Rihanna, the queen of reinventing nostalgia, turned heads at the Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City, bringing a modern twist to early 2000s-inspired glam.
Just days after her appearance at the British Fashion Awards in London, the music and fashion icon rocked an edgy yet elegant look that transported us straight back to the pages of Y2K prom magazines.
Rihanna’s hairstyle, created by celebrity hairstylist Naphia White, featured a dramatic high updo at the crown, with spiky tendrils cascading in varying lengths.
Paired with uneven, choppy baby bangs that tapered across her forehead, the look was a perfect blend of retro and contemporary. The white collared gown and dazzling array of diamonds and pearls elevated the ensemble, transforming the nostalgic aesthetic into a couture statement.
The updo evoked the Y2K-era hairstyles seen in teen movies and music videos, paying homage to iconic styles from the likes of Pamela Anderson and early 2000s red carpets. Rihanna’s interpretation, however, brought a fresh, high-fashion perspective, seamlessly blending the past with the present.
Makeup artist Priscilla Ono added a modern edge, steering clear of frosty Y2K hues like silver and baby blue. Instead, she opted for a sculpted yet soft look with peachy blush, contoured cheeks, glam lashes, and a rose-brown lip. The result? A perfect balance of timeless sophistication and early 2000s fun.
Rihanna’s love affair with bangs isn’t new—she’s sported everything from ultra-long side bangs earlier this year to blonde fringes during her honey-blonde era.
This latest choppy style adds to her legacy of boundary-pushing hair moments, proving yet again why she’s a trendsetter on and off the red carpet.
Why It Matters
The return of 2000s-inspired beauty is more than just nostalgia—it reflects a cultural moment of revisiting and redefining past aesthetics.
Rihanna’s bold reinterpretation of this era is sure to inspire hairstyling trends for the upcoming year, encouraging fans to embrace messy, fearless glamour.
