Rihanna Unveils Fashion-Focused Maternity Wear
Tiya Antony
Staff Writer
Super Bowl 2023 was exciting for many reasons, especially with Rihanna revealing her second pregnancy during the halftime performance. She wore an all-red catsuit with a red leather corset designed by Loewe, a Spanish label, and Aila. To add to the color scheme, she wore bold red lips, red gloves, and a long red puffer jacket towards the end of the show. The performance was over thirteen minutes and showcased the comeback to her career while being pregnant to still present a breathtaking production. Throughout her first pregnancy, she dressed in fashion-forward clothing such as bold lacy pieces and crop tops and she continues to make striking fashion choices with her second pregnancy.
At the Oscar’s Rihanna wore a sheer gown that was form fitting with a leather bra and turtleneck. For a pop of color, she had on bright red lipstick and nail polish. The singer was at the academy awards with a nomination in the best original song category. For her performance of “Life Me Up” featured in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” she wore floral pants with gold accents. It was paired with a gold-embellished lacy top and black leather gloves. This performance outfit was created by John Galliano, her label’s creative director.
At the event, she changed once again into another belly-bearing mint green two-piece top and skirt by Bottega Veneta. Rihanna was pictured with A$AP Rocky, who she is expecting her second child with, in this glamourous bustier and skirt. The Oscar for the best original song went to “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR” an Indian movie. Although the singer did not win the Oscar, she reached great achievements with her first single after six years and made a huge fashion statement with her pregnancy. In Vogue’s May 2022 magazine Rihanna stated that “When I found out I was pregnant, I thought to myself ‘There’s no way I’m going to go shopping in no maternity aisle.’ I’m sorry – it’s too much fun to get dressed up.” She was determined to continue displaying her fashion styles in new ways, even with the changes she was experiencing.
Rihanna continues to redefine the norms of maternity fashion through her bold choices that highlight her pregnancy instead of concealing it. Her confidence is impactful to challenge society’s notions of maternity clothing and what is considered acceptable. The singer is breaking barriers of maternity clothing and career, especially with the performances she has given for the Super Bowl and Oscars while expecting a child. Rihanna, who is notably known as a huge fashion influence, is again bringing out new maternity styles through her performances and high-profile public appearances.
Contact Antony at antonyti@shu.edu