Great Outfits in Fashion History: Rihanna's Backless Roberto Cavalli Gown at Her Very First Grammys

There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you try desperately to recreate at home. In 'Great Outfits in Fashion History,' Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favorite lewks.

Before Rihanna was the global icon and cosmetics mogul she is today, the Bad Gal from Barbados shook up the music industry. But it's clear from her early red carpet looks: She was made for this.

Take her first-ever Grammys appearance in 2007 (the same year Fashionista was founded, go figure!), in a backless, emerald-green Roberto Cavalli gown. Though the late designer was known for his use of animal prints and trademark leathers, Rihanna's dress dared to differ while still embodying Cavalli's seductive design language. With cutout details, its sensuality is undeniable — and it's still graceful, courtesy of the pleated fabric that hugs the bodice but loosely flows at the skirt.

With her chestnut tresses sideswept in a bob, Rihanna completed the ensemble with gold, strappy sandals and chunky gems and bracelets stacked on her wrist. She hadn't been nominated for anything that evening, but she was months out from releasing her third studio album, "Good Girl Gone Bad," and only weeks away from dropping "Umbrella" with Jay-Z, which won the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Grammy the following year.

Rihanna's green Roberto Cavalli gown may be a far cry from her red carpet style today — she tends to relish in more over-the-top gowns, like that Valentino number at last year's Met Gala — but her 2007 look is still her. Keep scrolling to shop pieces inspired by the Grammys look.

Alice + Olivia Fayeth Midi Dress, $595 $417, available here (sizes 0-14)

Inez Sofia Sandal, $258, available here

L'idee Versailles Maxi Gown in Pleated Satin, $514, available here (size XS)

Pelle Moda Kaleah Crystal Strappy Sandal, $185, available here

Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Tiered Maxi Dress, $150, available here (sizes 2XS-2XL)

Brother Vellies Bike Shoe, $495, available here

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