#WCW TV Style Icon: Empire‘s Cookie Lyon
Armed with unwavering confidence, a seemingly endless treasure trove of aphorisms and witty comebacks, an enviable musical ear, and the iron-clad will to succeed and to protect her family and its legacy, Cookie Lyon had us craving more from the second she sashayed out of prison and stormed into the Empire offices and uttered the words, “I’m here to get what’s mine.” Cookie’s self-assurance, her flair for the dramatic, her acceptance of her past and present, and her comfort level with her own sensuality are all conveyed through her fashion choices. From luxurious fur coats and stoles to printed bodycon dresses, leopard print blouses and frocks, gold hoop earrings, leather leggings and pencil skirts, and chain-link necklaces and bracelets, this assortment of fashion and beauty goodies pay tribute to the most fabulous female mogul on television. Remember: Cookie’s her name, so take a bite!
Yves Salomon Cropped Fur Jacket, $625. Available at FarFetch.com
From stoles and cropped jackets to floor-sweeping, plush, dramatic coats in saturated jewel tones, animal prints, and dusty pastels, Cookie’s fur collection is more expansive than that of the Olsen twins, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Simpson combined. This Bordeaux-toned, cropped fur jacket from designer Yves Salomon is reminiscent of the burgundy stole she wore over a McQ by Alexander McQueen bodycon dress in Episode 4 of Season 1 because, you know, it’s totally standard to preside over a meeting draped in lavish furs. No big.
Dolce & Gabbana Printed Silk Dress, $2875. Available at MyTheresa.com
From the moment Cookie was released from jail after that grueling 17-year bid, she was wearing a dress with a leopard print. Granted, the one she wore in the pilot episode was the very same dress in which she was arrested, but she still looked fierce in it. And, as time progressed, Cookie kept returning to her beloved leopard spots while upping the sophistication level of her garments. This Dolce & Gabbana silk dress perfectly captures Cookie’s love of leopard and, upon closer inspection, onlookers will find multiple cats hidden within the neutral print. It’s the perfect garment for women who can meow in the bedroom and roar in the board room.
Vauje Jewelry Empire Necklace, $85. Available at VaujeJewelry.com
In Season 2’s “A Rose By Any Other Name” episode, Cookie wore this very three-strand Vauje Jewelry necklace, which a strand with pebbly dark gray beads, another wth spherical beads bearing rhinestons and gunmetal-toned spikes, and another one with large chain links and a gold-toned bib portion embellished with smoky teardrop- and almond-shaped crystals, a medallion-like pendant dangling from its center to maximize the piece’s visual impact.
Eugenia Kim Georgina Fedora, $390. Available at EugeniaKim.com
Cookie always makes us hang onto our hats, so it’s only fitting that she’d have a few fresh toppers of her own. We’ve typically seen her wearing either a leopard print felt hat or a cream-colored fedora, but this wine-toned Eugenia Kim fedora with its feather band would perfectly fit in Cookie’s closet.
Laruicci Space Invader Earrings, $75. Available at Larucci.myshopify.com
Unapologetically audacious, these double hoop earrings command attention — just like Cookie. Measuring 3.2″ in length and 2.5″ in width, these gold-toned brass earrings feature a textured pyramid-shaped charm within a thick hoop, the latter suspended within a larger, thinner hoop frame.
Christian Louboutin Eloise Hobo Fringe Bag, $2100. Available at US.ChristianLouboutin.com
In Season 2, Cookie wore a Christian Louboutin hobo adorned with cascading fringe and silver-toned studs, so she’d surely gravitate toward the new Eloise hobo purse, which is roomy enough to accommodate any iPads, phones, and laptops (hey, she needs to keep track of all her kids’ shenanigans at all times and dial up producers and beatmakers) and which includes such fun details as long fringe tassels along the sides and a single shoulder handle with knot-like ends covered in gunmetal spikes.
Calvin Klein Nira Cage Sandal, $159.95. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
The peek-a-boo effect yielded by cage sandals makes them an inherently sexy footwear choice — something Cookie knows all too well! These 4″-tall cage sandals feature a traditional grid design, but the ghillie-inspired bungee lacing along the center panel ensure a snug fit and adds a quirky element to the ankle-high shoe.
