Last September, Rihanna put on the fashion show of all fashion shows for her lingerie line Savage X Fenty that blew every other runway shows off the “winners podium,” thanks to truly diverse casting (including a then-pregnant Slick Woods, who went into labour backstage).
Some people went on to say the Fall 2018 collection was Rihanna’s way of putting her shoes on Victoria’s Secret’s neck. The Fall 2019 show – hosted at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and set to air on Amazon Prime Video on Sept. 20 – proved that she’s ready to finish the job.
Without question, Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty fall show was by far the most electrifying moment of New York Fashion Week. It was empowering, entertaining, provocative and sexy, blending fashion and music with an underlying note on how a lingerie brand can put on a successful show.
As the lights dimmed, a line-up of models filed onto the stage, where they climbed pillars and posed majestically. A bright light – which was definitely designed to distract people 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 choreography before exiting the stage.
The performances began with Big Sean singing ‘Clique’, for which he was soon joined by A$AP Ferg. Migos took the stage next, surrounded by models and dancers on the runway (which was really a full set of staircases, a shallow pool and brightly-coloured windows), along with Fabolous and Tierra Whack. Normani had a stand-out dance routine, and after Halsey’s sensual debut performance of her new single ‘Graveyard’, DJ Khaled and Fat Joe pumped up the room with ‘All I Do Is Win’ and ‘All The Way Up’.
A-list models such as Bella and Gigi Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, Cara Delevingne, Alek Wek and Slick Woods all walked the runway, with each showing powerful femme characteristics over the dancers who took over much of the stage. A celebration of overt femme sexuality, the models were energetic and responded 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.
The models strutted in a collection of candy-coloured lace, sparkly jewels, and modern takes on the looks worn by young ladies in the early 20th century. 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.
All in all, the Savage X Fenty show was amazing and would be very hard to top. Victoria Secret’s better watch its back.
Photo credit: Vogue.com
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