It’s hard to expect anything less than perfection from Rihanna — especially during New York Fashion Week. And for her Savage x Fenty presentation this season, Rihanna brought the beauty supply store to the runway. All we have to say is... YES, SIS!
Unlike other shows, where multiple models sport the same look, Rihanna gave her longtime hairstylist Yusuf the power to “freestyle” for her lingerie presentation. With full autonomy over hair for the show, Yusuf and his team created custom looks tailored to each model and dancer. “We really went girl by girl to put unique touches on each person,” he tells Refinery29.
His creations were a beautiful case of budget meets runway. Tucked away backstage were two tables covered in goods from the beauty supply store: bundles of kanekalon braiding hair for bantu knots and ponytails, Afro puff attachments, wig caps, and lots of temporary colour spray.
Most of the products were used to create the looks seen on the runway. Careful accents, such as flowers and slicked-down edges were added once the final styles were confirmed. “We don’t always want to go for too pretty or too edgy, so to keep things cool I like to mix and match eras and put on whimsical finishing touches,” he shares. The stylists also used Oribe products to create a variety of edgy styles, including the Hard Rock Gel to mould baby hairs. “When I wanna fuck things up a little, I always go for baby hairs," he says.
Ahead, see some of our favourite hair moments from the Savage x Fenty runway. Then, excuse us while we make a quick beauty supply run to practice some of these styles at home.
To create this larger-than-life puff, Yusuf secured a Janet Nor Drawstring Afro Puff to this model's top knot. You can find similar attachments at nearly any beauty supply store (or online). The best part: You don't have to spend a fortune to try out this look.
Photo: Albert Urso/WireImage.
This model's bantu knots were enhanced with extra hair carefully wrapped around her natural hair.
Photo: Albert Urso/WireImage.
Yusuf kept Chavi St. Hill's Afro in its natural, picked-out state.
Photo: Albert Urso/WireImage.
We can barely wear a long dress without tripping over it, but Leomie Anderson walked the Savage x Fenty runway with a knee-length braid — and made it look easy. To copy the look at home, purchase a pack of braiding hair, whip it into a plait, and fasten it around a tight top knot.
Photo: Albert Urso/WireImage.
This cropped Afro was sprayed baby blue to match the leopard-print lingerie design on the runway.
Photo: Albert Urso/WireImage.
As Yusuf mentioned, baby hairs were added to looks to give them more swag. This model walked with exaggerated edges framing her face, while the rest of her hair was pulled into a pompadour-style ponytail.
Photo: JP Yim/Getty Images.
Kanekalon hair was used to create a detailed fishtail braid for this model. Blue feathery accents were placed throughout the braid to give it a fairytale vibe.
Photo: Albert Urso/WireImage.
Jazelle Zanaughtti (a.k.a @uglyworldwide) had her platinum hair slicked into sexy finger waves. She also flaunted the blonde armpit hair to match.
Photo: JP Yim/Getty Images.
This pinned crown braid style was one of the most wearable from the Savage x Fenty runway. It's also a great protective style for days when you just can't be bothered with doing your hair.
Photo: Albert Urso/WireImage.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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