The greatest names in Indian design were added to Rihanna’s monotone cherry red look for the launch of Fenty Hair, making it a fashion moment.
At the Los Angeles premiere of Fenty Hair, the “Shines Bright Like a Diamond” hitmaker, who recently performed for Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding celebrations in March 2024 in India, lauded Indian workmanship. It appears that the diva is infatuated with the enchantment of India.
Rihanna has been growing her beauty empire. In Los Angeles, USA, Rihanna debuted her newest business, Fenty Hair, seven years after starting Fenty Beauty. Even in the midst of starting a new business, Rihanna never fails to wow with her fashion selections.
The singer appeared for the Fenty Hair launch event in LA. At the launch celebration, she made her entrance with a short, naturally blonde, curly mane, implying that the brand supports all hair types that itself became a fashion statement on the grid.
Nevertheless, she took the risk and accomplished what few have dared to. Monochromatic magic was inevitable when two of the biggest names in Indian fashion, Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra, designed her outfit for the evening. She went with a cherry red ensemble that included a bodycon strappy dress. She wore it with an off-the-shoulder patterned matching bomber jacket.
Image Source: Femina
All the same, people were talking about her jewelry selections. Her necklace, designed by Sabyasachi, consisted of three drops of rubellite, tourmaline, and brilliant-cut diamonds. Additionally, she selected a Ruby Choker by Manish Malhotra, which was crafted from 18k gold and had custom-cut rubies covered in diamonds. She accessorized the ensemble with a large ring set with diamonds and an enormous ruby to complete the outfit.
Indian fine jewelry appears to be a taste that international music sensation Rihanna has adopted.
Manish posted a close-up photo of the choker along with the statement, “The Global star Rihanna wore our custom-cut rubies encrusted in diamonds, crafted in 18k gold, exude Indian craftsmanship and artistry.”
Image Source: Instagram
In addition, Sabyasachi posted pictures of the necklace, stating, “Rihanna wears a three drop rubellite, tourmaline, and brilliant cut diamond necklace from Sabyasachi High Jewellery for the launch of Fenty Hair in Los Angeles.”
Image Source: Instagram
Fans were obsessed with her evening ensemble as pictures from the event quickly went viral on the internet. During the occasion, RiRi hinted that she could be working on her ninth studio album. She states, “This is probably the longest I’ve ever taken to create something, No, I was lying, that’s R9” in a widely shared video.
This event holds particular significance in the Indian fashion industry, where Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra are often regarded as direct competitors. Typically, their designs are seen as rivaling each other in the market, making this collaboration quite noteworthy. The fact that Rihanna, an international superstar, has chosen to wear creations from both of these leading Indian designers is a remarkable achievement on its own.
Moreover, this instance marks a rare moment where two of the most prominent Indian couturiers are sharing the spotlight on a global stage (or rather, adorning the same neck). The combination of Sabyasachi’s high jewelry and Manish Malhotra’s rubies adorning the same individual is a significant milestone in the fashion world.
Rihanna’s effortless pairing of these designs may herald a new era of possibilities, potentially encouraging these designers to view each other not just as competitors but as collaborators. This moment could inspire future joint ventures and collaborations, fostering a spirit of unity within the industry. Only time will reveal the lasting impact of this iconic crossover.
Image Source: Instagram
This isn’t the first time Rihanna has embraced Indian jewelry. During her sensational performance at the pre-wedding celebrations of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani in Jamnagar, she captivated the audience not only with her music but also with her stunning attire. She wore a delicate lace dress by The Attico, which was perfectly complemented by a zari-embroidered pink silk coat from Dolce & Gabbana. This coat, inspired by traditional Indian embroidery and design patterns, added a unique cultural touch to her look.
What truly stood out, however, was her choice of accessories. Rihanna adorned herself with traditional diamond Polki jewelry from the renowned Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas and Swadesh. The intricate design and craftsmanship of these pieces highlighted the rich heritage of Indian jewelry. The Polki diamonds, known for their uncut and unpolished finish, brought a raw and authentic elegance to her ensemble.
By wearing these traditional pieces, Rihanna not only showcased the beauty of Indian jewelry on a global stage but also paid homage to India’s cultural artistry. This moment was a significant acknowledgment of Indian craftsmanship, highlighting how traditional designs can seamlessly blend with contemporary fashion. Rihanna’s appreciation and stylish incorporation of these elements have undoubtedly paved the way for greater international recognition of Indian jewelry and design.
