I went to see Rihanna at Barclays Center on May 5 and took one of my best-ever concert photos!
![rihanna1](http://wendybrandes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rihanna1.jpg)
Photo by Wendy Brandes. Can you believe it?!
When Bad Gal RiRi first came out in this costume, it took me a moment to realize what the print was. Then I thought, “Bitch stole my style again!” First, she ran off with a leopard Dolce & Gabbana dress that should have been mine. Now she is wearing a dollar-bill-print costume, which reminds me of the dollar-print vintage dress that I most recently wore in February.
But I ain’t mad. I was quite pleased because I’ve been collecting photos of people wearing currency prints. Just last month, comedian Will Ferrell wore a money suit at the MTV Movie Awards.
Doesn’t that look identical to the one worn by a fellow who wound up on Cheezburger’s FAIL Blog?
I previously wrote about money-influenced fashion — and my dress in particular — in 2009. Let me know if you see any other examples. And you can check out the rest of my Rihanna concert photos on Flickr.
Here’s what I wore to the concert.
What Wendy Wore
Jacket: Customized Levi’s (2013)
Dress: Vintage Clovis Ruffin (purchased on eBay, probably in 2009)
Boots: Helmut Lang (pre-2005)
Purse: Prada (purchased on eBay in 2008)
Necklace: My own IDGAF design
Lip color: YSL Rouge Volupte in Rose Culte
The jacket is from The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. I was searching for information on graffiti artist Lady Pink and came across a series of artist-decorated Levi’s jean jackets at MOCA. I’ve never lost my love for a lot of ’80s styles, including DayGlo colors, single earrings, rubber jewelry and turquoise leather. One memorable look from that era was the painted denim jacket, so I how could I resist one adorned with the work of the preeminent female graffiti artist?
![rihannaoutfit2resize](http://wendybrandes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rihannaoutfit2resize.jpg)
There’s a woman’s figure in the middle of the skull if you look closely.
I didn’t have my RiRi Woo lipstick in time for the show. That’s Rihanna’s collaboration with MAC Cosmetics. I already have two everyday red lipsticks — MAC’s Lasting Lust and Chanel’s Ruby Lite — but I do love a special edition. It wears a little pink on me. I wore it to a cocktail party, sporting a dress that should be my official red-lipstick debut dress.
What Wendy Wore
Dress: Prada (2012)
Shoes: Prada (2010)
Purse: Louis Vuitton (2001)
Jewelry: All my own designs
Lip color: RiRi Woo by MAC
The initial shipment of RiRi Woo sold out; when it’s back in stock in June, it’s worth a try if you can handle a very matte lipstick.
I’ve shared these photos in Not Dead Yet Style’s Visible Monday post; check out all the other fabulous, Visible ladies here.
UPDATED JULY 1 TO ADD: Last night, Ciara performed at the BET Awards wearing a dollar-print outfit from my and Rihanna‘s swaggerjacking nemesis, Topshop. Interesting!
I love that jacket! You have so many pieces that I adore, including the Prada frock. Sigh. I don’t however, share your love of that person Rihanna! Lol, but you probably DGAF about Metallica either!
Nope, IDGAF about Metallica, but I won’t disown you for enjoying them 😛
Love the jacket. I keep almost getting one of those…Painted denim jackets were very much the thing at my highschool in the day. The graffiti “Art in the Streets ” show @ MOCA was brilliant – I am still bummed it never went to NY as planned 🙁 It was so very 80s heavy and very much LA/CA like east coast v west coast rap.
Keeo the prada lip print dress forever. You can wear that when you are 80, no lie.
Get a painted jacket and send me a pic!
Oh, love this painted denim jacket. Great find with a back story. Thanks for sharing it with Visible Monday – and your necklace is all over my post today!
Thanks for including me in that post!
Oooo! Money motifs! ( I used to have some of that in my wallet, but sadly, no more.) Rhianna wore it like no one else can, but your very different take gave her a run for her money (ahem.) And you wore it much better than poor Will. Yes, it’s a GRAND photo. You look very cool in your jacket, and the lippy dress works a treat and more. Wouldn’t have worked as well without your earrings, of course.
Super.
Thanks, Jan!
that jacket is such a surprise item! I LOVE the print on the back, it makes it a billion times more interesting and special!
Yeah, I don’t feel like I’d be too into an unpainted Levis these days!
Absolutely in love with the kisses Prada dress, you always look stunning, you are truly a dollface.
You are a sweetie!
what ARE those shoes I WANT them
The ones with the dress? I’ve had them a couple of years. I do love a patent leather pump!