Rihanna is certainly no shy fashionista, so the excitement around her new collection for River Island has been huge. With stars like Cara Delevingne and Jordan Dunn partying front row at her intriguing fashion week show, I thought we were all in for a treat this Spring. Then stepped out the models…
With River Island being one of my favourite high street stores, I was certainly excited to see what the Barbadian singer had to offer. However the release of her first collaboration with the brand has failed to impress me. To be quite frank, her collection looks like an overpriced Primark basics section. I expected bold prints, gorgeous crops and sophisticated trousers, but what did we get? The most uninspiring compilation of clothes to ever grace the high street. This ‘90s’ inspired wardrobe of flimsy plain tops and drab dresses is certainly not what I had in mind. I’m glad I’m not the only one though, with Tom Sykes of The Daily Beast calling it a ‘horror show’.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m sure these clothes are flying off the shelves as I type, but why? Either you are a very rich student and can afford to spend £20 on a small piece of cloth, or you have fallen for the label itself. It’s unfortunate that this seems just another marketing ploy of the money machine herself, than a highly anticipated gorgeous spring collection. There is no denying Rihanna is an icon of our time, but I just cannot justify the pricing point of these garments. The second most expensive piece in the collection is a rather dreary looking Grey varsity jacket, yours for a mere £120. However you can try the New Look alternative for just £15, or if that doesn’t take your fancy, you can find one in just about every high street shop for £20-40.
picture: River Island
picture: New Look. Can you spot the difference?
That being said, there are a couple of pieces of interest in this collection, yet nothing I would personally purchase. The black ‘tied low back dress’ caught my eye, for a semi-reasonable £40. It’s also refreshing seeing pops of bright yellow amongst the rails in her all round monochrome collection.
picture: River Island
picture: River Island
The verdict: I think it’s fair to say I am a more excited about her next chart hit than her clothing range. Fingers crossed her next collaboration will be a little more “where have you been all my li-i-i-fe” than this time around. Sorry, Ri-Ri.
