Long before there was Lady Gaga there was  Kelis. Despite my love for Gaga, I have to admit Kelis is the original  trendsetter of the aughties (2000′s), queen of couture and emerging fashion. This summer, the hip hop mould breaker, is going to be the face of  River Island’s Graduate Fashion Week womenswear pieces.

River Island will sponsor Graduate Fashion Week for the sixth consecutive year and has decided that, Kelis who was model scouted at the age of 14 and making music by 17 is the perfect fit for the brand.

“People need help and encouragement when they’re starting out. That’s why I think what River Island is doing with fashion graduates is so great. I don’t want to look like everybody else, you know?” - Kelis

The Graduate Fashion Week womenswear pieces will be sold in 40 River Island stores across the UK and on www.river-island.com from the 24th of May. Each item has been created by past Graduate Fashion Week students who are currently employed at River Island and embody the energy, quirky  aesthetic and originality of the brand.

More images of  Kelis for River Island are after the jump

With the launch of her latest album ‘Flesh Tone’ and her scheduled appearance at a selection of the Summer’s biggest festivals, the GFW collection poses an array of options for Kelis to be seen and heard in. Mixing printed mini shorts with PVC body sculpting dresses, killer jewels and colour shock heels; Kelis defines the collection in a single remark, “I love this collection! It’s really young and fun – the way it should be. It’s like me!”