Rihanna in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci
For her concert entrance, Rihanna wears a black floor-length ruffled silk crepe cape with 3D collar embroideries and black nappa leather thigh high boots with lacing details.
Inspired by the house’s timeless organza cape, the custom made version for Rihanna is the first piece to appear on stage, dark and romantic, before the costume’s big reveal.
After removing her black Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci cape, Rihanna reveals a three-piece printed and embroidered costume.
For this opening act, Riccardo Tisci designed a masculine over-sized black printed and hand embroidered parka, channelling his signature mix of streetwear and Haute Couture.
The print features the strong sensual iconography of his Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Menswear Fall-Winter 2013 collection.
Under the parka, Rihanna wears a black and white nappa leather bra with gold stars embroideries and gold buckles, once again mixing Haute Couture techniques and his obsession for heavy sportswear elements.
The bondage feel brought by the multi-strapped bra is then softened by a pair of silk satin mini-shorts made in a matching print.
Rihanna in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci
Rihanna’s opening costume is completed by a shark tooth gold metal necklace with an engraved military plaque in the back (which reads the word ‘RIRI’), Haute Couture sunglasses with gold metal hardware elements and white crystal stud earrings.
All embroidery was designed especially for Rihanna’s costume, from the visually powerful gold bullets (also ‘RIRI’ engraved) to the geometrically shaped white or black Swarovski crystals and gold metal studs.
The costume’s bold print and masculine angular lines are symbols of female empowerment and urban Haute Couture elegance for one of the most iconic music figures.
Riccardo Tisci naturally incorporates references to his long time signature codes, from meticulously engineered prints to heavy hardware embroidery, from architectural work to strong shapes and proportions, all part of Riccardo Tisci’s Givenchy aesthetics, here custom designed for Rihanna.
Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour opens March 8th 2013 in Buffalo, USA.