Thigh-High Slits & Short Shorts Take The Stage At Rihanna For River Island

Trust Rihanna to throw a runway show like no other. With queues snaking around the block to get in and Kanye West’s "Clique" blaring out of the speakers, the mood was more akin to a nightclub than a fashion show.

Inside the cavernous ex-postal-sorting office, the cocktails were flowing and there was not a runway in sight. Instead a five-tiered stage acted as the platform to show the R&B star’s creations.

Even if we didn’t know that this was RiRi’s collection, we would have guessed. Her style DNA was infused into every stitch of the fabric. From the thigh-high-split maxi dresses and not-for-the-faint-hearted mesh vests to the '90s-inspired crop tops and matching short shorts, the looks could only have been designed by this woman.

In a surprising contrast to the moody, almost defiant stance of the models was Rihanna’s own vibe when she came to take her bow after the show. There was no bravado or swagger, just a smile and a wave, then she was gone. All hope of an impromptu performance evaporating at the click of a heel.

No matter, this time round Rihanna let her collection do all the talking. Just take a look at our pics from the event, and see for yourself.