From her arrival on the music scene in 2005, Rihanna has been making her mark both through her music and her fashion choices. It’s been fascinating watching the style evolution of the Barbadian singer as she has become more confident in herself and more willing to take risks.
Bright colors, exaggerated styling and rich textures are often featured on the fashion icon – whether on the red carpet, the stage or in her off-duty outfits. It’s generally at award shows that we get to see her most risky, original and glamorous side – and here we’ve gathered together our 15 favorite looks from the Umbrella singer.
Discreta debutante
Rihanna made her debut on the red carpet at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards in 2006 in an elegant and classic marine blue dress with a draped body, long skirt and train by Max Azria, complemented by a pretty updo.
Pretty in pink
At the MTV Video Music Awards in 2007 her pixie cut coupled with her rebel attitude made her stand out almost as much as the hot pink mermaid-style dress by Armani Privé that she wore.
Dressed to win
By 2008 the singer had also discovered the glamor genius of Zac Posen, who dressed her in this purple mini-dress of layered textures for her first Grammy win for Umbrella.
Strong shoulders
Rihanna was way ahead of the game when it comes to androgynous dressing and the big shoulder trend – seen here at the Met Gala in 2009 in a Dolce & Gabbana suit and matching black gloves.
Haute Couture Queen
At the 2009 Women of the Year awards it became clear that Riri knew how to make a dramatic entrance. Her multi-folded, asymmetrical Stephane Rolland dress (with coveted pockets!) showed her natural ability to work haute couture designs.
Walking the line
Breton stripes have always been a trademark feature of Jean Paul Gaultier’s designs but he really pushed the boat out with this semi-naked, ruffled striped dress for Rihanna, which became one of the most iconic looks at the 2011 Grammys
Less is more
The singer also stands out when she opts for more simple numbers such as this minimalist black dress with a plunging neckline by Giorgio Armani which she wore for the 2012 Grammys.
Glamor girl
Her much-loved gloves brought an extra touch of glamor to this rebellious and very modern look by Givenchy Couture which helped her shine bright like a diamond at the 2012
Brit Awards
.
Lady in red
At the 2013 Grammys, Rihanna went all out scarlet in this Azzedine Alaïa dress with matching lips.
Diamonds are forever
Her most daring dress to date is this ‘naked dress’ by Adam Selman which covered the singer in a delicate layer of material encrusted with Swarovski cristals, which she wore to receive her Fashion Icon prize from the CFDA in 2014.
Go big or go home
The Fenty founder wore this statement pink dress by Giambattista Valli to the 2015 Grammys. Its oversized, multi-layered form of pink tulle made her the star of the show, once more.
Empress Riri
Keeping the theme of China: Through The Looking Glass, at the 2015 Met Gala, she wore this sumptous fur-trimmed yellow gown by Chinese Haute Couture designer Guo Pei.
High contrast
Armani Prive created a outfit composed of color and texture contrast with amplified volume for Rihanna to cause a stir in at the 2017 Grammys. From the cropped orange top through to the layered black maxi skirt – it really was a show-stopping number!
Met Gala 2018
At the Met Gala of 2018, where the theme was Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination, she blessed our eyes with this incredible dress and jacket combination inspired by liturgical tunics and topped off with a mitra - well, what else?!
Velvety Queen
In 2019, Rihanna organized the fifth edition of her Diamond Ball, and chose a black velvet dress with a white scultured skirt by Givenchy Couture, paired with pumps from her own brand Fenty.
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