Riccardo Tisci has become a go-to guy for haute stage costumes. Rihanna kicked off her Diamonds World Tour Friday night in Buffalo in a custom Givenchy couture. A floor-sweeping ruffled silk crepe cape in black with a embroidered collar and a pair of black-and-white leather thigh-high boots with lacing details was the first thing the singer’s fans saw when she walked on stage.
The dark, yet romantic mood underlying Rihanna’s music and Tisci’s fashions continued throughout the lower layers of the singer’s costume. Taking cues from his fall men’s collection, Tisci designed a printed parka featuring gold bullet motifs, embroidery and Swarovski Elements.
Underneath was a black-and-white leather bra with golden buckles and starry embroideries, juxtaposing a pair of black silk and satin mini shorts. Accenting the ensemble was a pair of couture goggles featuring gold hardware, a gold metal shark tooth necklace reading “RIRI” in the back, and white crystal stud earrings.
According to Givenchy, the costume is a symbol of “female empowerment and urban haute couture elegance.”
“Rihanna represents what young and amazing means today,” explained Tisci. “She is punk and talented. She offers intelligence, energy and pure beauty. She is the face of her generation.”
Following her sold-out performance in Buffalo, Rihanna had to cancel Sunday night’s concert in Boston due to laryngitis. – wwd