Rihanna is a vision of trendsetting glory.
She's an astute businesswoman whose ventures have made her the wealthiest female musician in the world while her fans beg for an album — to which, she pays dust. The pop diva is an outspoken queen unafraid to tell us just how much she loves being Black and to demand that those from other races who relish in our presence should also be fighting for our livelihood. In addition to the jaw-dropping success she's had in her 32 years of life, she's also gotten some incredible and eye-popping body art.
Some pieces you maybe didn't notice while others are impossible to miss. These are nine of the coolest.
1. An elegant cross
It's simple, it's elegant, it's cute. It gives us an opportunity to look even closer at the "Work" artist than we were already doing. The small cross on her collar bone is something minimal and stylish. Cool enough to be seen and discreet enough to not draw too much attention.
2. A falcon
In June 2012, Rihanna covered up her music notes tattoo and replaced it with a large Egyptian falcon. pic.twitter.com/MaeNYqQH8N
— Rihanna Daily (@Rihannadailyuk_) December 15, 2013
Rihanna's first ink ever was music notes on her foot, according to Capital Extra and other people on the net. It's unsure exactly when, but some time later she refined the foot ink with an Egyptian-inspired falcon. The detailed line work with subtle white highlights leaves an impressive image on an unexpected location.
3. Stars
her stars tattoo✨ @rihanna
pic.twitter.com/KFzpzIcLAL— Rihanna & Shawn (@higherxriri) May 31, 2017
As Rihanna moved out of her short-hair-don't-care incarnation, we rarely get to see the trail of stars adorning her neckline. One could argue that Riri's fondness for the galactic symbol started the "star" craze we still see today inked on everyday folks. Always a trendsetter; even the tats we've forgotten are still making an impact.
4. A goddess (fitting)
One of her most notable tattoos, Rihanna's very large, very intricate, chest piece situated right below her breasts stunned the masses with its placement and intricacy. She later noted in an Instagram post that the piece was an homage to her grandmother.
5. Pisces, stand up!
In 2006 when Rihanna was in Tokyo she got her zodiac sign, Pisces, tattoo'd behind her right ear. pic.twitter.com/6nTdOFR7tu— Roxy (@badg4lrihanna) December 22, 2016
I don't know many Pisces, but apparently they're dope because Rihanna's one of them. While many sign tats can be cliche, this small symbol behind the ear, which she had done in 2006, is a refreshing twist on a tried and true concept.
6. Roman numerals
The elegant, shoulder-placed roman numerals reveal a date. But what of? Apparently, the piece is an homage to her best friend and manager Melissa Ford, who she's referred to as a "blood sister," according to BuzzNet.
7. Inked henna
The "Love on the Brain" artist showed up with an elaborate henna design on her hand a few years back. Many of us assumed that the temporary design would eventually fade. We were wrong though, because why would the queen get a temporary tattoo? The permanent henna design is an interesting addition that is an unusual concept.
8. Failure, where?
In 2005 at just 17 years old, Rihanna arrived on the charts with "Pon de Replay." We've gotten the opportunity to see her blossom before our eyes, and not without public ups and downs. The reminder is a good one so why not have it to see forever?
9. Tiny gun
For the artist, 2009 was a tumultuous year after she was thrown into the global spotlight due to a domestic violence incident with then-boyfriend Chris Brown. After the dust settled many questioned Rihanna's mindset and future career trajectory. At the time, she sat down with Elle to discuss the motivations behind her then-new tattoo, a small gun.
"Everybody wanted to know what was happening in my life. Is she a drug addict? No. Is she an alcoholic? No. Is she a victim? No. That’s when I got the gun," she said.
"It was a symbol of strength – it was 'I’ll never be a victim.'"
