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The zipper extends from the waistband straight down to the hem, boldly on display.
Positioned at the center front, the silver hardware features a pull tab resting at the top, reminiscent of a punctuation mark that has already made its choice. This is not a zip hidden within a side seam or a concealed closure discreetly tucked into a placket; it is the very face of the skirt. It's the first detail that catches the eye, creating a vertical line that divides the front panel into two equal halves, holding them together for the entire length of the garment. As you walk, the zipper moves with you; when you stand still, it provides structure. There is no ambiguity about the design's intention—this skirt confidently reveals its construction and functionality, making it clear that these details are yours alone to know.
Rihanna has consistently followed this approach throughout her career. Rather than focusing on managing perceptions, she has been dedicated to shaping her own reality and allowing others to perceive it in their own time. Born in Barbados in 1988, she grew up in Bridgetown, influenced by her father's struggles with addiction and her parents' eventual divorce. At the age of fifteen, she left for the United States with just three songs and an audition, which led to a record deal.
This opportunity resulted in eight studio albums, fourteen Grammy nominations, nine wins, and a remarkable commercial catalogue, making her the best-selling female recording artist of the 21st century. Then, in 2017, she surprised the music industry by choosing not to release another album; instead, she focused on building a beauty company.
Fenty Beauty made its debut in September 2017, offering fifty shades of foundation specifically designed to cater to diverse skin tones that the beauty industry had long overlooked. In just its first forty days, the brand generated an impressive $100 million in sales. By 2021, Rihanna had achieved billionaire status, becoming the first Black female billionaire in modern history, with most of her wealth stemming from her business ventures rather than her music career. That same year, Barbados gained independence from the Commonwealth and honoured her as a National Hero. She is currently thirty-six years old.
All of this, the audition, the beauty empire, the sense of independence and the declaration; shares a common quality: it is visible, unambiguous and resolute.
The canvas body of the skirt makes a strong initial statement regarding its silhouette. Canvas, a tightly woven plain-weave fabric, is structured enough to maintain a sharp line without any support and it resists losing its form even after a long day. The skirt is designed to sit high on the waist, hugging the hip and thigh in a mini silhouette that concludes with the definitive authority of a well-made choice.
There are no gathers, no ease, and no softening at the hem, only the straight, bold exit of canvas, crafted with confidence. The back is simple and unembellished, devoid of seams vying for attention or decorative features that require explanation. The focus is on the front, where the true artistry lies.
And then we have the pockets.
There are two of them, elegantly curved at the opening, integrated into each hip. Crafted from cactus leather. This isn’t just decorative leather or faux leather fabric; it’s genuine cactus leather, sourced from nopal cactus, harvested without causing harm, and processed with significantly less water than traditional leather. Remarkably durable, it can outlast the canvas surrounding it. In this design, where the skirt's body is made of canvas and the pockets are leather, the typical fashion hierarchy is inverted: the utilitarian elements, the places for your hands, cards and daily essentials are made from the most exquisite and thoughtfully chosen material in the garment. This choice reflects a person who has carefully considered her true needs.
Rihanna once shared in an interview that she doesn't conform to others' timelines. While she was referring to her music, this mindset extends to all aspects of her life, from her beauty brand launch and lingerie line to the pregnancy she revealed on her own terms and her Super Bowl performance while eight months pregnant, which caught the press off guard. She takes action when she feels ready, following her own path, while the world adapts around her.
The front zip of this skirt embodies that same spirit: it opens when you choose to, holds when you need it to, and never seeks permission.
The woman who dons the RiRi Skirt is already aware of this strength within herself.
She bears her own responsibilities, stored within her pockets crafted from the finest materials. Her attire reflects the same intelligence she applies to all her decisions. Assertive when necessary, thoughtful when it counts and never one to over-explain.
The zipper, positioned at the center front, gleams in silver, exuding confidence.
It was destined to be prominently displayed.
The RiRi Skirt | Canvas & Cactus Leather, Black
houseoflore.in/riri-skirt
For custom sizing: info@houseoflore.in
Available at houseoflore.in
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