There have been many controversial media stirs over the years, that have been brought about by a host of celebrities, stepping out at red carpet events with the one intention, to get the attention! Remember Liz Hurley, back in 1994? stealing the lime light, at the film premier of Four Weddings and a Funeral, with her risqué, black, Versace, safety pin dress. Reminding the public of the power of the right dress! The moment Madonna, bared her breasts on the catwalk in Los Angeles in 1992, for noted, French, Fashion designer, Jean Paul Gaultier. And who can count the many times that Lady Gaga has confused the public, with her strange, yet genius artistic expression, through Fashion?
Fashion is arguably one of the most influential tools used, in the art of self expression. Helping to form identities, through creating thought provoking opinions. This poses the question...
Was Rihanna’s dress a fashion statement? Or rather, was exposing her body the intended statement? Will Adam Selman, the designer of the beautifully handcrafted, sheer, dress, that is embellished with no less than, 216.000 Swarovski crystals, be the main focus? Or will Rihanna’s nearly naked body be the focal point? What was the message Rihanna was trying to project? Fashion Statement? Quiet possibly, it was an awards ceremony within the Fashion Industry, after all! A message of power and choice for women? This could also be possible, as Rihanna is well known for pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in society. Or could it be, just a publicity stunt to ensure Rihanna stays in the fore front of the media? Is there really, no such thing as bad publicity? Regardless of the meaning behind the dress, it sparked a thought, as to why some women feel the need to expose there bodies, to project power? It could be suggested to imply a rebellious persona, that says “I am a woman in the 21st Century and i will choose to wear whatever i please” However, there was a time, not so long ago, when women expressed power through clothing in a very different manner. This would be in the 1980s, a time when women created a powerful persona, through adopting a androgynous look. Wearing masculine suits with shoulder pads, as a means to feel empowered and be taken seriously. This look opposes the overtly sexual and feminine look adorned by Rihanna, wearing the Adam Selman Gown. Can two, so very different styles, send out the same message? Or could it be that the over exposure of a women's body, is not a show of empowerment, but rather a statement that devalues women. Keeping them at the forefront of being sexualised and not being taken seriously in society. Something that women have worked so hard, to break free from for many years. Not only could it be argued to devalue women, it could also have a knock on effect, on the very impressionable youth culture of today! Rihanna, could be said to be one of the most influential icons of adolescent girls in the 21st century. Young girls that may not have any other strong female role models in their life or the parental guidance to keep there feet on the ground. Questioning whether a style icon, who is also a pop icon to many an adolescent girl or boy, should be questioning the message’s they send out. Although the dress was stunning and Rihanna looked sensational. Would there have been a better time and place to be exposed? Put in every day context, wouldn't the average person stepping out of a car, with there breast exposed, to go into a bar, be accused of indecent exposure??? Lets hope this look does not catch on with young girls, who love to follow trends and are inspired by pop icons!
We are all aware that sexuality plays an enormous role in the Fashion industry, as in almost all other media and creative industries. And there were many celebrities who attended the CFDA Awards who managed to look effortlessly, stunning and sexually attractive, without the need to take it to the next level. Just look at Heidi Klum, wearing Donna Karen, or Emmy Rossum, dressed in a stunning, lime green, gown by J Mendel. Although there has been mixed opinions, regarding Rihanna wearing that dress, in the right context it would be perfectly appropriate, as a costume for a film or concert, on the catwalk or just any environment where the public would have a choice, as to whether they were exposed to it!
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