It Girls Around the World

Beyoncé, Rihanna and more fly, trendsetting ladies.

Beyoncé, Texas - It takes something special to be called an “It Girl” in today’s booming and oftentimes disposable industry. By definition, an “It Girl” represents a young woman who possesses the quality "It," which does not necessarily mean conventional beauty, or outward characteristics, but rather an ineffable notion. Though there are familiar faces like Queen Bey repping Texas and Rih Rih holding down Barbados, we've also highlighted some of the world's most successful but relatively unknown faces that you need to know.  Beyoncé’s star status is arguably out-of-this-world, but Bey always manages to remind us of her southern roots. Hailing from Houston, Texas, the seasoned performer rocks her fringe and vintage cowboy boots, loves her fried chicken and waffles, and is often seen throwing up the Third Ward hand sign.  By: Moriba Cummings  (Photo: Tumblr ...
Rihanna, Barbados - Putting the Caribbean island of Barbados on the map internationally, Rihanna first burst onto the scene with her reggae-infused dance single “Pon De Replay.” Fast forward eight years, and Rihanna is known for her brash demeanor, thick accent and sexy persona. The Bajan beauty regularly gives subtle nods to her home territory via her music videos, style and those gorgeous Instagram photos of her parading on the beach.  (Photo: Island Def Jam Records)
Alicia Keys, New York - There are many stars who are products of the Big Apple, so many that it's almost hard to keep up. Very few, however, have made the impact that musician Alicia Keys has made on the world. Starting off as a musician, and hailing from Manhattan, Alicia boasts a hard edge that screams "New York" every time she moves. The songsterss loves her home state so much that she even chose a New York man as her life partner. Her husband, producer Swizz Beatz, is originally from The Bronx. Furthermore, the singer showed true New York pride by joining former Bed Stuy native Jay Z on their smash hit "Empire State of Mind."  (Photo: Def Jam)
Nicki Minaj, Trinidad - Femcee Nicki Minaj has come a long way since her underground days, and though she grew up most of her teenage-to-adult life in Jamaica, Queens, New York, the rapper often reminds the world that she's Trini to the bone. Born Onika Tanya Maraj in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, the then young girl left the Caribbean island at the age of five with her mother. And while her memories of living in Trinidad aren't the best, the MC often displays gestures of pride for her culture, occasionally shouting out the nation in her music. In 2012, Nicki returned home to the island to shoot the Carnival-themed music video for her single "Pound the Alarm."  (Photo: Cash Money Records/Young Money ent)Ciara, Atlanta - Though Ciara is not originally from Georgia (she was actually born in Texas), many know her for her very open appreciation of the culture of the dirty south — Atlanta, to be exact. After signing with producer Jazzy Pha in 2002, Ciara released a slew of hits, including “Goodies” and 1, 2 Step,” which influenced fans and media alike to start referring to the then rising star as the Princess of Crunk (a craze that was taking over Atlanta at the time). Today, Ciara has not forgotten her down south roots, always repping the "A" like only she knows how.  (Photo: LaFace Records)

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Rihanna, Barbados - Putting the Caribbean island of Barbados on the map internationally, Rihanna first burst onto the scene with her reggae-infused dance single “Pon De Replay.” Fast forward eight years, and Rihanna is known for her brash demeanor, thick accent and sexy persona. The Bajan beauty regularly gives subtle nods to her home territory via her music videos, style and those gorgeous Instagram photos of her parading on the beach. (Photo: Island Def Jam Records)

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