Rihanna brought volume and theatricality to the 2025 Gotham Awards red carpet in a look by Balenciaga creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli on Monday night in New York City. The singer accompanied her partner, A$AP Rocky, who was nominated for Breakthrough Performer for his role in “Highest 2 Lowest.”
Styled by Jahleel Weaver, the Fenty Beauty founder’s look played with proportions, with a shapeless, off-the-shoulder bubbled bodice and drop waist, transitioning to a skirt with a flowing train for added dramatic flair.
Rihanna at the 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards on Dec. 1, 2025 in New York City.
Kristina Bumphrey
Rihanna added a pair of black leathery gloves to her look for added mystique, while the feathery hat she wore atop her straightened black hair continued the slight playful inspiration behind the look — derived from a selection in the Spanish luxury fashion house’s spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection.
To further augment her attire, Rihanna wore jewelry pieces that complemented the soft, cool tone of her dress. Among her accessories, the “Umbrella” singer wore a gold statement necklace with gemstones in shades of purple and pink.
Rihanna wears Balenciaga at the 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards on Dec. 1, 2025 in New York City.
Kristina Bumphrey
She added several earrings as well, including cuffs and silver gems for the finishing touch to her contemporary attire. As for glam, Rihanna’s hair was worn straight and down with makeup highlights including a smokey eye and neutral lip.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky
Kristina Bumphrey
Pierpaolo Piccioli was appointed the new creative director of Balenciaga in May 2025, succeeding Demna, the current creative director of Gucci. Piccioli debuted his new vision for the Spanish luxury fashion house in October with the spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection during Paris Fashion Week.
“I want to get into reality through silhouette and fabrics,” Piccioli told WWD in early October. “I didn’t want to be nostalgic. For me, it was important to be relevant for today, silhouettes that could be interesting today, but also wearable today… To make the ordinary very extraordinary.”
Rihanna
Kristina Bumphrey
The 2025 Gotham Awards were held at the Wall Street Cipriani location in New York City on Monday night. The evening kicked off awards season, honoring the best films and performances in 2025. “One Battle After Another” took home the top prize for Best Feature.
