This week, Rihanna reminded fans of her boundary-pushing style. The multi-talented star, who has only been spotted in public a handful of times since giving birth in May, stepped out in New York on Saturday wearing larger-than-life boots.
While her RZA tee, sunglasses and snakeskin-print bag already made for a casual but chic outfit, Rihanna took things to the next level with a pair of gigantic, slouchy boots that brushed the hem of her denim miniskirt.
The look suggests that the performer is still keeping a close eye on runway trends: Her outsized footwear appeared to be straight from French label Y/Project’s recent Spring-Summer 2023 collection, which saw a similar-looking pair of black denim boots styled in a head-to-toe denim look.
Rihanna’s full look, featuring her statement-making boots.
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Rihanna is not the first celebrity to rock statement thigh-high boots this year (though hers arguably brought the most drama). At the start of the month, singer Dua Lipa paired a menswear-inspired button-down minidress with a pair of pristine white Bottega Veneta boots. The craftsmanship of the Italian label’s signature “intrecciato” leather-weave gave the boots a blockier look than figure-skimming styles of the past, though they were still understated by comparison.
Why the fashion world has a fetish for toes
This week, Kim Kardashian posted a moody Instagram video of herself in a dark gym wearing slouched thigh-high boots. The reality star completed her seemingly impractical workout look with a nude-tone bikini and white cap-sleeved top as she posed on various pieces of gym equipment.
Another style of Y/Project’s oversied boots, seen this summer during the brand’s Menswear S/S 2023 show.
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Similar styles have also been popping up on runways, with several designers reviving over-the-knee boots as part of bulkier silhouettes. During the Fall-Winter 2022 season, Acne Studios’ towering riding boots brought edgy drama to Paris Fashion Week, while Isabel Marant sent a fleet of models down the catwalk in slouched thigh-highs (though theirs were notably slimmer than Rihanna’s).
