Ever so rarely in pop culture an icon emerges who single handedly (with a glam team in tow) inspires millions with an arresting, hair-raising style, in turn forever cementing their personal interpretation of beauty and allure for generations to come. Such objet d’arts include timeless treasures like Grace Kelly, Diana Ross, Bridgette Bardot and Rita Hayworth. However, in the last seven years such influence has radiated from a piquant, Bajan bloom. Her friends call her Robyn, the fun loving, rebellious tomboy with a penchant for fashion and style. The world knows her as Rihanna, global superstar.
cheers!
Ending 2013 on a high note, Rihanna made history as the first recipient of the American Music Awards’ Icon Award in recognition of her profound, global influence on pop music. Never one to be outdone, the celebrated hair maven marked the groundbreaking occasion with a genius medley of urban sass and red carpet glamour by opting for a “wrapped” ‘do complete with ornate, pearl accented hair pins.
what Now?
Rihanna continued her reign into the holiday season with the highly anticipated release of her sixth single, off of 2012’s Unapologetic, “What Now,” grossing in an impressive 2 million copies worldwide. A myriad of shaken visual effects, faded images and possessed-like dance moves, the lonely eeriness of the track’s follow up music video is amply complemented by Rihanna’s re-debut of dark locks and first time seen, edgy rat tail haircut.
pour it up!
Taking a cue from our trending: holiday hair 2013 guide, Ms. Fenty rings in the New Year with family and friends (Cara Delavigne) with sleek, sophisticated finger waves and clipped dropped curls. An all-around polished finish, indeed!
fresh off the runway
Before her current pairing with supermodels Naomi Campbell and Iman for the French fashion house Balmain, Rihanna landed a solo campaign to jump start 2014. Handpicked by creative director and friend Olivier Rousteing, the pop phenom is a vision of cavalier chic with a casual, side swept bob styled in loose waves.
birthday cake
A nod to the past, Rihanna opts for her once signature, ebony colored bob and bangs trifecta during her 26th birthday celebrations – with a tiara on top!
here i go again
Joining the likes of Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson, Rihanna graces the cover of American Vogue (March 2014) for the 3rd time in 4 years, sporting a picture perfect pixie of the jet black and ice white variety, complete with short, crisp bangs.
i can’t remember to forget you
We can’t seem to forget how well Rihanna re-mastered the borrowed “shaven look” with tumbling curls and a demure side cut when she collaborated with Shakira in the I Can’t Remember to Forget You music video, exuding sultry sophistication.
lost in paradise
While the 2014 I Heart Radio Music Award’s Artist of the Year winner may have referred to her daring “Crazy Eyes” look as ghetto, her Bantu Knot ‘do emanated Zulu royalty and spirit.
who’s that chick?
Rihanna stuns against Rio de Janiero’s majestic Ilha Grande beach waters for an eight page spread in Vogue Brasilia’s May 2014 issue. The look of choice? Effortless waves in the shape of a super slick pixie!
diamonds
Amongst a sea of retro waves, pin curls and chignons, the striking island beauty opted for an elegant yet playful ponytail and cascading ringlets, adorned with crystal clips at the 2014 Met Gala: Charles James.
sell me candy
A hairnista with a sweet spot for experimenting, Rihanna shocked fans in the summer of 2014 while attending a basketball game in a cotton candy, pink pixie.
skin
While her now infamous “Naked” dress may have stolen the spotlight during this year’s CFDA Awards, the 2014 Style Icon Award recipient perfectly paired her ensemble with a matching hair scarf and slicked edges.
hypnotized
Sensual yet graceful, Rihanna captivates readers in a striking series of turbans and hoods for Harper’s Bazaar Saudi Arabia. Reminding us all that less is more!
With 2014 almost in the bag we’re looking forward to how the Bajan beauty dazzles us next year.
Which Rihanna look is your fav?
