Rihanna’s Bubblegum Pink Balenciaga Dress Confuses Fans at Gotham Awards

by Zaghrah Anthony

Rihanna’s Gotham Awards Look Sparks Debate: Even Fashion Royalty Has Off Days

When the style queen misses the mark, the internet makes sure we all know

For years, fans have lived by a simple truth: “It’s ugly until Rihanna wears it.” The Barbadian superstar has a knack for turning even the most unlikely fashion experiments into global trends. But this week in New York, at the 35th Gotham Independent Film Awards, even the queen of effortless cool may have pushed her luck a little too far.

Rihanna arrived draped in a bubblegum pink Balenciaga creation from Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, a look that managed to stun, baffle, and divide the internet all at once.

A Dress That Looked Like… What Exactly?

The gown itself was classic Balenciaga on paper: larger-than-life proportions, theatrical silhouettes, unapologetic drama. It featured a drop-waist, balloon-style skirt, an exaggerated train, and puffy sleeves so big they seemed to float.

But on the carpet? That’s where opinions got spicy.

The dress drew instant comparisons to “a gathered bed sheet,” “two fitted sheets stapled together,” and “a first-year sewing machine project gone rogue.” And those were just the Reddit comments.

Balenciaga’s recent creative direction has leaned heavily into weird-but-maybe-genius silhouettes, a style that thrives on discomfort. But this time, the discomfort was shared by many, even among Rihanna’s loyal defenders.

A Look That Couldn’t Be Saved by Accessories

Rihanna doubled down on the pink theme with a feathered peak cap and a violet-toned jewelled neckpiece, bold choices that might have worked with a sleeker outfit. But paired with an already confusing dress, the overall effect had fans squinting.

On X (Twitter), memes spread within minutes.
One user posted: “I love her… but the hat looks like it was borrowed from a carnival float.”

Another joked: “Rihanna giving us DIY slumber party couture. I respect the commitment.”

Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky Looked Like the Night’s Poster Child for Elegance

Adding to the juxtaposition, A$AP Rocky, who received the Breakthrough Performer of the Year Award glided in wearing a razor-sharp black Chanel suit. It was clean, classic, and the complete opposite of Rihanna’s experiment.

Given Rocky’s recent appointment as a Chanel ambassador, it almost felt like a coordinated yin-and-yang moment… except the yin was having a slightly chaotic day.

Why Rihanna’s Miss Still Matters

South African fashion lovers watching from afar couldn’t help but weigh in too. Local stylists pointed out something many international critics overlooked: high-fashion risks keep the industry alive and Rihanna is one of the few celebrities who consistently pushes the boundaries.

In truth, a fashion miss from someone as influential as Riri is not a disaster, it’s a reminder that creativity isn’t always pretty, but it is brave. And it keeps the conversation going.

Will Rihanna Bounce Back? Absolutely.

If there’s one thing the world knows, it’s that Rihanna never stays down for long in fashion, music, or business. This dress might be remembered as one of her rare misfires, but it also reinforces why her style remains so fascinating: she’s willing to do what others won’t.

And knowing Riri, her next red carpet appearance will probably birth another global trend.

Source: IOL

Featured Image: X{@LaModeUnknown}