Why Rihanna’s Iconic Met Gala Dress Was Such A Big Deal

Nobody expected such an impact from one yellow dress.
When Rihanna decided to rock a gown by a Chinese designer, Guo Pei, to the 2015 Met Gala Red Carpet event, crowds were in awe of the massive cape and intricate design of the imperial couture.
The gown’s longer-than-life train, fur trim, gold thread, and detailed floral design took the makers almost two years to create, by hand. Rihanna found the designer and dress online - from Pei 2010 collection - and decided it was perfect for the Met’s theme of “China: Through the Looking Glass”.
The Met Gala is known for its unique themes, forcing artists, celebrities, and designers to push the limits of their imaginations, and the boundaries of contemporary fashion.
Rihanna’s choice of gown in 2015 was so influential in part because she was one of the only red carpet stars to actually wear a dress by a Chinese designer, rather than an interpretation of Chinese history, culture, and design by an American or European designer. As always, Rihanna showed that she is a star for the people and nonchalantly acts as advocate for inclusivity, BIPOC creators, and minorities.
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Written by: Lori N.
Narrated by: Lanessa Tremblett
Edited by: Steven Suñe
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 INTRO
0:27 The gorgeous singer
2:00 Met Gala event
3:03 Rihanna’s Dress
4:09 how it got to Rihanna
5:25 Rihanna’s Fashion
6:46 Rihanna Rihanna nerves and insecurity take over
8:00 Guo Pei
10:41 The entertainment industry
12:55 Inclusion
15:46 END

[@neemohwairimu9845]

Trust Rihanna to wear a rug and she'll still look stylish lmao.

[@lucky-ty2gf]

:D

[@jxsminxplxyzcookix2185]

Lol second reply

[@teiraltegolouis6116]

She decided what’s beautiful....

[@navyturquoise7784]

Who complains? She's a QUEEN!

[@raheemkelly6656]

@@lucky-ty2gf r

[@973yanou]

I love that They highlighted that many designer werent chinese and the one that stand out the most and fitted the theme was Rihanna wearing a Chinese designer, What a Queen

[@EvelynL.1112]

EXACTLY. They should have picked a Chinese designer just like Rihanna did!!

[@ronnie2820]

I totally agree! Her outfit was amazing! As always. LITERALLY A QUEEN! 😌💅🏽✨💕💯

[@mingthemerciless7225]

And she is the one who got it right that night, everyone went for color RED which is the go to color to celebrate Chinese culture, but YELLOW is the color reserved for the royals. Rihanna looks like an empress and everyone else looks like her maid 😀

[@mahjonglivestreaming4535]

So Chinese history and culture is truly beautiful, sometimes this is overlooked due to what happens in modern politics

[@voiceofreason2237]

Ewwww no

[@tigerpk2690]

she looks like Belle from Beauty and the beast

[@TheThingsCelebrity]

True!

[@adrianmorales5322]

Ikr

[@zerked.]

Yesss

[@drea409]

She looks stunning, even more than belle. That hair ornament looks fabulous and the fuzzy thing around her shoulders -it's all gorgeous 😍

[@Whorianna]

she killed the beast and wore his fur

[@mbali19]

The best example of cultural appreciation. Studying other people’s cultures, paying respect for their work whilst giving credit to them ❤️

[@danielwhelan4874]

It was a mix of culture. Through the looking glass writer was English. People forget that

[@Churros1616]

@@danielwhelan4874 okay Karen

[@danielwhelan4874]

@@Churros1616 ok Karen

[@marblesgrande1680]

Rihanna always knows what needs to be done and that reflects on her career and business. She has Fenty Cosmetics thay caters to all skin tones because she knows porcelain and nude aren't the only skin tones. *ahem expensive make up brands* Collaborated for a runway of lingeries that cater to all sizes because skinny isn't the only body type. *ahem VSA* That's why she has a CHINESE designer to make her CHINESE-inspired gown. She has brains. LMAO. Also, I like how Talko present their contents. It's obvious that they do research and not just plain gossip about celebrities. It's really professional. *ahem MOJO*

[@tanishaarora3976]

she has no problem appropriating south Asian and middle eastern religions. let's not herald her as revolutionary inclusive just yet

[@ivymartin1816]

love this comment🤣

[@vizeath]

Are you family of Ariana Grande?

