Rihanna’s long-awaited second line lands at River Island

On the 12^th of this month, Rihanna’s much-anticipated second collection for River Island arrives. It’s easy to be sceptical about some of these so-called collaborations between high street stores and celebrities. It tends to beg the question; how much of it is actual designing as opposed to vaguely pointing at things you like and getting somebody else to do the hard work?

However, given her style-icon status we can cut RiRi some slack: the pieces definitely reflect her taste in general and at the time of her much-praised S/S ’13 collection Vogue.co.uk’s quoted her as saying that what got her into design was “seeing things on the rack that were great, but that could’ve been a little more me…I made a piece for everybody in my crew, we all have different body types and different tastes – some are braver than others.” Although we mere mortals will never know how much effort she put in, it seems she’s passionate about it. And it’s a fantastic collection all the same.

It’s definitely typical Rihanna, a.k.a might be a tad controversial to wear some of it if you aren’t used to flashing flesh – there’s definitely an “underwear as outerwear” thing going on – but genius nonetheless.

As expected it’s got a heavy streetwear vibe and it’s an explosion of textures and colours that all work in harmony with one another – jerseys, yellow woolly hats, leathers, denim, bold stripes, mesh, camo, maroon quilted bombers and vinyl. There are also some really well-done black and white digital prints.

There’s cause to say that some of it sounds a little bit horrendous on paper – leather camouflage knee-high stiletto boots, we’re looking at you – but, with care, can definitely be worn well.

She’s also to do a winter collection due for November release, which will be a little more chic and glamorous – suited to the Christmas party season. And if that’s not enough, there is also a Limited Edition part of the line of which there will only be 100 of each made – pretty exclusive stuff!

We’ve established that the thought of wearing some of it might make you a little apprehensive because, let’s face it, we are probably never going pull it off as well as the lady herself.  But, fashion is all about experimenting after all. RiRi might enable you to find your next favourite item that you can boldly strut to the post office in feeling like a supermodel. What have you got to lose?

Kate Williams

To see the full collection click here.