MCM Baroque Sunglasses, $346. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
Like the black Versace sunglasses Cookie wore in Season 2, these MCM shades have a Baroque air to them thanks to the ornate gold metal detailing at the corners.
Balmain Sequin-Embellished Mini Dress, $3995. Available at MatchesFashion.com
Ever since the Gucci Fall 2013 collection mesh, feather, and sequin dress she wore on the Season 2 premiere episode, when she held a concert to “free Luscious,” Cookie has been incorporating more sequined numbers into her evening wardrobe. In Episode 3 of Season 3, while enjoying a glass of champagne and rooting on Tiana as she performed on stage, Cookie wore a black-and-gold, long-sleeved Balmain mini dress. Could this glittering Balmain number, with its jewel-toned sequins and plunging V-shaped neckline, make an appearance next? We can only hope!
Oscar de la Renta Bordeaux Beaded Tassel Earrings, $395. Available at OscardelaRenta.com
In Episode 6 of Season 2, Cookie added some swing to her jewelry game with a pair of Oscar de la Renta beaded earrings in a Bordeaux shade. Expertly crafted in India by master artisans, these red-hot beaded sparklers add movement to any outfit, swaying as you walk, dance, or swivel your neck sassily.
Lyon’s Truth Empire Fragrance, $59.50. Available at EmpireFragrance.com
An alpha female like Cookie Lyon needs a bold but feminine fragrance that will mirror her take-control personality and her lovable flamboyance. The Lyon’s Truth Empire Fragrance was developed as a tribute to FOX’s hit musical drama. Even the packaging nods to the opulence of music industry and taps into every up-and-coming artist’s desire to strike gold with his/her music, to go from a hard and rough rock to a polished and glimmering gem. To that end, the golden bottle features a black crocodile trim and an onyx-colored spherical bottle cap with all-over triangular facets to lend it a jewel-like appearance. The chain slung over the bottle neck, meanwhile, adds just a hint of hip-hop swagger. As for the scent itself, Lyon’s Truth is a fruity floral aroma that opens with mouth-watering blackberry and sweet plum notes that feel coquettish, playful, and just the slightest bit boisterous. These fruity nuances capture one’s attention, hooking us in as the aromatic composition continues to unfold and the feminine and romantic Bulgarian rose, vanilla orchid, and violet notes rise to the surface. The sandalwood and vanilla base notes, meanwhile, provide the fragrance’s seductive undertones. Like Cookie herself, then, this perfume starts out flashy and glitzy, then reveals a softer and more tender side, but its sexy and confident spirit remains a constant throughout.
Alice + Olivia Viktoria Faux Leather Top, $330. Available at AliceandOlivia.com
In Episode 10 of Season 2, Cookie attended Charlamagne tha God’s ASA Award nomination party in a long-sleeved, mock-neck, black leather dress from Gucci. Had there been a nomination for most stylish woman in attendance, she would have had it in the bag! This Alice + Olivia top, featuring a high neck and faux leather and lace details, will steal the show at cocktail parties, but can also be transformed into a work-ready ensemble when paired with a sleek pencil skirt.
BCBGMAXAZRIA Natili Faux Leather Skirt, $178. Available at BCBG.com
The deep teal shade of this pencil skirt makes it stand out from its black, gray, and navy peers, as does its supple nappa pleather material which gives it a rock ‘n’ roll edge and a cosmopolitan sensibility. Whether paired with an off-the-shoulder top, a printed button-down blouse, or a black leather top like the one above, this hip-hugging skirt will keep everyone in the office admiring your milkshake.
Stuart Weitzman Bunnylove Sandals, $498. Available at StuartWeitzman.com
Marc Jacobs Shutter Small Zebra-Print Camera Bag, $495. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
Though her animal print of choice is leopard, Cookie has been known to embrace cheetah spots, tiger stripes, cow splotches, snake scales, and zebra stripes. This Marc Jacobs leather bag features an all-over zebra motif and is covered with tonal sequins to add some razzle-dazzle. Measuring 5.8″ in height, 8″ in width, and 2.8″ in depth, this bag features a removable 23.5″-long strap so that it can be slung over one shoulder or worn as a clutch.
House of CB Felicita Blush Faux Curly Shearling Coat, $225. Available at HouseofCB.com
In Episode 13 of Season 2, Cookie celebrated her first birthday as a free woman in 17 years, and she made sure to dress for the occasion, picking a pink Altuzarra fur jacket. Though that piece is now sold out, you can create a similar look (and for far less!) with this stunning House of CB piece, which has a shaggier, more modern and free-spirited feel.
Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Navy and Silver Coarse Glitter Degradé Pointy Toe Pumps, $675. Available at US.JimmyChoo.com
If there’s anything Cookie loves more than fur and leopard prints, it’s sequins and glitter. These Jimmy Choo pumps feature a 3.9″-tall stiletto heel that’s perfect for a woman who likes to live on the edge, and the ombré glitter effect along the uppers emulates the coming of nightfall, with a grayish silver heel counter leading to a dark navy front. Given how many concerts and late-night studio sessions the Lyon family packs into every week, Cookie’s eveningwear has to be on supernova status.
Reiss Harley Metallic Bodycon Dress, $370. Available at Reiss.com
In Empire‘s “Tameness of the Wold” episode, Cookie wore the aforementioned pink Altuzarra fur coat over a blue version of the Reiss dress pictured here. This sexy off-the-shoulder number features the type of bodycon silhouette that Cookie favors (she does, after all, have the type of curves that should come with warning signs!), and the metallic paneling creates an update spin on the bandage dress. The fabric’s sparkly finish, meanwhile, makes it ideal for a birthday celebration or other festive occasion.
Moschino Necklace, $320. Available at Moschino.com
In the Season 2 premiere, Cookie went mad for Moschino, pairing a denim patchwork blazer featuring gold leather trim with a black pencil skirt featuring a trompe l’oeil embroidered design creating the illusion of a multi-strand golden chain-link belt. She adorned the outfit with several chunky necklaces to create an effect like the one yielded by this Moschino necklace, which marries a strand of dainty pearls with a hefty curb-link chain strand and a Rolo chain-link strand.
Gucci Snake Sequin Jacket, $6980. Available at Gucci.com
In Episode 16 of Season 2, a metallic pink Lanvin jacket took Cookie’s outfit from good to outstanding. Given her penchant for shimmer and shine, the Lyon matriarch would appreciate this blazer’s undulating striped pattern, created by alternating gold, light pink, and fuchsia sequins so as to mirror the natural coloring of the coral snake. The mink details on the cuffs, meanwhile, would only add to the jacket’s allure. Just imagine Cookie pairing this with a black bustier and pencil skirt or a black jumpsuit with a deep V-shaped neckline. #Boss
DVF Kyara Tuxedo Jumpsuit, $548. Available at DVF.com
A modern twist on a tuxedo, this black jumpsuit features a deep V-shaped neckline, a banded waist, a wide-leg cut, and a single tuxedo stripes running down the side of each leg. Picture it paired with strappy heels and an opulent jacket. Swooning yet?
Balmain Suede Belt, €1010. Available at Balmain.com
Wide black belts with golden buckles are a go-to accessory for Cookie — whether she’s wearing them with a pencil skirt and leopard print jacket or an all-lace Balmain jumpsuit paired with a yellow suede jacket. This Balmain suede belt meets all the requisite criteria, cinching the waist while drawing the eye via intricate, Baroque-influenced, gold-toned metal hardware.
DVF Valinda Leather Coat, $2200. Available at DVF.com
With its emerald green fur collar, side cargo pockets, and cinched waist, this DVF leather coat is perfect for making a dramatic entrance — or exit. Just picture her telling a music producer “The name’s Cookie — ask about me,” then swiveling around and storming off, her leather maxi coat twirling as she turns.
Marni Clip-On Metal Earrings, $660. Available at Marni.com
Chain-link necklaces and bracelets abound in Cookie’s jewelry chest, so she’d marvel over the effortless edge of these linear Marni earrings. A smoky gray, prong-set, round glass stud marks the top end of each earring, a raw pyrite stone positioned directly beneath it. These clustered stones then lead to a strand of three interlocking gold-toned metal links that culminate in a black, flattened, round bead fashioned out of resin and horn.
Stella McCartney Emma Jacket, $1430. Available at StellaMcCartney.com
Etro Paisley-Print Silk Crepe de Chine Wide-Leg Pants, $1060. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
If you swooned over Cookie’s printed pants and black blazer ensemble in “A Rose By Any Other Name,” you’d appreciate these paisley print pants from Etro, made from silk crepe de chine and featuring a wide-leg cut.
