Rihanna Reclaims A Symbol Of Black Culture, Being The First To Wear A Durag On The Cover Of British Vogue

Rihanna continues to show us that she is not one to be underestimated, with her presence and creativity spanning through the world of business, fashion, beauty and music as well as being openly a pioneer and promoter of equality and creating opportunities for the black community. Rihanna’s innovation and uniqueness throughout all of her endeavours have separated her from the rest and have her recognised as a game-changer in every field. Constantly shaking things up Rihanna features on the cover of British Vogue as the first women to ever wear a durag on world-renowned publication.

Fitting perfectly with the topic she discusses, Rihanna rocks two outfits, one with bold gold chains another aspect popular in Hip Hop and black culture, worn with a lace bodice and a cool jacket featuring frayed stitching detail. The second look captures her wearing an all-white suit featuring a Burberry shirt, both outfits are accessories with a black durag the standout piece of the whole look, a common symbol of authentic black culture and often seen in all channels of black culture but rarely seen in the media represented as high fashion. In this months feature, Rihanna speaks openly about some of her first experiences of racism with her mother, something that has led her to empathise and understand the discrimination faced by Mexicans in the US. Vogue editor in chief Edward Enninful confirms the idea was all Rihanna. He writes in his editor’s notes ‘ Did I ever think that I would see a durag on the cover of Vogue? No, I did not…Yet here we have the most aspirational and beautiful durag. How exciting.’

 Rihanna wearing a durag with Truth painted across her eyes is not only iconic but game-changing in putting black culture and representation on the map. Rihanna shows millions of diverse people through her cover that black is beautiful, culture matters and culture is a part of our identity that we should be proud of.