Last night, singer, rapper, fashion designer, lingerie connoisseur, and bonafide icon Robyn Rihanna Fenty closed the penultimate day of New York Fashion Week with her latest Savage x Fenty show – and, as with everything RiRi does, it broke all the rules. As one of the most anticipated events on this season’s schedule, the night played out like a technicolor Broadway production, only with a lot more ass. With everyone’s phones locked away for the duration of the show most of you will have to wait until September 20 to grab a glimpse of the event when it airs on Amazon Prime. But luckily, we were right there at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and are here to fill you in on all the details.
Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Show Presented by Amazon Prime Video
RIHANNA HERSELF OPENED THE SHOW
As the lights dimmed, a line of models filed onto the stage, where they climbed atop pillars and posed like majestic ancient Roman sculptures. A blinding light – which was definitely designed to distract us from the main event – quickly dissipated, and there, standing at the centre of it all, was Rihanna. Draped in black lace with a small velvet sarong around her waist, she treated everyone to a sultry, characteristically Bad Gal RiRi choreo. Everyone screamed, squealed, and gasped… because how else would you react?
TIERRA WHACK, FABOLOUS, MIGOS, BIG SEAN, HALSEY, AND MORE PERFORMED
Rihana might have put her own music aside for the time being, but that doesn’t mean she’s forgotten how to put on a show. The first performer was Big Sean who rapped his verse from “Clique” while perched between a series of lingerie-clad models, followed by Halsey, who was wearing her own Savage x Fenty look. But it was DJ Khaled who summed up the night as he announced: “Rihanna you’re killin’ em!”
Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Show Presented by Amazon Prime Video
A LOT OF FAMOUS FACES TOOK TO THE RUNWAY
Iconic models Bella and Gigi Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, Cara Delevingne, Alek Wek, and Slick Woods (this time not in labour) all walked the runway, with each exuding dominatrix prowess over the dancers who took over much of the stage. A celebration of overt femme sexuality, the models were like ringmasters to the energetic and electrifying performers, responding to their every beckoning call. While the dancers performed, Laverne Cox strutted across the stage, 21 Savage walked alongside Joan Smalls, and Normani danced to Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” with a line-up of dancers who mimicked her every move. Ten minutes in and it was clear: choreographer Parris Goebel had done it again.
THE COLLECTION? DECADENT, WITH ITS FAIR SHARE OF RISKS
Set against a backdrop of grey, limestone-esque pillars and a replica of the Colosseum, models sauntered in a collection of candy-coloured lace, sparkly jewels, and modern takes on the looks worn by your average 1920s flapper girl. Pink finger curls were accessorized with sunglasses, chokers, and baby pink lace bodysuits, while Bella Hadid stepped out in a canary yellow bra, panties, and suspenders. There was one unexpected finishing touch: a lace cape. Look, if RiRi wants us to feel like Wonder Woman in the bedroom, then we’re ready.
Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Show Presented by Amazon Prime Video
THE CROWD WAS AS MAJOR AS THE STAGE
Whether you were someone, no one, or somewhere in-between, Rihanna made room for almost everyone at the Barclays Center. There were a few familiar faces in the audience: from a smiling Chanel Iman, Ashley Graham, Kacey Musgraves, and Hailee Steinfeld, to Diplo, Lil Kim, Paris Hilton, and Dasha Polanco who wore a hat so big, security asked her to kindly take it off for the show. But then, when you’re in RiRi’s house, you have to pull out all the stops, right?