[@Churros1616]

@@tanishaarora3976 you can not appropriate religions. The term is CULTURAL appropriation. Besides which religions are you talking about?

[@troubleinparadise7268]

*Ahem what comment!!* 😉☺😁😍

[@lovenomorejustgraceeeee]

Rihanna queen of iconic fashion

[@Mxqnc]

Nicki*

[@rocroyalty12]

And Zendaya the princess!

[@lovenomorejustgraceeeee]

@@rocroyalty12 Yh

[@farasauld3348]

@@lovenomorejustgraceeeee jurstinbeberilobe

[@cheshire8291]

With died fox🥰🥰

[@_.jjnxx._6302]

I don't understand how you have a china theme and completely ignore Chinese designers and use American designers instead. That's why everyone look similar and bland.

[@tibel552]

I’m pretty sure the theme was for American/ western designers perspective on Chinese culture. I don’t fully know though.

[@yourdailytikytoky3338]

It was supposed to be through a western perspective, but Rihanna’s was indeed made by a Chinese designer

[@daydreamer4971]

Lol I think that’s why her was the best she actually had a designer is actually from China

[@pilar5092]

it's a tricky area, due to contracts with designers, and money reasons. if the designer is small and would like the artist/famous person to wear their clothes, they have to have money or the person has to be interested in the brand/company. there are also cases where the famous person reaches out and asks the designer to dress them, but once again the designer has to be well established (have money) to do so. So the complaining is valid but everything is very Eurocentric, and that barrier need to be broken. Ps. I totally agree with you though.

[@TheHoneycomb5]

Don't worry now Hollywood now benign owned by Disney since they went broke . Disney now taking diverse into a whole new level .

[@DokiDolls]

She really looks like Tiana, from the princess and the frog

[@-criedjupiter-8464]

@Golden Sun Empire be greatful

[@Rain-rb9zc]

As a Chinese , Rihanna rocked the dress . It was one of the most appropriate dress for the Chinese theme. It was also nice that she asked the Famous Chinese designer Guo Pei to make her dress .....❤️

[@sachaconcerts8953]

Guo pei has literally the most beautiful gowns in the world

[@lana7565]

Her crystal gown and head wrap is the most gorgeous gown! She wears so well. Beautiful!

[@Londonaviatior]

All i can gather from this 15 minute video; Is that Rihanna is a queen. She is a legend. An icon. And a role model.

[@maryjane9407]

The memes about rih rihs dress was unnecessary. Just because the pattern and colors arent "normal" in Western culture doesnt mean its not in other parts of the world. They literally made fun of a culture.

[@sharda_ann]

I love Rihanna and her style. Finding a Chinese designer was not only the right thing but also looked fabulous. **Correction for the video, her mom is from Guyana and that makes her Guyanese not Ghanaian.

[@cloudystrawberry-5212]

Am literally early 🤩.......... Rihanna is rocking the met gala fashion 🤩they clothes looks so fashionable.......she has good taste👀

[@angiecoulson9799]

Faux fur isn’t fox fur.. that is all.

[@tornadogirl9099]

I used to pronounce it like "fox" too, until I learned it's pronounced "foe". Hearing it called fox fur irritates me now.😣🤣

[@jetnight88]

Who cares.... I will wear real fur

[@Jayasreedance1984]

@@jetnight88 🙄 animal cruelty

[@guesswhat-chickenbutt]

@@jetnight88 ignorant af

[@voxtur__7]

@@jetnight88 just watch a video of fur extraction and you will change your mind, if you have one.

[@vauzie_g6849]

This gown is soooo ICONIC! i really love how she walks with this gown! i love it! i love Rihanna!

