Boom. It’s Rihanna again. The world’s most prolific multi-hyphenate returned to the red carpet after announcing her long-awaited musical comeback with the lead track from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, demonstrating that style is still a top priority.
Rihanna wore a Rick Owens gown that epitomised strength, joining other Black Panther cast members Lupita Nyong’o, Michaela Coel, and Danai Gurira in their selection. The hopeful atmosphere fit with the themes of the film trilogy and was taken from the designer’s poetic, elegiac autumn/winter 2022 collection, which revealed a softer side to his anarchic vision.
In his presentation notes, Owens stated, “I have always found great consolation in the fact that good has always managed to triumph against evil in the history of the world. “Beauty can be one of the ways to keep faith in difficult times.” Owens made an effort to spread the idea that, if anything, fashion can be a solace in trying times.
For those in the Navy who took Rih and A$AP Rocky’s sequined ensemble at face value, it was just another day at the office for the duo, who coordinated in a low-key streetwear version of the garment that included draped jean hems. A pair of beige opera gloves, pointed shoes, and some Reza jewellery underneath the singing added to the drama.
Rihanna could have chosen any brand for this occasion, but Owen’s brand was suitable for a tastemaker who never opts for the safe option because of its subtle, haunting lyrics. Since 2010, Rih has sported the dark, directional creative’s jersey maxis and hoodies, which are usually black; while Owens is currently a favourite of Gen-Z fashion icons like Zendaya, Kendall Jenner, and Hunter Schafer, Rih, as always, was ahead of the curve.
