Few celebrities have their pulse on the current of youth culture the way Rihanna does. Yes, she’s a millennial, but she uses her platform to give visibility and shine to new stylists and designers—many of the latter whom didn’t even graduate college before she wore their pieces. Her latest collection for Fenty x Puma was an ode to high school and collegiate dressing: edgy and new-age spins on the classics like preppy plaid, varsity sweatsuits, hoodies, and more.
Jocks of all sporty persuasions got their time to shine with zip-front, hooded one pieces, tile-print basketball shorts, and comfy velour sweatsuits. Ms. Fenty’s coveted thigh-high, lace-up boots were back again, as well pink versions of her chunky boots and pointed-toe versions of her creepers—clever takes on soccer and track cleats.
My high school had a pretty strict dress code, thus I was thrilled to attend a college where I could flex my style prowess. Rih spoke to the sultrier school set with midriff-baring crop tops, pleated cheerleader-perfect mini skirts, thigh-high striped socks, high-waist velour pants, fire engine-red ankle booties, and barely-there dresses.
The bad gal has definitely had more than a few goth-inspired moments, thus she spoke to the black-loving tribe with long, oversized studded fur coats, half-zip jackets, “Detention Card” graphic hoodies, and cropped, off-the-shoulder on-trend puffers.
Prep was given an edgy spin with lace-up hoodies, fanny packs, wide-leg patchwork trousers, graphic baseball t-shirts, and uniform-influenced pleat mini skirts—all in classic plaid. I also loved the fun twist on galoshes that will surely be retail hits if the price point is right.
We all know that lot of students who loved to show their school spirit. “F” and “FS” emblazoned-shearling coats, off-the-shoulder crop tops, functional hoodies, nylon jackets, and mixed media mini dresses that could easily double as tunics definitely made fans of us all—pretty easy to do when you’re one of the biggest superstars in the world.
The color palette was as bold and varied as Rihanna’s fashion sense and personality. Tangerine, yellow, and emerald green were all included.
Though Rihanna is without a doubt the best brand ambassador PUMA could ever ask more, Mariah Carey, Sofia Richie, Julissa Bermudez, and Keyshia Cole have all emerged as fans of the line. I don’t doubt the graphic crop tops, statement-making puffers, leg-baring mini dresses, and the curve-hugging jumpsuits will all be celeb favorites from the assortment.
In honor of International Women’s Day, I chatted with our March 2017 cover star, Brandy, about womanhood, motherhood, and the definition of a strong woman.
I’ve been a fan of Brandy since her kohl rimmed, almond shaped eyes first graced the cover of Seventeen magazine. Seeing a girl who looked like me was encouraging–at the time, seeing brown skinned girls grace popular magazines was a rarity, but her presence encouraged me to embrace all that I was, fully. I mimicked her style of dress, and soulfully danced to her “I Wanna be Down” video. Brandy was, and still is, a young woman killing it, making significant strides in television (Thea, Moesha, The Game) and music (she has sold over 40 million records worldwide, making her one of the best selling female artists of all time). It was more than a joy to have the chance to chat with her about identity, overcoming hurdles, and the strength of a woman.
The singer, actress, and producer has been through quite a few challenges in her career, from growing up in the spotlight to most recently suing her record label. She offered, “[The Definition of a Strong Woman is] when you can hold your ground and you can be firm about your life and the things that you want and the things that you deserve; [It’s when you know] what you’re worth and how you value yourself. Having that kind of poise and having that kind of strength. I’m so glad that I’ve been able to find my own strength because it hasn’t always been like this. I’m thankful that I’m very very strong. I wouldn’t lose that for the world.”
She continues, “[I’ve been through so many] challenges, so many different ups and downs. [I’ve been able] to see I am more powerful than my circumstance. While the circumstance is still gone because you have overcome it, you are the one that is still there. When you look back with your hindsight, you can see that, ‘This is what I’ve Come Through? I’m a Beast, I’m Amazing. I can beat anything.’ I think over time, it’s a gradual build of your strength and your muscles.”
