All eyes are on Rihanna, not just for the anticipation of a new album release or headline-worthy paparazzi moments, but also for her attendance at her own events. Last night, the multi-talented artist-turned-entrepreneur arrived at the Tobacco Dock launch of Fenty X Puma’s latest release—a stylish earthen brown creeper shoe—more than five hours behind schedule. This is consistent with Rihanna’s penchant for making unconventional entrances, such as arriving after an actual cockroach at the 2023 Met Gala and scheduling cover interviews for the wee hours of the morning at 3:26 am.
Yet, this is precisely the type of high-profile behavior expected—indeed, desired—from Rihanna, who possesses the rare ability to leave a battalion of British press eagerly awaiting her every move. (If history has taught us anything, it’s that we’re willing to endure hardships for our heroes.) However, there may have been a more legitimate reason for Rihanna’s tardiness, beyond simply operating on her own schedule. “I love creating music in London,” she disclosed to Vogue on the red carpet last night. “That’s my favorite thing to do here. It’s strange, but I feel like London allows me to rediscover aspects of myself, as if I’m capable of anything. There are no limits. I don’t know why, but I’ve always produced my best music here, or at least determined the direction for my albums.”
When I inquire with Rihanna, who is adorned in oversized tailoring matching the kaolin shade of the Phatty creepers she is promoting, about any regrets she may have regarding her past red carpet attire, she experiences a sudden sense of déjà vu. “Why would you corner me like this?” she demands, playfully raising a Balmain Jolie Madame to her face to stifle an awkward laugh. “But, oh my God, it was something similar to this, which is kind of ironic. It was a brown tan suit that we all loved so much, but the day we put it on I was like, ‘Mmm, it’s giving UPS driver,’ and that is not cute. Not for the red carpet anyways.”.
Considering that creepers hold a significant place in emo culture, could Rihanna be considering an alternative-girl aesthetic, following in the footsteps of many other celebrities in 2024? “I’m a Pisces,” she declares, with a meaningful look. “We’re always going to have that emo side; it’s literally the essence of our zodiac sign. I like to assert myself, set boundaries, but I also enjoy having fun. I appreciate juxtaposition.”
Unsurprisingly, Rihanna holds the Guo Pei gown she donned at the 2015 Met Gala in high regard, considering it one of her most notable fashion moments. “Nobody will ever forget that, and I’ll never forget the sensation of discovering that designer through Anna’s design challenge,” she reflects. “And wow! You know what, it might come as a surprise to some, but there’s also the Stella McCartney crop top and skirt, and the party dress she created for that same Met Gala, with my little derrière peeking out.”
Equally unsurprising is Rihanna’s plan for her ensemble at the upcoming 2024 Met Gala. “I’m going to wear something Fenty! Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Fenty Savage…” she declares. However, she notes that it will be more modest. “I’ve done so much in my life. I’ve had my nipples out, my panties out. But now, as a mother and a more mature woman—emphasis on ‘young’—there are things I feel like I would never do. Like, ‘Oh my God, did I really do that? Nips out?'”