Style file: Rihanna

20^th March 2015

Rosie Bernard

Rosie Bernard

20 March 2015

Thanks to a collaboration with Armani, a successful clothing line for River Island and her most recent Dior campaign, Rihanna has rightfully earned her title of singer-turned-fashion-icon. A true style chameleon, the star has demonstrated her ability to move effortlessly with the times while still retaining her own signature image. As a woman who’s not afraid to take risks, we look back on some of her most memorable looks to date.

A fresh-faced Rihanna made her foray into the music scene with R&B-infused debut album Music of the Sun and a noughties-inspired wardrobe.  Back then the singer adorned a uniform of glittery cropped tops, baggy jeans and a sweeping side fringe not seen since the glory days of 2005.

2007 saw Rihanna take on an edgier look to coincide with the release of Good Girl Gone Bad and an altogether more mature sound. The lead single Umbrella and accompanying video were almost as iconic as the singer’s new bob haircut; the public and record industry executives alike began to take notice of her indisputable star quality.

By the time Rihanna released her highly-anticipated fourth album Rated R, her transition to superstar was complete, cemented by a high-fashion style overhaul. The new sound was directional, characterised by high production values and cinematographic music video masterpieces with no shortage of memorable outfits.

Favouring sultry red curls as she flirted with Drake in chart smash What’s my Name? Rihanna took on a more risqué image in 2010, channelling 90s street style with gold hoops, crop tops and a seemingly endless collection of hot pants.

Setting the tone with a sensational collaboration with Calvin Harris and equally explosive music video, in recent years we’ve witnessed Rihanna’s “bad girl” emerge. Having plenty of scandal in her personal life, the star has come under fire for her outrageous looks and penchant for showing more than a little skin.

As the singer’s musical career continues to win critical acclaim, it’s her daring choice of red carpet ensembles that win her points in the style stakes. Rihanna is truly fearless in the face of a formal dress code; simultaneously making both best and worst dressed lists, she continues to divide opinion.

Rosie Bernard