The Savage X Fenty Vol. 2 show which was directed and produced by Rihanna, aired on Amazon Prime in more than 240 countries on Friday, October 2. The fashion show and documentary preview raised the bar on inclusivity and diversity expectations in the fashion industry.
The visually stunning, celebrity-studded show included performances by Travis Scott, Rosalia, Bad Bunny, and Miguel and appearances by Bella Hadid, Lizzo, Willow Smith, and Paris Hilton, to name a few. According to Vanity Fair, “The show is not only a showcase for savage and sexy fashion but also the best performances any of us have seen since live music was put on hold this spring”.
The models and performers of all sizes, shapes and colours, lit up the stage with their sexy, elegant, and edgy lingerie designs.
Rihanna’s ideas and brand concept have been globally appreciated. Throughout the show, we also saw snippets of pre-production and the models sharing their stories and thoughts on Savage x Fenty.
Her inspiration comes from everything beautiful but she believes, ”the uniqueness comes from your interpretation of that inspiration.” She loves something that has a story and has a great eye for aesthetics. For her, the brand needs to include everyone “inclusion has never been something I’ve had to think about, it was always second nature,” she says.
Another aspect of Riri’s work is presenting sexuality with grace – she sees it as beautiful and empowering. In intermittent interviews drag queen Gigi Goode talks about being a virgin and model Paloma Elsesser talks about having sexuality “co-opted into a performance for someone else.”
This year the colours of the lingerie ranged from dangerous black, dark blue and violet to pastels, and Riri’s favourite hot pink. Materials included sexy mesh, lace, and latex gloves and stockings. 300 unique pieces of jewelry and 150 pairs of shoes were featured with 165 different looks overall.
There weren’t many signs the show was filmed during a pandemic but while the collection and the show may exist outside the reality of Covid-19, the conditions of quarantine still influenced Rihanna. While acknowledging it was a challenge, it helped her creativity “bloom” and “blossom,” she said before the show.
Overall, Savage X Fenty Vol. 2 ended with the exact diverse elegance Rihanna intended.
