It is safe to say that we are STILL obsessing over Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Vol. 2 show. And this year’s extravaganza was even bigger and badder than the first one. Some of today's hottest and most talented entertainers, across all gender and sexuality spectrums, came together to showcase not only the designs— but representation in the fashion world.
Despite COVID-19-related restrictions, including not being able to have a live audience, RiRi pulled out all the stops and LGBTQ+ inclusion played a huge part in the production.
The stunning visual presentation featured performances from musicians like Bad Bunny and Rico Nasty. Lizzo wowed viewers with an extended dance sequence.
LGBTQ+ celebs litter the runway
Drag talent such as Shea Couleé, Gigi Goode, and Jaida Essence Hall took to the runway, looking as fierce as can be.
During a section of the show called “mood,” Rihanna talks about the power of fashion and beauty.
“It is really inspiring to me how you can really use colors, paints, makeup, textures just to embody whatever you want to,” she said as a montage of Shea applying makeup in the mirror plays in the background.
She continues, “I watch drag queens do the same thing, they’re drawing their lips, and all of a sudden their entire demeanor changes. You can see the confidence, you can feel the confidence."
"There’s a huge emotional attachment to that, and there’s an empowerment within that.”
But she didn't stop there. Rihanna brought in more queer talent. Rapper Chika, queer makeup artist, and model Raisa Flowers.
Later, nonbinary models Memphis Murphy, Indya Moore, and Jazzelle Zahaughtti walk the same stage as bisexual supermodel Cara Delevingne.
Jaxon Willard, Dexter Mayfield, and Darrion Gallegos slide into some heels and danced backup for Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalía.
Inclusion remains a driving force for Rihanna
For Rihanna inclusivity is a no-brainer.
“The only thing I could think about was including everyone,” she says in the special. The Savage X Fenty show featured models of all sizes, genders, sexualities. and ethnicities.
In another section about sexuality, which Rihanna called “something that has to be owned or earned."
Rihanna's Fenty beauty line breaks barriers in the makeup world, leaving other brands scrambling to channel the same reputation. In the future, we hope to see other fashion staples take a page from our girl RiRi's book with LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Check out the entire show here!