Rihanna Pays Sartorial Salute to André Leon Talley in Super Bowl 2023 Halftime Show

Manila, Philippines — Rihanna’s long-awaited stage comeback has set the net on fire as the global pop superstar performed her mega hits “Bitch Better Have My Money,” “Diamonds” and “Work” to name a few. But aside from music, the singer’s fiery red outfit has made headlines for its meaningful tribute to  another fashion icon.

Rihanna’s red Super Bowl outfit included a molded red breast bustier topped off with a red jumpsuit by Loewe. The ensemble also featured a bold red leather maxi puffy coat by Alaïa, which was custom-designed by Pieter Mulier for the pop star. The fire costume was styled by long-time collaborator Jahleel Weaver, who’s made Riri’s memorable red carpet looks. Weaver was also the creative director of Riri’s former LVMH-acquired fashion house Fenty.

A show-stopping move was when Rihanna performed “Umbrella” toward the end of her set, while slipping on a floor-sweeping red leather Alaïa puffer. It made her fashion statement even more significant as the fashion piece bore a striking resemblance to the signature scarlet Norma Kamali sleeping bag coat usually donned by legendary former Vogue editor André Leon Talley.

Talley died in January 2022 at the age of 73. The former Vogue editor-at-large became the first African-American creative director of the magazine in 1988, making him a legend who indeed surpassed the limits of the fashion industry at the time.

Rihanna also accessorized her Talley-inspired outfit with Messika jewelry, a diamond-studded Jacob & Co. watch, and MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon Cross Low Sneakers.

The Super Bowl performance was made more notable due to the singer’s apparent pregnant belly. A representative for Rihanna confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter her second pregnancy with A$AP Rocky. The songstress gave birth to her first child with the rapper in May 13, 2022.

Rihanna hasn’t released an album or toured since 2016 as she has focused on her billion-dollar beauty and fashion empire, causing trending topics online about her seemingly disinterest in coming back to music and stage performance. Badgal Riri also famously turned down the Super Bowl halftime show offer in 2019 in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and athlete Colin Kaepernick.

The performance was indeed worth the wait not just for the music, but also for fashion!