That Rihanna reign – the one that refuses to let up – began on this day, February 20th, in 1988. Yes, the Caribbean Goddess came to us as Robyn Rihanna Fenty and I’m almost certain she exited the womb slaying with a red lip and the Bad Gal spirit we attribute and love her for. Aside from being THE pop star of our time (and my favorite celebrity on the planet), she’s recognized as the most stylish Fashion Icon of our time. Don’t question me on this. The accolades don’t lie. Rihanna epitomizes individualism, authenticity, and, before it became a movement, she was the prototype for #carefreeblackgirl and #blackgirlmagic. She is the inspiration for my own hashtag, #blackgirlsbeslaying, which is what she does with minimal effort: slay our entire lives. By now, it should be obvious how much I live for all things Rih. I mean, she wiped the overflow of tears from my face with her bare hands when I met her 2014. The same tears that runneth because of her mere presence. She is bewitching, lovable, and just simply RIHANNA. She’s a Goddess because her aura is mystical, mysterious, otherworldly; we know she exists, but she fascinates us like the mythological Gods of Greece.
But enough of the uncountable reasons I stan for her as Captain, better yet, Admiral Chief of the Rihanna Navy (or nehvi, depending on who you’re talking to), let’s talk about this Fashion Icon thing. Ms. Fenty is known for setting the trends that some other well-known celebs are following. She resides in the future and sails through the now. Rihanna is who we all wish we could hang out with, because she is so damn cool without even trying. To celebrate her 28th solar return on Earth, here are 28 times Rihanna served us with fashion/personal style realness. Reminisce while you blast the masterpieces that is ANTI or any of the eight alums she’s blessed the world with. Her beauty is better appreciated while her ethereal voice is engulfing the air. I know this because I’m doing it as we speak.
Happy birthday, Rih. We live for your Slayage, sis. Don’t you ever stop?
Signed,
A fellow bad gal and true stan.
