Rihanna has not only ruled the music business with her number one hits over the past twenty years, but her style has also captivated the world. Rihanna’s journey through style and fashion has been amazing, from her early days as a young singer to her current standing as a fashion star who breaks rules. She has constantly pushed the limits of normal fashion in every public performance, red carpet moment, and music video, mixing high-end couture with punk inspirations to create her own unique style. Let’s look at Rihanna’s style development and talk about the important events and people who have made her into the fashion icon she is now.
Music of The Sun Era
Rihanna’s style evolution traces back to her early days in the Music of the Sun era, marking her debut with Def Jam. During this time, she sported a simple yet accessible youthful hip-hop-inspired style, blending feminine elements like crop tops and sequins with masculine touches such as baggy jeans and low waistlines, even showcasing underwear waistbands. Transitioning into her ‘cool girl next door’ phase, Rihanna maintained an approachable style combining elements with casual and sporty attire, embodying a blend of confidence and ease that resonated with her sound at the time.
A Girl Like Me Era
During this era, Rihanna’s style exuded youth and innocence, echoing the themes of her earlier days in Music of the Sun. The release of her album “Girl Like Me” and the single “SOS” in 2006 marked a significant turning point in her career, propelling her into the spotlight. With the launch of a new album came a fresh look as she embraced a more sophisticated and polished image, signalling a shift towards maturity and refinement in her fashion choices.
Good Girl Gone Bad Era
With “Good Girl Gone Bad,” fans gained deeper insight into Rihanna’s identity and artistic vision. Transitioning into a sultrier vibe compared to her previous albums, this era marked Rihanna’s embrace of her sensuality. In 2007, the release of her album “Good Girl Gone Bad” sparked a noticeable shift in her fashion choices. At 19 years old, Rihanna chose edgier ensembles with bold silhouettes and daring cuts. Accompanied by a striking short, choppy hairstyle, this transformation marked Rihanna’s evolution into the persona of “Bad Gal RiRi” and signalled the beginning of her sartorial awakening.
Rated R Era
The Rated R era was marked by a period of bold experimentation with androgynous aesthetics. With her short quiffed hair, dark makeup, and rockstar-inspired outfits, she channelled iconic figures like Grace Jones who was known for breаking the confines of fashion. Embracing a more punk-couture style in her music videos while effortlessly blending streetwear influences, Rihanna soon became a trendsetter in her own right. Fashion became a tool for her to express her frustration against media intrusion, reflecting not only her evolving identity but also her daring and multifaceted nature.
Loud Era
In the release of her 5th studio album Loud Rihanna became known for her iconic red hair and bold red lip, adding a touch of allure to her image. This era saw sultry and feminine ensembles she embraced brighter and softer hues, showcasing a more vibrant and approachable style. Loud solidified Rihanna’s status as a superstar.
Talk That Talk Era
In the “Talk That Talk” era, the unmistakable presence of “bad gal RiRi” was felt through her voluminous hair and daring fashion choices. Drawing inspiration from 80s punk and streetwear, Rihanna embraced an indie aesthetic reminiscent of the era’s rebellious spirit. Her looks featured pin-up curls, dungarees, bandanas, bold lips, chains, and even cigarettes, evoking a retro vintage vibe perfectly suited for the times.
Unapologetic Era
Anti Era
In 2016, during the release of her album ‘Anti’, Rihanna’s fashion choices in 2016, Rihanna cemented her status as a trendsetter, inspiring a new wave of fashion enthusiasts to embrace individuality and self-expression. The singer’s influence spanned across music, fashion, and pop culture, with each endeavour sparking significant buzz. Notably, her collaboration with renowned designers like Puma resulted in groundbreaking collections that redefined athleisure and streetwear aesthetics.
