Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII halftime performance at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium was a true spectacle, showcasing not only her catalogue of hit records and remarkable energy, but also her incredible and delectable sense of style.
The 34-year-old singer is renowned for pushing the boundaries when it comes to elegance, and her Super Bowl performance was no exception.
While her performance may have been relatively low-key compared to previous editions, Rihanna made a statement with her fashion. She wore a custom-made red hippy jumpsuit by Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson, which featured a plastic halter and was paired with MM6 low-top sneakers. The shoe is priced at only $360 and was a surprising choice from the singer for one of the world’s biggest cultural events. Nonetheless, they perfectly complemented the streetwear vibe radiated by her outfit.
The sneaker is the first limited-edition piece to drop from the recent collaboration between Maison Margiela and Salomon, combining Salomon’s functionality with Maison Margiela’s sophisticated design elements.
The result is a runway-worthy footwear that is both practical and stylish, with grippy rubber soles, a platform block heel and a loose-fitting vamp with a drawstring closure. Rihanna’s choice to wear these sneakers on stage shows that she is not afraid to mix high-end and accessible fashion, and she has once again proven that she is a trendsetter in the fashion world.
In addition to her fashion ensemble, Rihanna glowed on stage; her makeup on fleek. Her makeup artist, Priscilla Ono, created a full Fenty Beauty visage for the singer, featuring a bold red lip with the brand’s new Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick. The red lip perfectly blended with the red stage and added a touch of glamour to Rihanna’s otherwise low-key outfit.
Speaking to Variety Magazine, Ono explained that they wanted Rihanna’s appearance to celebrate the moment and serve as a true reflection of her timeless style. And they certainly achieved that with the bold red lip, which has become something of a signature for Rihanna. In a Rolling Stone magazine review of the performance, “The singer’s 13-minute set was jam-packed with hits and zero collaborators, though there was a surprise ‘guest.’”
Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance was not just about her style – she also made a big announcement. Immediately the show began with her 2015 smash hit “Bitch Better Have My Money,” speculations swirled all over social media, as the silhouette of her outfit revealed a baby bump.
A rep confirmed to media outlets shortly after the show that the singer is, indeed, expecting her second child. The news added an extra layer of excitement to the already high-profile performance and had fans speculating about whether the pregnancy would affect Rihanna’s future music and tour plans.
Despite the pregnancy announcement and the absence of any special guests or new music, Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance was still an enthralling spectacle. She ran through 12 of her most famous songs, including “Where Have You Been,” “Only Girl (in the World),” “Work” and “Diamonds,” and even included two Kanye West-helmed songs in which she featured in: “All of the Lights” and Jay-Z’s “Run This Town.”
The performance was visually impressive, as Riri floated on a translucent platform with dozens of dancers in baggy white hazmat-style suits doing the heavy lifting while she kept her moves calm and stately. The production also featured impressive pyrotechnics, including fireworks during the third song, just a couple of minutes into the performance.
Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance cemented her status as one of the most stylish pop singers ever, not just because of her choice of outfit, but because of the elegance and grace with which she blended high-end fashion with easily accessible streetwear.
Throughout her journey to superstardom, she has proven she is a trendsetter in both music and fashion. The clinging, hot pink strapless mermaid dress and a freshly cropped asymmetric, blond-streaked bob that she wore at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards.
Her Guo Pei egg yolk-yellow 2015 Met Gala robe. 2017’s silver papal mitier, cape and minidress by John Galliano for Maison Margiela. Her iconic, jaw-dropping Met Gala 2021 look with A$AP Rocky and the couple’s internet-breaking photoshoot to announce her first pregnancy. Rihanna’s bold choices continue to inspire fans around the world.
In all, Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance was a true testament to her talent and style. She may have kept it relatively low-key, but she still managed to make a staggering impact with her outfit, radiant look and pregnancy announcement. And with rumours swirling about new music and future tour plans, it’s clear that Rihanna is not slowing down any time soon. Certainly, fans can’t wait to see what she has in store for them.