Power. Holding it, taking it back, creating it. Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie show is about much more than just clothes.
This is one of the first and few times I’ve actually seen someone who looks like me, on the main stage of what is now becoming one of the biggest fashion shows available for streaming. There was hardly any gender, sexuality, size, race, age, religion, etc. that was not represented on that stage.
Her impact on not only the fashion community but industry standards has completely broken that fourth wall. Her choice to make inclusivity and diversity the main priority for her brand set the standards for literally every and any fashion brand or mainstream industry to follow suit. She’s the definition of “if you want something done, you have to do it yourself.”
The world needed a woman of color to stand up on the platform that so many before her built to get to this very point of society—unwavering confidence.
Not at a point where society finally accepts you, but when you finally find that confidence within yourself to not care if they do or not. Self-love is a heavily stressed theme as well, I know how repetitive it may seem but it’s so essential in living your truth.
Seeing the beauty that Rihanna showcased was not only inspiring on the creative front but also as a human being. Especially as a woman of color myself, who struggles with loving themselves, watching this show inspired me to not just accept myself for what I am, but relish in it and celebrate it.
I think part of the reason she is so successful with her lingerie line isn’t just because of how gorgeous and intricate the pieces are, but the purpose of the message behind this brand. Some of the scenes in the show featured women looking in the mirror while wearing their lingerie, dancing, and feeling like they can conquer the world. It wasn’t about just looking sexy for your partner or anyone else, but how it makes you feel.
Because looking sexy means relatively nothing if you don’t feel it.