“I’m looking for unique characteristics in people that aren’t usually highlighted in the world of fashion, as it pertains to lingerie and sexy, and what society… sees as sexy.” – Robyn Rihanna Fenty, 2019
This week we are focusing on inspirational women and Rihanna is one of many who uses entertainment, her artistry and platform to uplift others. Rihanna’s second Savage X Fenty fashion show was truly a grand and refreshing performance, like the first one.
With such high exposure during New York Fashion Week in September, Rihanna managed to host an event that showcased sensual lingerie whilst uniting a diverse collection of women and maintaining an all-inclusive environment. Other business endeavours such as Fenty Beauty, rocked the beauty and cosmetic world, which resulted in a global discussion where major cosmetic brands were called out on their lack of diversity and inclusivity in their campaigns and products. This has never been done before and that testifies that Rihanna is an unstoppable force within the entertainment, fashion and beauty industry.
Rihanna opened her fashion show with an impressive performance, but there was no singing from her – she has assured supporters an album is in the pipeline amongst other projects. In the entertainment industry, women are often pitted against each other, so it was great to see so many young and accomplished women like Normani, Halsey and Tierra Whack perform at her runway show. Other popular artists who demonstrated their support and performed their hit songs were: Big Sean, A$AP Ferg, Migos, Fat Joe, Fabolous and DJ Khaled. All these performances were supported by 41 powerful dancers from across the world and these electrifying routines were put together by a professional and award-winning choreographer, Parris Goebel.
Many beautiful models of different: shapes, sizes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual and gender expressions were featured in the show. Some notable models were: Alek Wek, Cara Delevingne, the Hadid sisters, Laverne Cox, Slick Woods, Ching Pink, Margie Plus and Aquaria. The representation of sexiness did not end there, as 21 Savage and Christian Combs modelled Savage X Fenty’s menswear collection. The dancers also modelled the new lingerie collection. There was a rightful place for everyone throughout the show, reflecting a positive future for the entertainment and fashion industry.
Rihanna and her team really went all out on this one! It was the perfect blend of fierce and dramatic performances, fashion and strong empowerment. Her standing ovation was well deserved. Some may say that Savage X Fenty is rivalling Victoria’s Secret, but it is fair to say that Rihanna and her lingerie collection are in a league of their own.
The joint documentary and runway show can be exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
This article is part of the HC Bristol Inspirational Women week.