Last night, 6th March 2017, in front of the global fashion community, the third instalment of the Fenty X Puma collaboration was unveiled to the world. Fenty Puma by Rihanna was released at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, an ideal location for the range which takes inspiration from the Fenty University life (for the rebellious and daring).
Fenty Creative Director, Rihanna, and Puma brought to life the collection muses: Classic American social circles and cliques – Nerds, Jocks, Skaters, Preppies, Goth kids and of course, Bad Gals. This wasn’t your typical runway, as models charged atop library tables, which was overlooked from the balconies. Taking the crowd back to the halls of their respective high schools, colleges and universities, the launch aimed to thrill.
The collection is in keeping with previous styles from the Fenty range: the signature oversized look, along with a few bold and unexpected, sexy styles with gender-bending pieces and over-the-top school frocks. With inspiration stolen from school gymnasiums and chic locker room attire, the Autumn/Winter season includes coach’s jackets, soccer jerseys-turned dresses, uniform style skirts, velour and poly track suits, bodysuits, cropped and oversized polo shirts, baseball tees and much more. With bespoke collegiate and high school style graphics, the FENTY Class of 2017 was in high session.
“When I was in school, it was always my dream to be able to dress up in whatever I wanted,” Rihanna said about the collection. But in Barbados it was mandatory to wear a school uniform, so I had so much fun this season creating these “Back to School” inspired looks, and I’m honoured to present the collection in such a majestic national monument.”
The collection featured chunky hand-knit sweaters, showcased in plaids, chenille PUMA Cats and varsity F’s adorned rib knit sweaters and dresses. Outerwear in all shapes and sizes ruled this season with a wide selection of FENTYxPUMA coats in faux shearling, faux furs, ultra-suede and technical nylon. Rihanna once again reinterpreted the traditional hard lines of sport by breathing new life into uniforms, tracksuits, tops and bottoms with technical sport fabric and fashion touches. Sexy schoolgirl skirts and cheerleader style fashion corsets brought the audience to full attention. Detention hall never looked so good.
Signature branding details were featured throughout such as Rihanna’s lucky number 13, her birth year 1988, the FENTYxPUMA piercing zipper and Fenty Puma branded buttons and trims. Unique patches, hardware and sporty taping gelled the collection’s sport theme even further.
The Autumn/Winter 2017 Fenty Puma by Rihanna show was conceptualised by Rihanna and her teams alongside agencies, Prodject and OBO, make-up design by Pat McGrath for PatMcGrathLabs, and hair styling by Yusef Williams (Factory Downtown) and L’Oréal Professionnel. Nail design was done by Jenny Longworth (CLM) with co-nail design by Tracy Rierson of Young Nails Inc. Styling by Tom Van Dorpe (Management & Artists). Jewellery by Lynn Ban.
The footwear, apparel and accessories collection presented in Paris will launch at retail stores worldwide in Autumn 2017. The fashion show comes 2 days before her Spring/Summer collection is scheduled to hit stores on the 9 March.