She cites her mother, Sonja Norwood as an example of a strong woman in her life. She explains, “She has always been there for me. She has always shown so much strength in so many different circumstances in both of our lives together. She’s always tried to remind me that I’m here for a reason and I’m here for a huge purpose. [She tells me to not] let anyone try to diminish just why GOD created me. It took me a while to really get that. But, I have it now. I am grateful, and humbled and thankful to her for waiting for me to get to this point. Because it’s hard to watch your daughter go through things and then watch her have to be strong for herself. And then when [I] finally get that strength and get that power [I’ve] been working so hard to get, it’s a relief for her. She can exhale knowing that I have my best interests at heart.”
In addition to having a wonderfully strong mother, Brandy is also a mother herself to a 14-year-old daughter, Sy’rai. She says, “Being a mother has completely turned me into an example. You can’t be a hypocrite. You can’t teach your children anything if you’re not doing it yourself. I lead by what I do. I remember what it was like to be a child. Mixing those two things together means you can get a great relationship with your children. You can help them to be strong and help guide them. One of the things I teach my daughter is that her life is not my life, it’s her life. Her intuition is something that she’s gonna have to learn how to trust. It’s my job to help her to trust and to love herself by using examples of what I’ve gone through and then using examples of what she’s gone through to help her make the best out of her life. I’ve gone through so much and she doesn’t have to go through it because I’ve been through it for her. I just want to continue to be understanding, not abuse my authority, but still be firm enough to check her and help her go down the right path.”
In fact, she credits motherhood as one on her life’s greatest achievements. She offers, “My daughter has really turned everything into me being the greatest version of myself. I strive every day to be the greatest version of myself because of her existence. I don’t think I would be here today if my daughter didn’t come into my life when I was 23. She made me see what was real and what was not. I am so thankful for her life. And I’m so equipped to be everything she needs me to be for her life because she’s done so much for mine. I’m just gonna keep going and going and keep showing her to never give up on herself.”
Even though she has been through some trials and tribulations with her label, she says, “The music is definitely happening. I have been fighting for freedom for a while as an artist. That why it’s taken me so long. I’m very very excited for my new songs. These are songs that are a raw truth about a particular phase in my life that I just had to confront. This is going to be some of the best work I’ve ever done. Because I know who I am.”
She continues, “There was a time where I didn’t know who I really was. It has nothing to do with status or with records, or anything. I didn’t know my worth or my value. I didn’t have a sense of self. I didn’t really know who I was or what I was here to do. I asked myself, “What am I here to do? What was I created for?” I lost track of that. And to lose track of that is almost like the walking dead. People can do anything to you, people can take advantage of you, people can manipulate you and take you down alleys you don’t deserve to go down. This has happened in many different phases of my life. But I can assure you today, in 2017, on whatever date this is, that that will never happen again. That mentality is something I will never revert to again. Once you know, you can never unknow it. You know who you are. You can see who you are, and you can never unsee it. I’m very blessed to be in this state of being.”
Today’s Bombshell is a designer! Get into Yvonne aka @MelangeMode from Atlanta, Georgia:
She writes, “My sense of style reflects my personality.”
“Colorful and fun!”
You better rep your brand! Love those skirts. I’ll definitely be checking out your e-store!
See more on Instagram @MelangeMode.
What do you think?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
Beyonce attended the Beauty and the Beast Premiere in the same $28,000 Gucci Silk Plisse Gown that Lupita Nyong’o wore on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in 2015:
Beyonce’s dress fit her growing bump perfectly.
Lupita looked like royalty with the vibrant, green color on her rich skin tone.
Who are we kidding? Both of these women look flawless. Definitely not a valid comparison!
Miami was jumping this past weekend (and every weekend) as it was the host of the Third-Annual Veuve Clicquot Carnval. This event, in honor of Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), was filled with live music, tasty foods, champagne, and two of our favorite things…celebrities and fashion! We are sure everyone is in the market for festive looks being that spring is right around the corner, so let’s get some inspiration from these Miami ensembles below!
Grand Marshall of the Carnaval and model Adriana Lima wore a lime green and white David Koma top and skirt with white strappy sandals.
Ana de Armas looked vibrant in a Tanya Taylor crop top and ankle-length skirt with purple heels that completed her look.
