Rihanna’s Return to Music Proved Less is More and Oh, Yes! She is Pregnant!
It was just a normal September day when @badgalriri put us all in a state of shock after posting a wordless image that would be followed by months of heavy anticipation and excitement. Yesterday the wait was over, Rihanna quite literally flew through the sky in an all red monochromatic jumpsuit that unzipped the big surprise of the night; Riri’s second pregnancy!
Photo: Apple Music via Elle
It feels like it was just yesterday when Rihanna announced her first pregnancy wearing a vintage one-of-a-kind pink Chanel coat. This time she wore a custom made Loewe jumpsuit paired with a molded bustier. Ther obviously were no heels, it can be a little uncomfortable to dance in them while pregnant, so her choice of MM6 Madison Margiela x Salomon sneakers was the perfect comfy choice.
The superstar worked in her look with Jahleel Weaver; they've worked together multiple times in the past, delivering an attention grabbing, sport-inspired look. The real gem of the night, catch the diamond reference, was the finale when Rihanna once more lifted up into the night and closed her performance with her hit Diamonds. Wearing a custom made Alaïa red puffy coat designed by Pieter Mulier. Many are speculating that the look was an homage to the late fashion editor Andre Leon Talley.
Photo: Getty Images via Vogue
Him and Rihanna had a close relationship, if true, this was a beautiful moment. Rihanna wearing a look-a-like of Andre’s favorite looks from Norma Kmali, singing Diamonds in the sky, and he really is a diamond in the sky. ALT opened up the doors for minorities in fashion, was one of the first African Americans to seat front row at a fashion show and always stood up for his community.
Photo: Alaïa
I do have to say the all-red look at first seemed a bit underwhelming, as I too had great expectations for this performance. The performance was a little low on energy and didn’t amount to the spectacle of the Super Bowl performances so to those who aren’t completely satisfied let’s remember she is pregnant and still she danced at 20 meters high.
Since the announcement many of us were anxiously waiting for Rihanna’s big return. She hasn’t performed in over 7 years which just seems crazy as she is still one of the most relevant and impactful talents in the world. She stepped away from music and focused on building her billion dollar empires which had major features during and before her performance. A return many hoped included new music but sadly it didn’t. All we can hope for is more amazing baby bump fashion and we are here for it.
Photo: Getty Images via Vogue
Rihanna can’t do no wrong but still the performance lacked that extra Riri touch, still it was great. In my opinion the real MVPs were the dancers and their marshmallow puffy ensembles. They gave it their all and as someone who has no rhythm whatsoever will forever be amused by people who can move like that. All the dancers wore custom Savage x Fenty pin up low-impact sports bras, Savage x Cotton boxers and mesh tank tops. Also, shoutout to the camera people they saved the performance with their top-tier shots, that wide shot zooming out at the end was breathtaking.
Dancers performed 13 minutes of Rihanna’s more high-tempo catalog, which were just hit after hit. Rihanna’s big return might have not included stripper poles, money flying, outfit changes, a bungee jumping entrance, dancing sharks or special guest appearances and the collective anticipation might be why this performance was received with mixed reviews. Still, this performance opens up a larger conversation. One pertaining to her acceptance after having declined in 2019 to perform. Does this mean that Nation Roc’s partnership with the NFL is turning things around?
Photo: Ezra Shaw via Los Angeles Times
In the end Rihanna is the queen of fashion and coolness and she can do no wrong, she looked incredible and her pregnant belly was just the cherry on top. She sang B**** better have my money and b**** take it all. Love her music, her fashion, her makeup just take it all.