Facts: Rihanna is a colossal pop star with a sphere of influence that spans fully across the globe. She’s sat in many a front row and has donned Couture looks with absolute ease—it’s truly all in a day’s work for Ms. Fenty. But Paris has absolutely held a special place in her heart, which is why she transported her sporty Fenty x Puma world to the fashion capital for Spring 2017.
The dignified and luxurious Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild felt like the perfect venue to show the assortment, though Rihanna’s original inspiration came from another famous location in France—the Palace of Versailles. Like so many sartorially-obsessed women like her, Marie Antoinette served as influence for the designs. And the self-proclaimed bad gal is no stranger to the royal dwelling—she shot her Dior campaign there last year.
The pieces were as delightful and alluring as sporty chic pieces can be—completely edgy and modern iterations on her queenly allusions. If the French Queen ever frequented an Equinox or dared to sweat to maintain her physique, she might just wear these clothes: at least in Rihanna’s mind.
The things on display that felt the most imperial? Pearl necklaces, lace detailing, floor-grazing jackets, and cameo brooches wherever possible. Corsetry and rosy pink cheeks drove the titled point home with aplomb.
Puma’s athletic signatures peeked through with baseball caps, mesh-detailed dresses, platform sneakers, an update on the brand’s snap-side track pants, drawstring bags, and oversized hoodies. The collection switched between the elevated and the active effortlessly, with getups that often combined the two: not wholly unlike Rihanna’s actual wardrobe.
And the palette here was much more delicate and mellow than the debut’s gothic color scheme—or lack thereof. Bubblegum pink, olive, beige, and white dominated: a range Marie Antoinette would surely be fond of.
Three centuries ago, it was normal to see men in powdered wigs, heels, and voluminous silhouettes. So it felt right for Rihanna to include men in the show—considering she’s a huge proponent for brands that have completely thrown out gendered designs in favor of pieces that can work for everyone.
I truly cannot wait to see how Rihanna wears these looks: especially the lace-up pumps. She welcomed everyone to the show in the fanciest take on a track jacket and matching pants that we’ve ever seen: eyelet-accented with a drawstring shaping the waist like a peplum, a train anchoring the trousers in drama and decadence, and a Puma logo fan. If we’ll all look that good in the wares, then sign us up for just about everything.
What do you think of Rih’s Spring collection for Fenty x Puma?
Images: Vogue.com
