Urban World

Rihanna: The Fashion Icon

RnB superstar, Rihanna is known for a plethora of things- her insanely catchy tracks, tons of endorsements deals, but more importantly, it’s the singer’s fashion forward style which inspires her fans and world to keep watching her. Unfortunately, all the controversy concerning her relationship with RnB star boyfriend, Chris Brown partially overshadowed her accomplishments. However with RiRi (as she’s known to her friends and family), receiving questionably, the most flattering award of her career – “Woman of the Year” courtesy of US Glamour magazine. I have to ask, what makes Rihanna the Fashion Icon that she is today?  I blame her glam team...

It all started with the 21 - year olds change of hairstyle. Let’s be honest, the brown weave and the ‘boyfriend jeans’ made her look cute, but in 2007 she moved on to the ‘Pod cut’ for the release of her third album, ‘Good Girl Gone Bad.’ The look was debuted in her music video for smash hit, “Umbrella” and there birthed a new Fashion Icon.

So without further ado, let me introduce Rihanna’s Glam Squad. Tippi Shorter – Celebrity Hairstylist -who has styled the hair of Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Jada Pinkett- Smith, Sanaa Nathan, Kelly Rowland to name a few. Tippi is responsible for putting Rihanna miles ahead of hair fashions trends with her take on existing looks such as the Pod, the crop, the much favoured stylised Mohican -curly and straight- to the current honey blonde mane with black cropped sides. Just when you think your loving Rihanna’s hair style, Tippi’s got multi-platinum selling singer on yet another look.

Rihanna can’t hit the Red Carpet without her Makeup being done to satisfaction. The singer mostly travels with her personal Makeup Artist - Mylah Morales – who also lends her skills to the likes of Kim Kardashian. Rihanna dons a sexy sultry look more than often, and it is done to perfection each and every time.

Last but certainly not least in this Fashion Icons Glam Squad, is celebrity stylist extraordinaire - Mariel Haenn - whose client list exceeds all comprehension. This young stylist has assisted Kimora Lee Simmons, Christina Millian, Amerie to Diddy Jay Z, Q – Tip and so many more. As the album, ‘Good Girl Gone Bad,’ started to dominate the charts, it was clear that Rihanna and her team had the freedom to go buck wild with their next move, hence a complete wardrobe overhaul. Mariel helped Rihanna’s style became more edgy, more daring and more fashion forward. On a daily basis, Rihanna now rocks designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Gucci, Yves Saint-Laurent, LaROK, J. Mendel and then some.

You can’t knock Rihanna’s Glam Squad for their efforts as shortly after her much needed image change, along came all the endorsements deals such as Totes Umbrellas, Cover Girl, Gucci, Clinique to name but a few! To add to her repertoire, she’s also a celebrity spokesperson, makes appearances on TV commercials and has a well respected ‘Rihanna Day’ back in her home country, Barbados -Rihanna is literally everywhere!

The stars desires to keep it fresh and funky consistently, and never behind but yet  always miles  ahead of current fashion trends, makes her less comparable to any other Fashion Icon in her A list circle. It’s because of her swagger, why the paps love her and girls try to imitate her. Rihanna the Fashion Icon definitely needs saluting!