From casual to couture, edgy to classic, vintage to modern, “Good Girl Gone Bad” singer, actress, and fashion mogul, Rihanna, has shown us through the years that she can pull off any style, no matter the time, place, or event.
Riri proves that breaking the conventional rules of fashion can actually result in a beautiful ensemble full of personality and flair. The Unapologetic triple threat teaches us that style is an art form to be played with, and brushing off the haters is all part of the game.
Under My Umbrella
Representing her 2008 hit, “Umbrella,” Rihanna sports a short blue Zac Posen dress that is not-so-subtly inspired by her song. It was a dress for success because she won the award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Paired with her iconic cropped hairstyle, the look embodies
her youthful glow and playful style.
The look reminds us to never take ourselves too seriously and have fun with our style. Trends will come and go, but the way you feel when you wear them will last forever.
Only Girl (In the World)
While accepting the Glamour Woman of the Year award at Carnegie Hall in 2009, Rihanna graces the red carpet with this enchanting and romantically intricate couture gown by Stephan Rolland, befitting of her accolade.
As she struts onstage to accept the award, she jokingly admits to the audience that she is coming from backstage because “[she] was worried about getting up the stairs.” She adds, “as usual, I decided to wear the tightest dress I could find!”
Even in the most glamorous of gowns, Rihanna never stops being herself. Remember where you come from and remember who you are – even if your clothes get a designer upgrade.
Work
Rihanna goes “Beyond Fashion” in this 2014 Met Gala ensemble by Stella McCartney. Modern meets class in this white two-piece gown set and the seven-time Grammy winner wears it with confidence and grace. Frosted head-to-toe with designer jewelry, Rihanna basks in the glamor of the start-studded event.
It took years of hard work and sacrifice to be in a place where she could proudly flaunt her successes and reap the rewards. Her chic fit shows us that with passion and drive, anyone can reach their aspirations no matter where they come from.
Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Ri took our breath away as she glided over the red carpet at the CFDA Fashion Awards. Baddie Rih and her custom Adam Selman fishnet dress, complete with gloves and a headscarf, was a match made in heaven.
This style is often attempted but rarely executed so successfully. The key to rocking this daring look was her unwavering confidence – banging body aside. Rihanna has always been unapologetically herself and never let haters or bad press hinder her self-assurance.
Cockiness (Love It)
Embodying royalty at the 2015 Met Gala with her stunning “Yellow Queen” gown and cape, Rihanna personifies the theme in both style and collaboration. Other celebrities on the red carpet incorporated the theme “China: Through the Looking Glass” in the designs they wore but many were created by European designers.
Because it was meant to celebrate China’s influence on western and eastern fashion, Rihanna made sure to make a statement with a dazzling ensemble that was created by Chinese designer Guo Pei. The teaches us the difference between appropriation and appreciation solely by what she chose to wear.
Talk That Talk
At the 69th annual Parson’s benefit, as Rihanna accepted her honorary award, she inspired the students with a powerful message of support for their creativity and determination. “You should be celebrated for all of the work you put into building your future, for being different…we need to invest in you.”
The event raised more than $2 million for student scholarships. She represented them with her chic oversized pantsuit designed by Parson’s alum Matthew Adams Dolan and celebrated their work. Our achievements can be fulfilling, but true success is shown when you can give back.
Phresh Out the Runway
To the untrained eye, this look can seem a little too over-the-top for fashion, but the beauty behind this avant-garde masterpiece for the 2017 Met Gala is emulated by the star wearing it. Rihanna commands attention with her Comme des Garçons piece – coming straight off of the 2016 fall runway – as she rocks the “art of the in-between” theme.
She never shies away from causing a stir, and her fearlessness inspires all of us. Ever hesitated on a new look because you were afraid you couldn’t pull it off? Take it from Riri, you can pull off whatever you want as long as it makes you feel like a diamond in the sky.
Take a Bow
She slayed at her 2018 4th annual bash in her Alexis Mabille jumpsuit complete with a big white bow in the front. If you find yourself all dressed up with nowhere to go, take a page from Riri’s handbook and throw your own event – as long as it’s for charity.
Rihanna’s annual Diamond Ball benefits the Clara Lionel Foundation, an organization that supports and funds “groundbreaking education and emergency preparedness and response programs around the world.” With celebrity hosts, musical performances, and A-list guests, Rihanna sure knows how to throw a party.
Watch n’ Learn
Riri’s recent pregnancy announcement has opened the door to a whole new age of maternity fashion. Where historically celebrities would do their best to either minimize or cover their baby bump, Rihanna uses it as an accessory to her edgy style choices.
Streetwear moments like her Jean Paul Gaultier lace-up cardigan or her vintage Chanel framing her blinged-out belly are making a statement for any expecting moms out there worried that their fashion will be halted until the baby arrives. Fashion rules are meant to be broken.
Needed Me
Rihanna is an extremely successful recording artist, actress, entrepreneur, and fashion and beauty mogul, but she never ceases to be humble and grateful to those who helped her along the way.
She is inspiring for endless reasons and can even use style to teach us how to live our lives confidently and glamorously.
No Comments