By Elly Park
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Rihanna had a roaring start to her Fenty X Puma Spring 2018 runway show with motocross riders somersaulting through the air and flying over pink mountains to kick off her latest showcase at New York Fashion Week.
For the occasion, the massive Park Avenue Armory in New York was transformed on Sunday into a glittery pink sand dune. The BMX inspiration was extended to the runway with models strutting the catwalk in motocross-inspired bodysuits, biker shorts, oversized parkas and deep-cut swimwear. The sporty collection included neoprene, nylon and leather ensembles in dark blue, military green and red hues.
The superstar line-up of models included Taylor Hill, Joan Smalls and Victoria’s Secret veteran Adriana Lima. In the audience was stage and screen star Whoopi Goldberg, plus-size model Ashley Graham and rappers Big Sean, Fabolous and Cardi B., who is currently #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her single “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves).”
Spandex shorts were topped with neoprene tops, most looks finished with heeled flip-flops. The collection’s strong ’90s feel had male models in oversized coats with buckle detail paired with oversized baggy pants in different color nylons.
Sunday’s show was Rihanna’s fourth collection in collaboration with Puma. Earlier in the week, the designer debuted her Fenty Beauty line.
Social media users were impressed by the Barbadian singer’s ability to launch a beauty line and then present her collection at New York Fashion Week days later.
The pop star is among more than 100 designers who are debuting their latest creations at New York Fashion Week, which wraps up a day earlier on Wednesday to accommodate buyers and editors who must fly out next to London Fashion Week.
(Reporting by Elly Park; Writing by Yahaira Jacquez; Editing by Alistair Bell)
