This was my first time seeing Rihanna live in concert. Being a huge fan I was ecstatic to get to see her Diamonds Tour Live last week in Hartford, CT. Not only did Rihanna KILL IT with the performances, set, amazing lighting & pyrotechnics. Rihanna shows us she's no joke when it comes to her fashions as well! I was amazed by each and every costume change, as she turned out some MAJOR designers. Here's my 'Fashion Breakdown' of the amazing night...
The stage is exciting and the costumes definitely reflect the shift in Rihanna’s style over the last two years. You can feel the influence of her love for streetwear but there are also a many glam moments! Her stylist Mel Ottenberg was responsible for pulling together these looks.
Rihanna first appears on stage in this haunting head-to-toe Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. This entire outfit was specially made for Rihanna and includes a long black cloak, which is removed to reveal an embroidered hooded parka and a sheer shirt with solid black sleeves. Underneath Rihanna is wearing a black & white leather bra with embellished gold stars (one of the brand’s signatures) as well as printed silk satin shorts. Riri's lace-up, over-the-knee nappa leather boots were also designed by Riccardo Tisci.
For the next set Rihanna changes into this STUNNER, a racer-inspired look designed by Adam Selman. The multi-coloured outfit includes a bustier with leather detail and pants that feature both mesh and quilted panels. Rihanna's white snakeskin boots were custom-made by Manolo Blahnik for this tour.
The next costume change Riri rocks it out in a sheer dress designed by Raf Simons (the dress was inspired by Ed Ruscha’s ‘Sea of Desire’ paintings.) Underneath Rihanna wears an Eres bra and Wolford shorts. If her boots look familiar that’s because they are the custom, white version of her favorite Christian Louboutin, the girl thigh-high boot. Her gold necklace was custom-made by Michael Schmidt.
In an intimate moment, singing her ballad "What Now" for her first time live she reviles to the crowd, Rihanna hits the stage in another custom look created by Adam Selman. Rihanna pulls off a stunning sleeveless cropped top with a skirt that features Adam’s signature knot detail and a high slit. Her ankle-strap pumps are Manolo Blahnik. Rihanna's much favored and signature red lipstick tops this look off.
The singer then re-emerges sining her hit song "Diamonds" wearing a reflective Adam Selman who also designed eye catching get up. Adam has used digital prints to crate this garment for Rihanna. He combined a digital print of a US one dollar bill with iridescent fabric.. The money-print fabric creates a holographic effect that really pops on the stage reflecting all the lights. Of course, holographic sneakers are the perfect match for such a look. The shoes were designed by Pierre Hardy.
For the final songs of the night, the star graces us on stage in this silver beaded jumpsuit that was custom designed by Alber Elbaz of Lanvin. Her jewelry and belt are from Lanvin’s SS2013 collection. Her pumps by none other than, Manolo Blahnik.
Above are some sketches released by the house of Givenchy. Here’s what Tisci had to say about Rihanna: “I enjoyed making these looks. Rihanna represents what young and amazing means today. She is punk and talented. She offers intelligence, energy and pure beauty.”
XO
~PC*
