Rihanna revives on the red carpet the Balenciaga dress with Bardot collar that French women have been obsessed with since the 1960s.

Rihanna catches the eye once again in a Balenciaga dress with a Bardot collar. This appearance revives a cut detail steeped in history, worn here with aplomb. So the question arises: why is this neckline coming back so strongly now?

When Rihanna revives the Bardot collar at Balenciaga

The Bardot collar flattens the shoulders and lengthens the neck. Brigitte Bardot popularized it in the 1950s. Since then, the cut has come back in cycles, as seasonal silhouettes demonstrate. Here, Rihanna offers a refined, graphic interpretation.

At Balenciaga, pure line and structure are paramount. The house is fond of clean volumes, so the Bardot collar finds a natural home here. Since 2015, Demna has been directing creation and refining this language. Rihanna is also part of this modernity.

The styling stands out for its restraint, so the eye reads the cut first. A low chignon or clean parting frees the collarbone. A few straight jewels are enough, but a cuff can frame the gesture. Here, Rihanna’s focus is on ease, imposing a confident allure.

“A Bardot décolleté frees the nape of the neck and sets the silhouette.”

Cut details: what Rihanna is changing

The dress looks straight, yet the waist breathes. An internal basque can stabilize the bust. In this way, the build retains precision without rigidity. This mastery gives Rihanna a natural carriage.

The fabric counts, because the neckline’s fit decides everything. A dense crepe supports, while a heavy jersey undulates. Also, the hemline benefits from a little weight to keep it straight. Thanks to this balance, Rihanna maintains a clear verticality.

• Check for ease of movement under the arms to avoid creases.
• Choose a neckline that follows the shoulder bone.
• Choose a bandeau bra or cup bra.
• Test the dress, sitting and standing, for 5 minutes.
• Keep your coat loose to preserve your figure.

Fashion context: Balenciaga, Demna and couture

Balenciaga has cultivated an architectural approach since Cristóbal. The house draws clean curves, so the Bardot collar blends in seamlessly. The vocabulary remains minimal, but the effect sculpts the silhouette. In this context, Rihanna serves as an eye-opener.

Demna has assumed a sharp, precise design since 2015. The house reopened the haute couture chapter in 2021, which reinforces the discipline of cutting. As a result, every millimeter of neckline counts. This standard suits Rihanna well.

This is a time for durable, reusable pieces. A black Bardot goes from one season to the next, so the wardrobe becomes lighter. Accessories modulate the mood, from minimal chic to grand soir. This approach reduces impulse buying.

Beauty and style: the Rihanna effect

An open collar calls for a clean neck. A high hair tie, braid or disciplined curls enhance the oval. A matte mouth or dark varnish is enough, as the cut already speaks loudly. With this dosage, Rihanna keeps the focus on the line.

Posture changes everything. Low shoulders, regular breathing, a free chin: the silhouette wins. On the other hand, a bag that’s too bulky blurs the view. Better a stiff minaudière and long gloves if the weather turns cool.

Practical tips inspired by Rihanna

Layering remains possible, and even easy. For example, a cocoon coat or short cape covers without constricting. A heavy stole can be tucked under the armpit to avoid riding up the neckline. Rihanna is showing the way, with small touches.

Fit is everything. A tailor can take up the line at 3 points: shoulder, neckline bevel, hem. Also, a non-slip tape helps a lot. You gain comfort without sacrificing mobility.

To go from day to night, change texture. Taut satin replaces crepe, while a choker takes over. As a result, the dress retains its chameleon function. This sense of timing is reminiscent of Rihanna’s method.

• Rihanna