Post date: Feb 17, 2013 2:10:34 PM
Pop star Rihanna mixes high street with high fashion at London show for River Island
LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (FEBRUARY 16, 2013)(REUTERS) - Pop star Rihanna launched her first clothing line with British high street retailerRiver Island on Saturday, in one of the most highly anticipated events of London Fashion Week.
Models strutted in a line through a tiered catwalk of five square compartments, pausing in each to showcase midriff-bearing mesh tops and yellow shift dresses.Denim tank tops were teamed with slouchy jeans, while thigh-high slits featured heavily in the figure-hugging dresses and monochrome skirts.
Rihanna followed the conventions of catwalk shows, appearing momentarily at the end of the display to take bow from the centre of the stage.
The boyish, casual designs are Rihanna's first with River Island, a clothing chain which traces its history on Britain's high streets back 64 years and is known for its youthful clientele.
"I loved it - it's so Rihanna, it's got Rihanna's name all over it," said model Tolula Adeyemi from Los Angeles, who was in the crowd. "I kind of want the whole collection, it's got plenty of swag."
Others were equally excited.
"I thought the collection was amazing. There were lots of prints that were really easy to wear and lots of pieces that I'm sure young girls are gonna go out rush out and buy," said Hanna Brimstone.
"I thought it was really nineties, really paired back. There were a lot of pieces that I'd buy. Loved the jumpsuit, I loved the printed hooded top, I loved the whole styling of it and I thought it was paired back and also you could put your own twist on it, so yeah, it's great, " Anne Marie from Dublin said.
The fashion credentials of the high street have grown in recent years, as more household clothing brands inch onto the catwalks of major fashion centres.
The Barbados-born singer has already made a foray into fashion, teaming up with Armani Jeans in 2011.