[@jenniferbhujel2106]

That's why we respect and love Rihanna

[@anitakaushal6596]

No matter what dress she wear she still shines bright like a diamond

[@NatzTalk]

She looks absolutely gorgeous! 💛 The dress goes so well with her complexion

[@user-oe2ph8wl5s]

That dress is absolutely stunning

[@jhaniacute]

Blue and Porcelain was once worn by China's representative in Miss Universe 2012 and eventually bagged the Best In National Costume in that year. What an amazing piece😍

[@stayhappylittlemermaid]

You do not wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process. 🔥🔥👋

[@samyconpro9430]

Now that yellow dress can be worn by a Chinese emperor GO RIHANNA!!

[@ama.mensss]

Rihanna is such a beautiful QUEEN. I love how she researched about everything and made sure everyone knew that it was by a chin she woman. What a queen

[@EvelynL.1112]

*Chinese

[@didishen152]

That voice is soothing.

[@khreljuliancruz8113]

but the way she pronounces Guo Pei tho? and other words.

[@getupandgojoe]

Are you serious?

[@didishen152]

I meant Rihanna's

[@sleeplessbeauties]

Her fashion is no joke she really inspiring 😅❤️

[@nirjalachaudhary6443]

She looks beautiful in everything 😊😊😊

[@xxxxx6305]

Rihanna is everything. She is just perfect. Love her so much😍✨

[@deepamanoj3525]

A video on Rihanna, me likey

[@Voodoomaryg]

She looks like the sun, so beautiful and powerful, everyone's eyes on her

[@Weeping-Angel]

The gown is so beautiful it gave me chills ⭐️

[@lucymeltsmyheart844]

I love Rihanna cuz she’s the realest.I’m very proud of her.

[@justsomepersononyoutube9271]

Celebrity breathes The talko :

[@hikgthbfk]

Aside from that marvellous dress, the headpiece is 👌*chef's kiss*

[@claudiamador290]

Rihanna knows the assignment and always delivers

[@steshka1015]

Only Riri is sensitive and respectful to every races / ethnicity. I love Chinese culture. The color yellow is supreme color in imperial time.

[@kaylajay951]

This lady can do no wrong in my eyes 🥺❤️

[@lindataylor747]

I just (LOVE) her beautiful, beautiful dress, it looks great on her, and a huge thank you to the maker of it.

[@angiema-la6256]

She always looks gorgeous

[@krpalermo5598]

I'm just loving her more and more, she's so inspiring! Thank you TheTalko

[@taehyunginurarea6256]

I really liked her style it isn't too simple nor too sexy like Kylie she alwys do show her body.. Rihanna is really 🔥 she can rock anything with even simple outfits .

[@vixxp2856]

Kylie has no class that's why

[@beatpirate8]

i love this whole piece! rihanna blows my mind and makes me cry to feel seen and to see each other . wow! thank you!

[@manishashetty2443]

She is so perfect

[@whocares2881]

I love ❤️ watching the gorgeous clothes at The Met Galas 👍🏽🥰!

[@LovinLife-pv7op]

The Talko: "Faux" pronounced "foe" not "fox"

[@ezzohrae.h237]

I was looking for this comment

[@akwa2273]

@@ezzohrae.h237 also guo pei not gao pei.

[@ethana.3091]

It really was a moment! It’s also the hair & makeup. A full head to toe look. It’s a costume ball & she made it sooo believable.

[@virgieoliver448]

She never misses, I love them all!!!!!

[@onlymatchalatte]

*i thought this was an WHOLE LIFE EXPENSIVE omelette -inspired gown ! RIHANNA SUCH A QUEEN 👑*

[@tr-26]

She’s just so beautiful!😍

[@ladypinkbagsetc.9116]

Gorgeous craftsman ship. Absolutely gorgeous. Best choice ever.

[@angelmorilla7484]

Everything I love to her fashion style😍

[@rorisangmosa7187]

This woman is literally a goddess like what?

