As I mentioned in my previous post the US has decided to use the
occasion of the United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change's
(UNFCCC) June meeting in Bonn, Germany to once again push Rihanna to
the fore. Last night (2/6/14) she was presented with the Council of
Fashion Designers of America's (CFDA) "Icon" award in New York City, US.
Obviously being a fashion industry award a of lot focus was on what
Rihanna wore to the ceremony. Although it paid clear reference to 1920's
(prohibition-era) glamour this Adam Selman original was essentially
just 230,000 Swarovski Crystals (not diamonds) threaded together. As a
result Rihanna appeared almost completely nude with her breasts, nipples
and buttocks all clearly visible and only a brief thong preserving what
was left of Rihanna's modesty. This outfit of course followed perfectly
the narrative of the "Free the Nipple" campaign that the US has been
trying to build through Rihanna and Miley Cyrus' Instagram which was
mocked extensively at both the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2014
Eurovision Song Contest. It was also accompanied by a public statement
on Instagram's censorship/prohibition policy by Instagram CEO Kevin
Systrom.
So far from being risque, rule breaking or rebellious Rihanna's outfit
was very much a safe choice with which she followed her CIA handlers
instructions to the letter. As such the speech given by Vogue Magazine
editor Anna Wintour as she presented Rihanna with the award was
particularly biting. In it she spoke about how Rihanna used her fashion
'choices' to tell stories and communicate a message to her fans before
describing Rihanna as being like a little boy and reminding Rihanna that
the purpose of fashion is "pushing buttons while remaining true to
yourself." Wintour's reference to what Rihanna was wearing that evening
seemed very much intended and received as a cue for laughter amongst the
audience. Finally Wintour highlighted her closeness to Rihanna by
describing her as a Text message friend rather then say a Twitter or
Facebook friend.
This is perhaps no less then you would expect from a woman who is
affectionately known as "Nuclear Wintour/Winter" and in fact seemed a
large act of charity. That is because by acknowledging that the CFDA's
description of Rihanna as a fashion icon lacks credibility Wintour may
well have helped defuse the storm of criticism that is expected to greet
Rihanna when she arrives in Paris, France on Wednesday (4/6/14) which
is considered one of the fashion capitals of the World.
However it has emerged that Rihanna's handlers are not satisfied in
merely sending Rihanna to France for the launch of her Rogue perfume.
Apparently on Thursday (5/6/14) Rihanna will also hold a press
conference at the Hard Rock Cafe in Paris. The primary purpose of this
is create a big secret which we are all supposed to speculate on while
really emphasising that Olympic theme of European high culture versus
American low culture. After all the superiority of French slow food over
the type of American fast food sold at the Hard Rock Cafe has long been
a source of pride for the French.
As for what the big secret is it could be anything from the very small
such as a Willy Wonka style competition which would give Rihanna fans
the chance to meet her if they buy the Rogue perfume through to
something larger like the release of this long rumoured concept album in
support of the upcoming film "Home" or a "Monster/777" style mini-tour.
However if I were Rihanna's CIA handlers tactically what I would do is
use it to announce the sudden Beyonce-style release of an Internet
album. The way that album would be quickly purchased by Rihanna's core
fans would help create a baseline of Rihanna's core support that could
be contrasted with the conventional release of an album later in the
year helping to give an indication of how far Rihanna's popularity has
dipped since 2012.
(Originally Posted) 12:45 on 3/6/14 (UK date).
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