Rihanna Gave the Diamond Ball Its Couture Moment

We’ve come to expect a certain level of eccentricity from Rihanna. Consistently the first to debut a new designer or tackle an outré trend, she is known for bold choices. And that makes the rare moments of classicism all the more interesting. At the fifth annual Diamond Ball last night, Rihanna swanned into Cipriani wearing a key piece from Clare Waight Keller’s Fall 2019 Givenchy Haute Couture collection. The black velvet turtleneck dress was conservative until you reached its hemline where the exposed boning and flared mermaid tail took things to another level. It was radical in its subtly, an appropriate choice for a star who doesn’t need to shout her style acumen.

Of course, Rihanna’s understated red carpet look doesn’t mean she’s abandoned extremes. Earlier the same day she arrived at the venue in Fenty’s mint green leather pants, and a Balenciaga fur scarf so big that it trailed behind her as she exited an SUV. Still, even after that epic street style moment, Rihanna had no trouble switching gears. After a week that has seen her revolutionize the lingerie show and raise funds for her favorite charity, a sleek red carpet look was merely the icing on the cake.

Originally Appeared on Vogue