[@kenishiagreen]

This will always be one of my favorite looks from her.

[@thatyellowmenace9324]

YAS Queen!! Bow down to Queen Riri! 👑😍😍💕💕👑

[@margaretdesrosiers3235]

Love the pink one

[@xxxxx6305]

WE STAN A TRUE QUEEN RIHANNA❤️✨

[@waithirajuliet]

That gown was beautiful🖤

[@milanrichmann4010]

IVE BEEN WATCHCING THIS CHANEL FOREVER

[@TheThingsCelebrity]

Aw yay!

[@dailyjaily3289]

she is so beautiful

[@anik.906]

I

[@Emma-gi6hy]

Such a beautiful dress💛💛💛!!

[@gabgonzales9638]

9:51 the winner of Best in National Costume in Miss Universe 2012!!!

[@ladytebeyi2598]

Rihanna looks gorgeous

[@jeanettedawson7993]

The gown is magnificent. Bravo to Guo and Rihanna. A brave and bold move on your part. It's like the yellow rose of Texas. A peace type symbolism. You should be called A peace maker after this, very comely. This designer rock.

[@janayhamilton3667]

Rihanna is queen...

[@insiyaali6769]

Any doubt ?

[@gilpineda]

this has to be my favorite rihanna met loook.. nothing has ever topped this

[@yaya2nana]

She can't wear anything without me loving her even more 🤍🤍🤍

[@mariagalbova9891]

The dresses are very beatifull.

[@marchawongzurbriggen5285]

She’s one & only who can b step out of these box as super gorrrrrrrgeous stunningly oriented-look perfect for red carpet indeed , Of course many more coming lol 👍👍✨✨✨✨✨💖 As being so utterly utterly successful taking & return to giving back alots back to our society 🙏🙏🙏

[@lashawnablanton4649]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@seharasif4968]

She actually nailed this look although im not a fan of her but this dress of her🔥🔥🔥

[@1acianabaee]

I love her dress

[@itsme1719]

I'm so obsessed with this dress

[@FragranceJunkie]

Rihanna is beautiful inside and out...perfect 👌

[@JsGod1st]

I love how she respected the culture and had a very expensive and hand made gown .... That was stunning#madebychinesedesigner😍💯😍💯😍

[@iniyaelango8055]

I like the touch of wine glass in almost every outfits 😅🙂

[@navyturquoise7784]

SHE'S TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM

[@r.nicole378]

Fire 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 When so many celebrities don’t get the Met Gala theme correct. RIHANNA DID THAT ❤️

[@LupinLupinLupin]

What a beautiful yellow gold gown! If that was white, it could be also a wedding gown! 😍

[@julibagang9417]

Oooooossss she is gorgeous.anything she wear,she wear Comfortable.iconic loves she wearing 😍😍

[@nazneenlokhandwala8136]

Rihanna is way to amazing

[@praying5701]

STUNNING

[@ninafridrich5884]

Riri is queen ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sausanrajulisman4501]

Im just very touch watching this

[@zaara9719]

who else loves riri❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@NaomiMJS]

She's the best

[@the_classy_crackhead]

LOOK at dat Queen

[@bobbygilstrap9221]

Awesome ✨❤✨

[@charlieveguilla7034]

Love rhianna xoxo best wishes always beautiful

[@dawhi9818]

Rihanna is beautiful!

[@Kanchai7]

Only Rihanna can do this. 👏​👏​👏​

[@Noemi_esquivez]

She looked beautiful

[@aishaibrahimabbas5867]

It's that gorgeous pink ball gown for me...

[@davemcdonald3193]

This is why I am RiRi's biggest fan😍😍😍

[@application57]

WE LOVE THIS WOMEN

[@scelenenyx]

Rihanna is a queen!!👑

[@philovannenanfack3377]

Just waoooooooo si beautiful Nice dress❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@evedave4449]

Shes a true Queen..

[@lostcat9012]

my respect for this woman is📉📉📉📉