The annual show, hosted this year by director and screenwriter John Waters, draws a mix of fashion insiders and Hollywood. This year, Rihanna was clearly the big name, along with an even newer fashion star: Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, who presented the womenswear award. Others in attendance included actresses Marion Cotillard, Blake Lively and Emmy Rossum. models Naomi Campbell and Coco Rocha, singer/actress Jennifer Hudson, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour were also there.
Speaking of Rihanna before the show, designer Zac Posen called the pop star a fashion risk-taker, who skillfully melds red-carpet glamour with a rebellious streak. Rihanna’s choice for Monday’s event of a sparkling, revealing, body-hugging gown, designed by Adam Selman, epitomized Posen’s description.
“She takes risks and she marches to her own drum and she knows what she likes,” Posen told The Associated Press in an interview. He recalled meeting the singer at his studio before she launched her first album.
“She was a fashion world novice then,” he said, “but obviously she had looks and confidence and little-girl charm. All the ingredients were there for her to be a huge superstar: ambition, strength, and also vulnerability.” Rihanna’s occasional use of shock value, he said, “has kept her current, and balanced how classically beautiful she is.”
Rihanna also has a great appreciation for designers, Posen added: “That’s why people love to dress her.”
