Rihanna is just as much a sartorial risk-taker as she is a musical hitmaker. It came as no surprise when the pop queen decided to design her own fashion label. And when Rihanna launches something, it’s not just big—it sets a new standard.
She did it with Fenty Beauty and its undeniably groundbreaking range of endless foundation shades to suit every skin tone. She did it with her Savage X lingerie debut, featuring a beautifully inclusive cast of models that further spread the message of every body being beautiful. And she’s done it again with the launch of her own luxury fashion house, Fenty – not to mention she’s the first woman of colour to lead a brand under the LVMH umbrella.
Tearing down boundaries and elevating femininity Rihanna is as an absolute power house of inspiration, boldness and wild creativity. We can count on the singer to step out in daring leather on leather, oversized suits with corset-like detailing at the waist, or that iconic sheer Swarovski crystal-covered dress. A true fashion lover who dresses for herself, opting for the unexpected and ultimately dresses in what feels good for her and her body.
She’s championed cool, under-the-radar designers at major red carpet events, has an effortlessly sexy everyday fashion sense and is the first to wear the (sometimes polarizing) items we would otherwise cringe at the thought of even trying on. We absolutely love her fearless fashion statements, the CFDA already officiated it awarding her the Style Icon of 2014, and in the words of Anna Wintour, “There’s a real love for fashion that Rihanna has and how lucky are we to be able to enjoy it.”
Here are 13 times Rihanna has reminded us that she is the ultimate fashion icon.
The Fenty Debut
The epitome of inspiration. Debuting her new line in this Fenty denim corset dress – leave it to Rihanna to show us how a simple white dress can be bold and sexy. She’s in charge of her silhouette with that strong cinching at the waist and the statement is, of course, those oversized sleeves. Keep jewellery simple, like Rihanna has, to not take away from the centrepiece that is the dress itself.
The Most Creative Way To Wear A Skirt
In the YouTube video circulating the trending list, Rihanna revealed the ensemble above is what she wore to the dentist. What a way to bring some colour to that sterile white office. For the midday appointment, Rihanna wore a show-stopping outfit consisting of ripped jeans, clear sandals, a white lace camisole from her Fenty x Savage lingerie line, and a marbled pink coat with a plush, feather-boa-like collar. The singer/designer finished her look with a denim mini skirt which she creatively fashioned as a top. Yes, you read that correctly. She really wore the unbuttoned skirt over her cami like a vest.
Watch said video, Seth and Rihanna go day drinking, below.
Style Icon 2014
Accepting the CDFA 2014 Style Icon award in a completely sheer, Swarovski crystal-covered Adam Selman dress – you know the one. We can’t think of a time fashion has been any more fearless but something more iconic than the dress itself was Rih’s relatable response to Laverne Cox about why she wore the jaw-dropping dress.
“You’ve had so many iconic fashion moments and take so many risks,” Laverne said. “The iconic CFDA Awards Adam Selman dress in 2014—what gave you the courage to take that risk that was so perfect and elegant yet daring?”
Leather and Jewels
At the Sephora loves Fenty Beauty event we can’t help but marvel at her outfit. In a statement Versace dress and dazzling Chopard jewels, Rihanna shows us the ultimate way to up style to a LBD. While a completely leather dress can certainly stand alone as a hero piece, adding something extra special—in this case, a statement belt—takes a going-out look to the next level.
Jean Queen
We all remember when this picture broke the internet. Wearing a Tom Ford S/S 18 top – complete with oversized sleeves – matching denim skirt, and boots – It’s ugly until Rihanna decides it’s not.
Shining Bright Like A Diamond
Rocking the 2012 Victoria’s Secret runway performing her #1 hit Diamonds, Rihanna looked better than the models themselves. A killer statement pairing a thigh split dress with sexy suspenders on display. We think the pearl ringed sunglasses and long lace gloves give a hint of femininity to the edgy look.
A Heavenly Body
Absolutely owning the ’18 Met Gala, Rihanna showed true dedication in this heavy, Catholic homage, custom made gown. The John Galliano ensemble was created in 3 shades – cream, grey and black before Rihanna decided cream was the way to go.
Less Is More
The style star is known for playing with proportions—and that means sometimes the top half is enough to carry the whole look. Here, her oversize Erika Cavallini blazer works as a minidress of sorts, accessorized with razor-sharp Balenciaga mules, a gilded Christian Dior bag, and of-the-moment oval sunnies. This looks gives life to the statement Pants Off Friday.
A JFK Statement
All white on the fly. Only the Barbados-born beauty can look this amazing flying into JFK after seeing her billionaire boyfriend, Hassan Jameel. To add some class to your matching tracksuit pair it with a jewel embellished jacket, like the queen herself has. PS: Don’t forget the custom Dior tote monogrammed with her own name.
Power Suit
Steering away from traditional shapes (such as hourglass) Rihanna is bringing oversize suits to life. Use exaggerated proportions to dictate your own silhouette, like RiRi has in this Mathew Adams Dolan suit.
No matter your flavour, style, shape or occasion, Rihanna is the ultimate style icon we all want to copy.
Feathers, Snakeskin and silk
If this doesn’t throw you back to the 90’s we don’t know what will. Strutting her stuff in Prada pyjamas we’re just waiting for the office to call a wear your PJ’s to work day!
When In Doubt Add Statement Shoes
A simple Jeans and Tee outfit can be completely revamped by adding a statement heel. Rihanna absolutely elevated this look with a bit of footwear bling.
Trench Coat Daydream
Rihanna showed us how to shake things up by mixing a classic trench coat with polarizing lace up boots taking center stage.
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