Fresh off the runway : Rihanna unveils clothing line at London Fashion Week

Pop superstar Rihanna made a splash during the London Fashion Week as she debuted her first ever clothing line in collaboration with River Island, this past Saturday, February 15. London Fashion week is an apparel trade show held in London every year which attracts big name brands, and also some newcomers. Organized by the British Fashion Council, the London Fashion Week is one of the “Big Four” fashion weeks, along with New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion week. As this year’s shows wrapped Tuesday, top luxury brands such as Burberry, Tom Ford and Vivienne Westwood all delivered their collections in typically elegant style. However, all the buzz was about one designer; RIHANNA! The singer turned designer stole the show, and put her stamp on London Fashion week with a rare catwalk show, and some of the most risqué pieces to hit the runways the entire week. Her collaboration with UK high street brand, River Island was one of the most anticipated shows of the week, and it met all expectations. It was everything Rihanna; a quick 9 minutes of her racy signature fashion, loud music, and cocktails. Rihanna stepped into the music scene back in 2005, and became a style icon within a few years. We know Rihanna for her pop hits just as much as we know her for her fashion. Whether she’s going for a walk in the park, or attending the Grammys, the effortless style that Rihanna has is so intriguing. She is a trendsetter and very well worthy of her own fashion line. Her first ever collection comprised of 120 pieces, and was co-designed with her costume designer Adam Selman. The River Island collection featured a good share of the styles we have seen on the singer recently, like skin baring crop tops, and maxi dresses with thigh high slits. Most of the outfits were satin, jersey, denim, and sheer fabrics that were predominantly black. The collaboration between Rihanna and River Island which the British press has reported she is being paid $1.2 million went without a glitch. The fashion show just like the clothes was very Rihanna. She opted out of the traditional runway for a concert like stage with her models strutting to loud Hip Hop music blaring. At the end of the showcase the singer emerged from under the stage in a black jersey knit dress from her collection to take a bow. Speaking to reporters at the event, Rihanna said, “My first fashion week in London is my show. That’s amazing.” As the London Fashion Week comes to an end there is no denying that Rihanna fans are sure to love her debut designs. However, the line has received mixed reviews from fashion critics. While some have praised the new designer for sticking to her personal style, a review by the Huffington Post called the entire line “a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.” MTV style’s ChrissyMahlmeister said in her review, “we’re totally on-board with her comfy girly-yet-grunge pieces,” and Elle UK’s Emma Sells said the singer didn’t disappoint. This line undoubtedly is designed for her young fans that follow her in millions on twitter, and the thousands who pack her concerts. They love Rihanna’s “good girl gone bad” image, that’s her brand and it’s what her young fans buy into. Many celebrities develop a fashion line and vow to design clothes that they will wear, but never deliver. Looking at Rihanna’s collection one can see her personality all over it. While fashion critics are busy lashing out at the contents of Rihanna’s collection, she will have the clothes flying off the racks. Her target audience is young, and River Island will definitely see fans pouring in trying to get a piece of the singer. If you are interested in wearing Rihanna for River Island you should start doing your crunches, triceps dips and squats now or whatever you need to do to fit in these clothes. The collection of clothing and accessories will launch internationally at River Island stores online on March 5.