Music Video Inspiration: Where Have You Been [Rihanna]

The first time we saw this video, we were like "ooohmaigawsh! she's practically naked"! I guess you could say the opening scene (where she emerged from swampy waters as an almost-nude crocodile?) offended our sensibilities quite a bit. But that notwithstanding, the fashion in the video is amazing! Styled by fashion editor, Mel Ottenberg (stylist and fashion editor at Purple magazine) , the video is an ode to tribal-chic edginess, if there ever was such a thing! From the croc-skin pasties, body paint, leather trousers, pink harems, zebra swimsuit, printed scarves, embellished body suits and metallic dresses, the fashion in this video (which includes several custom creations from Adam Selman)  packs a tribal, voodoo-evoking punch that is impossible to ignore!

Fashion

Crocodile Pasties, Crocodile Necklace and Lace-Up Leather Pants

{Source} 

 Roberto Cavalli Zebra-Print Swimsuit, Shemagh Headscarf and Pink Harem Pants

{Source}{Source} 

 Emilio Pucci (S/S '12) Skull Lace-Detail Embellished Bodysuit and Gold Hoop Earrings

{Source}

 Ripped Black Glitter Dress

{Source}

Owl Nest Look: Silver Metallic Bodysuit and Tribal Necklace

{Source}

Red Satin Sheath Dress

                           

 {Source}

Make-Up

The extraordinary makeup was done by uber-talented makeup artist, Kabuki (artistic Director for Myface cosmetics). Kabuki has an impeccable pedigree and has worked with such incredible  megastars as Madonna, Michael Jackson and Katy Perry. He brought his insane talent to the fore here with exotic desert-and-swamp ready makeup featuring smoldering eyes, metallic eyeshadow, truckloads of shimmer (for the glowing skin), painted gold symbols and lots of animal inspirations!

Kabuki touching up Rihanna's makeup{Source}

 

{Source}{Source}

Our Artsy Finds

We really couldn't leave you drooling without helping somewhat, could we? Here are some incredible (and workable) look-alike pieces we unearthed:

GOTTEX Zebra Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit

125.00 pret-a-beaute.com

•                                     

Zebra Monokini with Custom Ring

$99.00 etsy.com

Chain Accent Pink Harem Pants

US$30.00 yesstyle.com

•                                      

Animal African Scarf
$32 - topshop.com

 Mango African Print Circular Scarf, Lime

$28 - johnlewis.com

Manik Mercian Anippe Necklace

$189 swarovski-elements.com

Indego Africa Fabric Wrap Bracelet

$25 - nicolemiller.com

Melissa Odabash Arizona crocodile-print swimsuit 

$170 (£108) - net-a-porter.com

•                                                 Connexion Lace-up stretch-leather skinny pants  

                                                    £683 - net-a-porter.com

Heidi Daus "Crocodile Hei-Dee" Crystal-Accented Necklace
$289.95 hsn.com

Alice Vandy Black Lace Bodysuit

$100.00 - $200.00-  svpply.com

 Blue Nile Large Hoop Earrings in 14k Rose Gold

 $180 - bluenile.com

 Chamak by Priya Kakkar Ten-Piece Wood-Bead Bangle Set

$65 - cusp.com

Zara Martin For Made Exclusive To Asos Set Of 3 Rings

$25 - asos.com

Metallic Blingtones

£12.99 myfacecosmetics.com

 Wynona Silver Sequin Bustier
$80.00 nastygal.com

20pc Nickel Free Silver Tone African Neck Rings
$19.99 ebay.com

Silver Sequin Rhinestone Bra Top

$35.99 ioffer.com

Vintage Hmong Silver Torque Neck Ring

450.00 beadsofparadisenyc.com

Hoola Bronzing Powder

£23.50 - debenhams.com

         

 MICHAEL Michael Kors Sleeveless Sequin Raw Edge Dress

$195 - my-wardrobe.com

 Religion Prd72 Black Sequin Racer Back Dress
 $83 - coggles.com

 Matches Cotton Sleeveless Dress

£184.00 skyliving.sky.com

 Elvira Sazesh Crystal Necklace

$150.50 -Bottica.com

ROSANTICA Beads necklace

$615 - farfetch.com

Moonbeam Illuminating Highligter

£18.50 debenhams

Watch the video here:

We hope you enjoyed reading this as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. What are your favorite looks from the music video? Would you be wearing any looks inspired by the "Where Have You Been" music video? We look forward to hearing from you. Kisses...