“Don’t act like you forgot, I call the shots, shots, shots,” sings Rihanna on the seminal (and pretty much life-changing) epic pop-jam Bitch Better Have My Money — and when it comes to her latest Savage x Fenty collection, it’s evident that our fave bad gal has been calling the shots on every tiny detail.
In the brand’s debut runway presentation (and second collection), presented yesterday during New York Fashion Week, the Barbadian singer created her own very own dreamworld; supersize plants, vibrant flowers and even a make-shift waterfall transported spectators from the concrete jungle to a fantastical alternate reality. In this ideal world, inclusivity prevails, evidenced by the diverse cast of models who performed in an immersive, choreographed showcase. Womanhood was championed and femininity was demonstrated in every shape, size and guise, regardless of colour or creed.
Naturally, this all-inclusive utopia has a uniform: luxurious lingerie. Thankfully, there are more irresistible garments to choose from than tracks on a RiRi deluxe edition — spanning sexy, sultry pieces through more comfortable, form-fitting styles, as well as a selection of sleepwear, all rendered in a variety of cuts and fits. Savage x Fenty presented a dazzling plurality of lingerie styles that seem to represent the multiplicity of female sensuality: a scarlet red corset is daintily finished with a pale pink lace trim, or a delicate brief in pale gold bears a robust waistband emblazoned with the brand name. Meanwhile, a heavily pregnant Slick Woods paraded down the runway in an intricate black bondage ensemble, bump proudly on display and nipples just about concealed. Corsets, sheer baby-doll negligees, feminine elbow length gloves, elaborate garters and stockings, and seductive bodysuits all provided customary Rihanna va va voom.
The show’s diversity echoed not only throughout the varied styles and the star-studded casting — the Hadid sisters, Joan Smalls,Aweng Chuol and Duckie Toth all featured — but also in the abundance of colours, textures and prints on display. Animalia was commonplace, with leopard and cheetah print taking centre stage, while flamboyant pinks and purples contrasted with flashes of turquoise, cobalt blue, emerald and olive greens.
Once again, Rihanna has proved that her pioneering creative spirit knows no bounds. Building on the success of her groundbreaking, inclusivity-championing creations for Fenty Beauty, Savage x Fenty sees the talented multi-hyphenate cater once again to the women so often shunned and under-represented in the fashion and beauty realms. Much more than well-designed luxury garments, these pieces make a long-overdue statement about female empowerment and body positivity. Now, where can we find a one way ticket to Ri-topia?