Savage x FENTY: Show Vol. 2 - A Celebration Of Inclusivity

When I was younger, I had genuine aspirations of walking in the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show. The supermodels always had the most stunning, detailed costumes and the show production itself gave me such a thrill year after year. However, there was one detail that I could not ignore: the standard of the model archetype featured in said show was one that did not highlight curvy/plus-sized bodies like mine. It felt as if a dream where “all bodies” in lingerie could be celebrated in an empowering, sensual way was damn near “unrealistic” until one powerhouse of a Black woman completely changed the narrative forever.

“Inclusivity for me has always been something second-nature. It’s not anything to really think about.” – Rihanna Fenty, Savage x FENTY: Show Vol. 2

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a woman who needs no introduction with the way that she has conquered key creative industries such as Music, Beauty, and Fashion. Fenty is also a woman who not only makes inclusivity a priority within her creative process but she does so with full, unfiltered intention. Savage x FENTY: Fashion Show Vol. 2 - Fenty’s latest lingerie-based fashion show streaming on Amazon Prime - can only be described as a moving, show-stopper of a production that will give viewers chills from start to finish. Choreographed by IMG Worldwide Artist Parris Goebel, one could say that Savage x FENTY: Fashion Show Vol. 2 expands on what can happen once the typical standard of Eurocentric beauty is dismantled and gives life to a universe where all walks of life are truly welcomed.

“I didn’t think it would be such a talking point after the fact. The only thing that I could think about was including everyone” – Rihanna Fenty on implementing inclusion into her Savage x FENTY lingerie sizing. 

Models Raisa Flowers, Precious Lee, and Sage White for Savage x Fenty: Show Vol. 2

Inspiration, beauty, fashion, sexuality, community, and inclusivity are focal points that Rihanna highlighted within the Savage x FENTY: Show Vol. 2 visual program. There are several instances of curvy to plus-sized representation within this groundbreaking fashion show through the mediums of modeling and dance. Celebrity Make-up Artist and Plus-Sized Model Raisa Flowers graced the catwalk with her regal aura to the sound of GRAMMY winner Kendrick Lamar’s Poetic Justice and gave audiences a strut that captivated audiences alike. A Plus-Sized male dancer gave us nothing but pure excellence from start-to-finish. One beautiful Dark-skinned, Plus-Sized Black woman blessed the program with a dance solo to N.E.R.D.’s She Wants to Move that will get one’s heart racing with how she hypnotizes the camera.

There was also a mesmerizing moment where GRAMMY-award winner Lizzo did a sultry, commanding dance solo to R&B singer Maxwell’s cult classic, Brown Sugar. It was a powerful, star-making moment where Lizzo gave the audience refreshing, unfiltered sex appeal as she danced with herself in the mirror to the tune of self-appreciation. There is a level of unprecedented celebrity star-power that is matched with moments that are relatable to one’s “self-love” process at large. It is a step in the right direction to erase the blasphemous notion that curvy/fat bodies cannot exist on a fashion runway or on a major platform. 

As if that weren't enough, Rihanna continues to lead the way with her standard of “inclusivity”. Fenty featured an impressive line-up of iconic drag queens and highlighted their influence in the beauty industry in addition to pop culture at large. RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars Season 5 Winner Shea Couleé, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Season 12 Winner Jaida Essence Hall, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Contestant Gigi Goode graced the runway with powerful serves and eloquent runway walks to match. Amputee representation was also present with Model and Owner of MMS Real Estates Miss. 5^th Ave and Model Lyric Mariah serving the audience legendary looks.

Fenty also eliminated the idea of ageism within fashion with strategic features such as actress Demi Moore and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast mate Erika Jayne. The attention to detail within the model selection as a whole is easily one of my favorite line-ups that I have witnessed to date. Rihanna’s aura is felt through her expression of paying homage to the tastemakers of Pop Culture.

The “Status Quo” of any creative industry can be challenged when a person with a certain level of access is willing to not only do the research but makes it a priority to highlight those who aren’t usually “seen” within their artistry. Rihanna is a superstar who is no stranger to facing adversity and breaking glass ceilings each and every time. The limit truly does not exist within the FENTY universe when it comes to the standard of “inclusivity” but it is more than apparent with the “Savage X Fenty” Lingerie line. Fenty and her creative team undeniably have a strong pulse on the culture. Listening to critiques from her fans and intentionally implementing said changes is what sets Rihanna apart from competitors. The younger version of myself in addition to the curve model that I am today is more than pleased with the direction of fashion shows at large. The title of being a “Savage x Fenty” model is definitely highly-coveted and highly sought after.

Written by “Court Kim” Montgomery

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