Great Outfits in Fashion History: Rihanna’s ‘Rated R’ Spike Dress by The Blonds

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.

I love pretty much every era of Rihanna‘s style, from her Y2K capris and heels to her game-changing take on maternity dressing, but her edgier, late-2000s looks are among my favorites. The bad gal’s hair was short and often sideswept, and her spunky ensembles matched her rebellious discography.

One of the coolest examples was her outfit at the 2009 “Rated R” release party in New York City. She donned a golden mini dress by The Blonds, which was made of chainmail and encrusted with crystals and spikes, reportedly weighing about 30 pounds in total. For accessories, Rihanna chose safety pin earrings, opaque shades, spiky stilettos and a red lip (which would later become a signature of her Fenty makeup line).

By this time, the musician had already shown her love for The Blonds’ fantastical designs. She chose the label — designed by David and Phillipe Blond — for her 2008 Vogue Fashion Rocks and American Music Awards performances, too. (Later on at the party, she did an outfit change into yet another look from the New York-based line.)

The year she wore this outfit, 2009, was undoubtedly a challenging one for the singer. Her “Good Girl Gone Bad” (2007) album had pushed her to stardom, and “Rated R” cemented that status with hits like “Rude Boy,” “Hard” and “Te Amo.” But the music also reflected struggles she was facing at the time, particularly with intimate partners. She used fashion during this epoch to signal this, as well as her strength and triumphs.

Keep scrolling to shop looks inspired by The Blonds’ weighty masterpiece.

The Blonds Spike Bodycon Dress, $190, available here (sizes S-XL)

Ana Luisa Safety Pin Earrings, $60, available here

Versace Sunglasses, $363 $309, available here

J.Angelique Fiona Dress, $300, available here (sizes XS-XL)

Badgley Mischka Collection Camilia Sandal, $255, available here

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color, $29, available here

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