Her recent social media activity shows a broader message beyond fashion. In January, she addressed false rumors about her body with a candid post from an orange bikini shoot. She stated that she has never undergone any face or body surgeries or injections—besides veneers on the top row of her teeth—and urged followers to embrace self-love and body neutrality. “Express yourself freely, celebrate your individuality, and know that it’s perfectly OK to be OK with what you see in the mirror— and also OK to want something different,” she wrote, adding a hopeful reminder to love with every inch of your heart.
Summary and context:
– The Manchester Pride performance amplified a message of body positivity through bold, nostalgic styling that nods to 80s and early 2000s aesthetics.
– Furtado continues to blend fashion with advocacy, encouraging self-expression and confidence at a time when fans closely scrutinize celebrity appearances.
– Her public comments in January reinforce a consistent stance against cosmetic overhauls, focusing instead on self-acceptance and personal growth.
Additional value and possible angles:
– This pairing of performance outfits with a body-positive message could be highlighted as a larger trend among artists who leverage stage fashion to address social conversations about aging, body image, and self-acceptance.
– A sidebar could list notable past outfits and the messages they conveyed, offering readers a quick reference to Furtado’s evolving style and advocacy.
– If possible, include a short interview-style quote or paraphrase from Furtado about how she plans to continue using her platform to promote confidence and individuality for fans and fellow artists.
Overall, Furtado’s Manchester Pride moment combines spirited performance with a clear, uplifting message about embracing one’s body and choosing self-love, no matter what the online chatter may say.