Rihanna has captivated the world with her incredible singing talent since emerging on the music scene back in 2004.
Ten years later and a string of awards to her name Rihanna is barely unrecognisable as the cookiecutter R&B pop princess. Gone are the low-slung jeans, cropped top and gold hoop earrings. In their place is a stylish, modern and sexy woman who isn’t afraid to take risks.
As such the Bajan beauty has just been inaugurated into the fashion hall of fame by winning the Council of Fashion Designers of America Fashion Icon of the Year award, following in the well-heeled footsteps of Lady Gaga and Kate Moss. Now she is setting the precedent for fashion and style worldwide.
If Rihanna has it everyone wants it. So much so that UK high street brand River Island signed her up to design a collection in 2013, she’s fronted the MAC Aids Fund Viva Glam Campaign and been on the
cover of every style magazine going.
Steven Kolb, CFDA CEO, said “We are proud to present Rihanna with the CFDA Fashion Icon Award for her impact on the industry as fashion’s most exciting ambassador in recent memory.”
The star-studded awards ceremony is taking place on June 2nd at The Lincoln Centre, New York.
Natasha Franklin, Marbella Rock’s fashion stylist, says, “The Bajan beauty Rihanna is our favourite fashion chameleon and worthy winner of the Fashion Icon Award. Like a chameleon, Rhianna adapts to her surroundings, be
it strutting down the red carpet in a full length Stella McCartney frock or gyrating down the street in a red, gold and green bikini with her fellow Bajans.
Style Timeline: Rihanna’s rocking red carpet looks
2004 – Emerging on the music scene with the help of rapper Jay-Z signing the as yet unknown 16 year-old Robyn Rhianna Fenty (real name) to his Def Jam label.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com
2010 – Her most iconic look. Fashion media loved her bright red locks which made her mark as a serious style icon and fashion chameleon.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Debbie Wong / Shutterstock.com
2011 – Rihanna arrives at the Fashion Rocks concert in LA looking every inch the polished, high-fashion star.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com
2013 – Back to her natural brown look, Rihanna turned heads in this floor-length custom made Azzedine Alaia gown at the 55th Grammy Awards.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
