2023-10-27 (31)
Image by failing_angel
Dress, coat and mitre worn by Rihanna for the Met Gala, 2018
Designed by John Galliano for Maison Margiela
Plastic, metallic embroidered twill, leather, metal hardware, encrusted crystals and beads
At the 2018 Met Gala, the global superstar and billionaire entrepreneur Rihanna (born 1988) showed the world how far the modern diva has come. She fearlessly subverted the meaning of the word ‘diva’ as ‘goddess’ by reimagining herself as the ultimate symbol of male religious power – the pope. This look captures the essence of Rihanna’s iconic appeal – a willingness to experiment and challenge boundaries, which is felt across the inclusive and empowering brands she has built as an artist, innovator and activist.*
From the exhibition
DIVA
(June 2023 to April 2024)
DIVA celebrated the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining the role of ‘diva’ and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film.
In the 16th century, as the female performer emerged from the all-male actor troupes, so did the diva. An Italian word commonly used since the 14th century to describe goddesses or deities, ‘diva’ became a fitting description for exceptional female performers whose divine talents made them appear other-worldly.
[*Victoria & Albert Museum]
Taken in the V&A
