WINE COUNTRY: RIHANNA CHAMPIONS BURGUNDY ACCENTS FOR TRANSITIONAL DRESSING
In a city where celebrity sightings are as common as palm trees, it takes something truly exceptional to turn heads on the boulevards of Los Angeles. Yet on March 21st, Rihanna—fashion’s perennial disruptor—delivered precisely that with an ensemble that masterfully balanced oversized proportions with razor-sharp details.
The multi-hyphenate mogul was photographed navigating the City of Angels in a pair of burgundy slingback pumps that commanded attention despite their diminutive size relative to her generous silhouette. The footwear in question featured knife-like pointed toes crafted from high-shine patent leather that caught the California sunlight with each deliberate step. Fashion insiders have drawn comparisons to Saint Laurent’s coveted Dune slingbacks and Amina Muaddi’s architectural Anok pumps in their sumptuous “Wine Red” iteration, though the Bad Gal has yet to confirm the designer behind this particular selection.
What makes this styling choice particularly noteworthy is Rihanna’s strategic deployment of color theory—the rich burgundy serves as a sophisticated counterpoint to her predominantly neutral palette, creating visual interest without veering into ostentatious territory. The vertiginous stiletto heels, partially concealed by her generously proportioned trousers, added significant height while maintaining the silhouette’s streamlined integrity.
The “Diamonds” chanteuse paired her statement footwear with a voluminous black Balenciaga BB parka that created a cocoon-like effect, layered deliberately over a burgundy top that cohesively tied back to her footwear selection. Rather than opting for a predictable slim-cut trouser, Rihanna doubled down on proportion play with relaxed dark-wash denim that pooled elegantly around her ankles—a styling technique that requires both confident execution and precise tailoring to avoid appearing haphazard.
Her accessories spoke to her unparalleled ability to merge contemporary luxury codes with timeless investment pieces. Bottega Veneta sunglasses with substantial black frames offered both anonymity and attitude, while a gleaming gold chain added subtle luminosity. The pièce de résistance came in the form of a quilted black Chanel handbag adorned with the maison’s signature gold hardware—a testament to her appreciation for heritage craftsmanship.
As the founder of Fenty Beauty, Rihanna naturally showcased her own cosmetic innovations with a flawlessly executed beauty look. Her complexion radiated the glass-like luminosity that has become synonymous with her brand’s aesthetic philosophy, complemented by expertly sculpted features that enhanced rather than transformed her natural bone structure. Her sleek, bouncy bob frame her face with editorial precision, while an oxblood lip—likely from her own extensive color range—served as the ultimate chromatic connector, echoing the deep wine tones of her footwear.
This latest street style moment reinforces Rihanna’s status as fashion’s most fearless chameleon. Throughout her evolution from music phenomenon to beauty entrepreneur and fashion force, she has consistently demonstrated that nothing is off-limits—from vertiginous heels to avant-garde silhouettes. Her off-duty rotation typically includes boundary-pushing selections from design houses including Celine, Givenchy, and Saint Laurent, while her red carpet appearances feature showstopping creations from Amina Muaddi, Prada, and Tom Ford that invariably dominate post-event discourse.
For those inspired to incorporate similar slingback styles into their wardrobe rotation, the silhouette has reached critical mass with iterations available across the luxury spectrum. From Gianvito Rossi’s architectural versions to The Attico’s bold colorways and Paris Texas’s western-influenced interpretations, the pointed slingback has cemented its status as a wardrobe cornerstone that effortlessly elevates any ensemble with its refined sensibility.
