Rihanna debuts as fashion designer, signs MAC deal
LONDON — No one went to Rihanna’s debut as a fashion designer expecting demure dresses set off with tasteful pearls.
So no one was surprised by the double-volume hip-hop music, smoke machines and Champagne that greeted guests at the unveiling of her Rihanna for River Island collection Saturday.
And few were taken aback by the bad-girl, rock-chick styling of some of her clothes, with tightfitting jersey outfits and dresses cut to show more than a bit of leg.
It was a fun, flattering collection aimed at young women, containing nothing shocking or outrageous from a singer who has been known to bring those elements to her live performances.
Many of the outfits had a simple, monochrome look — in off-reds, yellow, navy, black and other colours — and they were cut to look good on those blessed with a fit physique.
Some were satin, some jersey, and some of the short skirts were made with denim and matched with crop tops or T-shirts.
Rihanna also tried her hand at a few elegant, semi-sheer dresses that were predominantly black with white floral patterns.
Some models wore shirts tied around their waists, Rihannastyle.
The singer appeared unusually shy but happy in her brief ap- pearance on the catwalk to take in the audience’s applause. She wore a short black dress as she waved to her fans.
The collection will be sold at River Island stores.
The British High Street chain has 300 shops in the U.K. and around the world.
And there is more collaboration in the works for the singer: a deal for multiple collections for the MAC cosmetics company, WWD reported Wednesday.