Lifestyle blogger Rocky Barnes posed pretty in this mini printed dress by Camilla.
Eiza Gonzalez was super sexy in an all white Zimmermann crop top and mini skirt paired with a classic black hat.
Karolina Kurkova kept it comfortable in a one-shoulder, ruffled, green Pinko dress, Soludos shoes, and Salvatore Ferragamo sunglasses.
Tyson Beckford was all model-like in a blue blazer, white tee, and distressed jeans.
Francisco Lachowski played it cool in a white button-down, black distressed jeans, and black loafers.
We are all for the colorful and flirty looks! What better way to celebrate carnaval than with vivid fashion, right?
Gingham has got to be one of the most classic prints out there. The unique plaid pattern has always been a top look for the warmer seasons. With Spring right around the corner, we wanted to give you some insight on how the celebrities are rocking the trend. Check out the 13 times our faves were spied in gingham:
Pretty in pink! Rihanna rocked an Altuzarra blush pink gingham skirt suit and matching sandals.
Sarah Jessica Parker looked chic in a gingham duster that tied at the waist. The olive green shoes and bag add a great pop of color!
Ashley Madekwe looked gorgeous in a Self Portrait Gingham printed set. Her retro-inspired waves was an awesome finish to her ensemble.
Leigh-Ann Pinnock was spied in the same Self Portrait gingham crop top as Ashley. Her black A-line shirt was a great alternative to the matching culottes.
Classic! A bold red lip and a gingham print is always a good look. Kristen Dunst’s outfit is Spring-ready!
Rita Ora went sporty in a green, gingham Au Jour Le Jour babydoll dress with a high slit. She paired her outfit with Adidas sneakers.
Model turned designer, Kendall Jenner wore a gingham sleeveless crop top and matching pants from her Kendall + Kylie collection.
Taylor Swift’s modern-day 1950’s look was executed with her in a black and white gingham dress, a red purse and black shoes. Love it!
Find even more gingham in our gallery! Have you been rocking the flirty, plaid style? We want to see how you wear it. Send high quality photos to Submissions@Fashionbombdaily.com for a chance to be featured! In the meantime, what do you think? Are you here for this springtime trend?
So I’m going to be on Centric’s the Round, speaking my truth on April 15th!
I hopped over to the BET offices to film a promo yesterday, where I dispensed advice to readers.
I ran into my fellow ’roundmates’ Latham Thomas and Nadira Hira…
For my twirl, I rocked a Cushnie et Ochs dress (worn here and here), Balmain blazer, and Balmain boots.
I’ve been wearing my hair down a ton! I topped my look with a Sailor Cap from The Hat Shop:
What do you think?
* Be sure to tune into Centric on April 15th to see my twirl on TV!
The 2017 iHeart Radio Music Awards went down this weekend, with our favorite stylish musicians in attendance. The on-trend off the shoulder silhouette, vibrant hues, high-fashion designers, and curve-hugging silhouettes were all present on the red carpet.
Let’s see who wore what!
Both Jhene Aiko and Big Sean went bold in the color department, with the singer in a two-tone DKNY, off-the-shoulder dress with a thigh-high slit and the rapper in a red Goscha Robchinskiy jacket, Louis Vuitton logo t-shirt, and Etro trousers. They’re such a good looking couple!
Katy Perry showed off her new short ‘do in a strapless, gold and white August Getty Atelier jumpsuit with dramatic wide legs. Gorgeous, no?
Karrueche Tran was suited up in a red Yousef Akbar duo. This was fab!
Christina Milian shimmered in a silver, strapless Rubin Singer dress that hugged her every curve. She’s never looked better.
A belt as a top? It’s all in a day’s work for Halsey. The singer showcased her toned abs in a bright Versus Versace look. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but she makes it look effortless.
The Fifth Harmony girls always come to slay! They were all dressed in different Philipp Plein looks. So fierce!
Heidi Klum flaunted her mile-long stems in a black and white stripe, one-shoulder Redemption mini dress.
It was all about metallic for Demi Lovato in a combination of silver pieces from Moschino, Saint Laurent, and Ben Taverniti Unravel Project. There were one too many things to digest with this ensemble…
