RIHANNA'S SUPER BOWL 2023 PERFORMANCE: A FASHION ICON AND UNFORGETTABLE SHOW

Jacklyn Kim

Rihanna has long been an icon in both the music and fashion industry, known for her incredible vocals and bold sense of style. Before the Super Bowl 2023 halftime show it would be seven years since Rihanna had last performed on stage, so when it was announced that Rihanna would be performing, fans around the world were excitedly anticipating her return.

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From the moment Rihanna appeared on stage in a red jumpsuit and coat, everyone knew her outfit would be as impactful as her music. Styled by Jahleel Weaver, Rihanna captivated millions in the stadium and on screen with an incredible head-to-toe red look, a coat designed by Alaia and a jumpsuit designed by Loewe. The collaboration between Rihanna, Alaia, and Loewe was a perfect match, as all three are known for their fearless approach to fashion and their commitment to creating unique and fierce designs. While Rihanna’s red monochromatic look was tailored perfectly to highlight her baby bump and therefore announce her pregnancy, her stylist Jahleel revealed the challenges of the fitting process, as he was only informed about Rihanna’s pregnancy weeks before the show. As mentioned in a Vogue interview with Jahleel, he explained that concealing Rihanna’s pregnancy from the designers was necessary. In order to subtly instruct the fit to be more flexible, he would tell designers to make the garment more amenable by “leaving a little bit of room here.” In the final weeks leading up to the event, he had to account and adjust for the growth of Rihanna’s body (Vogue 2023).

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Layers of red from head to toe, Rihanna’s look was not only visually stunning but also incredibly functional, a crucial element to any Super Bowl halftime performance. The custom bodysuit and molded breast bustier from Loewe added a touch of drama and boldness to her performance, while the two Alaia coats allowed Rihanna to move freely on stage. Rihanna’s outfit was a perfect example of how designers can collaborate with artists to create a look that is both functional and stylish while celebrating and enhancing the overall fan experience.

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As with everything she does, Rihanna’s fashion choices for the performance were a reflection of her unique style and fearless approach to self-expression. Her Super Bowl performance and pregnancy announcement were not only a celebration of her talent and motherhood, but also a testament to her status as a fashion icon. With the announcement of her second pregnancy, fans are excited to see how Rihanna redefines maternity style in a creative and bold way.