Bad Girl Rihanna has always had an eye for over-the-top fashion and never fails to keep us on our toes, whether she’s stepping out on the streets of SoHo or strutting her stuff on the red carpet. The superstar’s killer style caught the attention of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, who honored RiRi Monday with the Fashion Icon Award at the CFDA Awards. Her daring style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying the girl knows how to make a statement.
The prestigious award was presented by none other than the queen of fashion herself, Vogue’s Anna Wintour.
“Incredible style can help take a talented young woman from a small island to the world stage, and along the way spark a lot of conversation about elegance and empowerment,” Wintour said about the singer.
In honor of the fashion darling’s most recent award, we’ve rounded up Rihanna’s top five red carpet looks:
1. Armani Privé at the 2012 Grammy Awards
Jaws dropped when Rihanna stepped onto the red carpet in this sleek and sexy black gown with plunging neckline and front slit to show off the star’s gorgeous gams.
2. Tom Ford at the 2012 Met Gala
This exotic number brought major drama to the Met Gala and highlighted RiRi’s envious (and Instagram famous!) curves while showing off her signature edgy look.
3. Azzedine Alaïa at the 2013 Grammy Awards
This showstopping red gown was classically elegant but still sexy and glamorous. Paired with soft, unfussy waves and a matching red lip, Rihanna’s natural beauty took center stage.
4. Stella McCartney at the 2014 Met Gala
This white gown showed off all of RiRi’s best, ahem, assets, while still being fashion forward and landing her on many a best dressed list. The star balanced the dramatic midriff-revealing gown with a high neckline and messy updo to perfect effect.
5. Adam Selman at the 2014 CFDA Awards
It’s only fitting that Rihanna received her CFDA award in this absolutely showstopping sheer gown. The fashionista took advantage of the fact that toplessness is perfectly legal in NYC by leaving her bra at home in favor of a fabulously outrageous look that left little to the imagination.
Love her or hate her, we totally think Rihanna deserved the Fashion Icon Award for her fearlessness and groundbreaking sense of style. Whether she’s rocking a gorgeous gown or an out-of-this-world street ensemble, it’s clear that Rihanna isn’t afraid to take a style risk. In the fashionista’s own words: “There are rules, but rules are meant to be broken.”