Rihanna Savage x Fenty: The Body as A Work of Art

On September 10th, Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie collection did more than innovate fashion; it captured the female body as a work of art and defined feeling good in your skin as something that should never be less than universal. This event was among the most highly anticipated shows of the year and access was kept completely under wraps until the filmed world premiere made its debut on Amazon Prime. A “no cell phone/recording” policy was established weeks in advance from the show so that no content would be leaked and attendees could enjoy the art as a moment in time rather than an electronically recorded memory

Rihanna expressed that she wanted to represent people that were unique and unlikely to be highlighted in the industry. Models came from all backgrounds, represented nearly all body types, and marginalized the concept of the “ideal” body. To Rihanna, “everyone deserves to feel sexy.”

Having an R&B singer lead a fashion show comes with a playful amount of performance art. An unconventional combination of dance, music, visual art, and fashion gave the audience an out-of-body experience with appearances from Fabolous, DJ Khaled, Big Sean, Tierra Whack, the Hadid sisters, Cara Delevingne, 21 savage and more. Surrounding them was a geometrically designed set that came alive with tints of blue, red, and green mood lights.

Intricate details and colors overlapped and melted onto the performers to create the cohesive air of confidence. Not only that, but the Savage x Fenty team strategically took advantage of hair as a key asset to fashion statements. Stylized waves of gelled hair framed the faces of several models creating a statuesque look. Lace veils adorned curvy silhouettes in long trails and jewelry was utilized whenever possible. The lingerie itself gleamed with whimsical, sheer tints ranging from sultry bustiers to silky night robes. Rihanna wanted the lingerie to move with the body in an empowering dance performance so that women could feel beautiful. It is one thing to look beautiful, but to feel beautiful is being a true savage and as Rihanna says,

“Being savage is having the most fun”

The Savage x Fenty collection emotionally carried the audience into a world where intimacy is about getting close to yourself and who you are. It shouts inclusivity of all shapes and personalities; it defines fashion as all that you are and more.

xoxo,

Rouge