Fashion Police: It's Crystal CLEAR

This post is inspired by Rihanna's crystal outfit at the CFDA Fashion Awards and Huffington Post article

Discussion Occurring

People have multiple opinions and views on Rihanna's choice of fashion. Some say that she is a fashion icon (just as she was awarded) and she is beautiful in this dress (which I agree). Majority of people are saying "Why did she even bother wearing anything" and "She didn't even leave anything for the imagination". Some are even calling her names such as a whore, slut, hoe, etc. for even wearing the dress. What's your opinion? Are you one to say she's classless or genius? Is she opening the doors of fashion and taking it to new heights or is she taking "fashion" too far? I have a response to each of these.

Against Her Choice

Although her dress is unforgettable and uniquely made (over 200,000 crystals to be exact), she is revealing too much. Fortunately, she decided to wear nude colored underwear but what about a bra? I thought that seeing the nipple counted as pornography? Regardless, she should not use the excuse of "fashion" to reveal parts of her body that only eyes of herself and her partners should see. Yes, she left nothing for the imagination for a male. Nonetheless, she did make a great choice by using the fur as a cover piece yet why cover anything at all if she already revealed it all? Overall, it's a beautiful dress but should have been wore differently with a little more modesty... And no, I am not calling Rihanna out of her name (hoe, slut, etc.) nor calling her classless (or should I say completely calling her classless).

For Her Choice

Well, my blog is called "Empowering Self-Esteem..." and if Rihanna feels comfortable with her body to wear this outfit, so be it. My only thing is if she wore it because of a significant reason whether that's to tell other women to be comfortable with their bodies or if it's to acknowledge Josephine Baker's birthday, then she should of announced it at the event. I like to think everything happens for a reason and for a positive reason; however, Rihanna left us all to wonder. Regardless, she was unique and beautiful at the event. She clearly does not care what anyone thinks about her. She is INDEED a fashion icon because of that and she does what no one expects her to. She marches to the beat of her own drums. Do we not tell little children this when we tell them to "stand out" and not strive to fit in with the crowd? "...for the Future Generation" (rest of my blog name). See the connection there?

My Conclusion

My own thoughts and opinions may represent the same as others, mixed and indecisive and probably confused. How does society teach us to "march to the beat of our own drums" and set trends yet when we do we get criticized and judged and called a slut or whore depending on what it is. I see both sides of the argument, however, not one side is more right than the other. The overall conclusion or message is what message are we sending to our younger children? Do they set their own trends and not care what people say or do we judge the ones that do. I encourage you to be decisive and pick a side. I choose to continue to encourage individuality and self-esteem. If Rihanna wants to go out in public and reveal her body the way she did, let her but do not call her out of her name because she is doing what she pleases. It's a double standard. You want her to dress to your liking but at the beginning of the day when she wakes up to get dressed, she's going to wear what she wants to. Children need to understand and be told this: if you do "stand out" and set your own trends, be prepared to be judged and criticized. Because at the end of the day, someone is always going to have something to say whether you like it or not... in this case, someone is going to WEAR what they like, whether you like it or not. Do not contradict your beliefs.

Parents are now saying that they do not want their children to even listen to Rihanna's music. I understand that someone's lifestyle affects and reflects through their music so I see why they say this. But honestly, why are your children listening to Rihanna period? When I was growing up, I watched nothing but Disney Channel. All the songs and artists I knew were either Gospel (because of my parents) and Kids Bop or songs from Disney Channel. The only other times I heard other music was if it was on a movie that was age-appropriate. At the end of the day, there's still teenagers and us, young adults, that are Rihanna fans and will support her. I have a friend that makes Rihanna her Woman Crush Wednesday everyday of the week!! I have another friend that praised Rihanna for her decision to wear this outfit! Everyone has their opinion and their beliefs and parents should use this as a lesson to their children. And if they don't want them to be influenced by Rihanna or other young adult stars, they should rethink their parenting techniques and censor what their children are doing, saying, and listening to more often.