Happy Birthday to Grace Jones, who turns 78 today. An icon in music, fashion, and film whose influence continues to inspire generations.

Jones anticipated the fluidity we celebrate now. She played with gender, sexuality, race, and power decades before it was safe. She's been sampled by everyone from Lady Gaga to Janelle Monáe to Rihanna. When she walked the red carpet at 68 in a sculptural headpiece and a bodysuit, she outshone everyone. At 78, she's still performing, still terrifying, still glorious. The world needed her permission to be weird, and she gave it freely.