RIHANNA DEBUTED HER new Savage x Fenty lingerie collection at New York Fashion Week.
Given that the singer-turned-designer is all about inclusivity, she chose a diverse group of models with varying body types and skin tones to strut their stuff in their skivvies – including two pregnant models.
As well as big names like Joan Smalls and the Hadid sisters, Rihanna’s muse Slick Woods – who announced her pregnancy in July – closed the show wearing harness-style lingerie and nipple covers.
A second pregnant model even showcased some dance moves during the show while wearing a halterneck bodysuit. Admirable, to say the least.
You can see the full cast of women that walked here and here.
Rihanna continues to be a major disruptor in the industry, using her influence and platform to showcase those that are usually shunned as a result of “conventional (but not fully representational) beauty standards.
It’s clear the industry is in an important, transformation stage – the Savage x Fenty show is one of many this year which was praised for diversifying its cast (see Sports Illustrated, who had a reputation for shutting marginalised bodies out, casting a breastfeeding model and an amputee in their runway show earlier this year.)
Is there more to be done? Absolutely. Is every brand cottoning on? No, but if tastemakers like Rihanna can continue to show that there is a desire for this representation among fashion circles (and beyond) it’ll soon become commonplace at future fashion weeks.