Tom Ford Metallic Laminated Eel Lace-Up Sandal, $1790. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
Sexy and elegant, these lace-up, open-toe, metallic laminated eel skin sandals, featuring a 4.3″ covered heel, are the perfect punctuation mark to any ensemble.
Loren Stewart Mixed Chain Hoop Earrings, $650. Available at Barneys.com
Gold hoop earrings are a staple in Cookie’s jewelry armoire. These polished 14k yellow gold hoops, featuring a 5.5 cm drop, take the familiar silhouette and add some flashy details in the form of draped mariner- and box-link chains along the center.
No. 21 Leopard-Print Fur Coat,£2,530. Available at MatchesFashion.com
Mixing animal print with bold jewel tones is part of Cookie’s style M.O., so she’d jump at the opportunity to wear this color-blocked No. 21 coat, which married leopard-print rabbit fur panels with forest green long-haired shearling panels for an unexpected but completely harmonious union.
The Row Cobi Bonded Stretch-Leather Mini Dress, $2490. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Cookie enjoys showing off her curvaceous figure, and she’d certainly accomplish the feat with this The Row mini dress, made from smooth lamb leather bonded to stretch-cotton for a flexible fit that adjusts to the contours of each individual’s body.
Kimberly McDonald 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Geode Ring, $5045. Available at BrownsFashion.com
TV audiences can’t get enough of Cookie. Beauty gurus, meanwhile, have an insatiable hunger for the Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie collection. The sulfate- and mineral oil-free Almond Cookie Cleansing Gel is perfect for those with dry and gentle skin, as it employs coconut-derived cleansers to remove dirt and debris without stripping the skin of any moisture. The aloe leaf in the formula, meanwhile, soothes the skin and leaves it feeling smooth and supple. Those seeking a heavy-duty moisturizer for the cold winter months, meanwhile, can reach for the Almond Cookie Shea Soufflé, a decadent body moisturizer that replenished even the thirstiest skin without feeling heavy or leaving behind any greasy residue. Formulated with shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, rice bran oil, and soybean oil, this pampering cream leaves the skin silky soft and gives it a healthy radiance. Though all of the Almond Cookie products deliver, what makes them most alluring is their scent: a combination of sweet marzipan, tonka bean, and warm vanilla notes. The almond cookie aroma feels like a tender hug, like the hearth of home.
Dita Sunbird Sunglasses in Rose Gold, $475. Available at Dita.com
Ever since we saw Cookie donning these gold cat-eye sunglasses in Episode 2 of Season 2, we’ve been clamoring to lay eyes on them again. The Dita Sunbird shades feature handcrafted Japanese acetate lens rim inserts surrounded by durable titanium, as well as gradient lenses with an anti-reflective coating.
Couturissimo x Michael Cinco Brook Midi Shirt Dress, $369. Available at Couturissimo.com
The surreal print of this black-and-white shirtdress would appeal to Cookie’s penchant for theatricality, as would the versatility of the monochromatic color scheme, which would allow her to accessorize with vibrant yellow blazers, amethyst fur stoles, emerald green heels, and more.
Tom Ford Woven Leather 105mm Knee Boots, $2580. Available at BergdorfGoodman.com
Boutique Moschino Leopard Print Blouse, $367. Available at FarFetch.com
You can never have too many leopard print tops or dresses ! This blouse has more of a laid-back feel thanks to the blouson silhouette, the wide elastic waistband, and the slouchy cowl neck.
BCBGMAXAZRIA Andrei Faux-Leather Leggings, $148. Available at BCBG.com
In Episode 9 of Season 1, Cookie paired a graphic peplum sweater with form-fitting, quilted black elather pants from BCBGMAXAZRIA. These high-rise, faux-leather leggings are equally versatile, so that they can be worn with surplice tops, sheer printed blouses, graphic sweaters, and scoopneck tanks, then topped off with blazers, leather jackets, or extravagant furs.
Kenneth Jay Lane Polished Gold Collar, $340. Available at KennethJayLane.com
When wearing scoop-neck tanks, V-neck tops, or blazers with plunging necklines, Cookie adds a dose of flashiness via a head-turning statement necklace. This 1 1/2″-wide collar features four rows of chain link strands in glossy polished gold — perfect for giving an ensemble a bit of attitude.
