Lasting Legacy of Rihanna: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Rihanna—a timeline of influence.

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a highly successful Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. Known for her significant impact on music and fashion, she's one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with approximately 250 million records sold. She has earned numerous accolades, including nine Grammy Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and thirteen American Music Awards, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1987: LVMH fashion line launch

In 1987, it was the last time before Rihanna that LVMH had launched a fashion line. Rihanna created a fashion house in the luxury sector, with no artistic limits.

February 22, 2008: "Rihanna Day" launched in Barbados

On February 22, 2008, former Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson launched the national "Rihanna Day" in Barbados to celebrate Rihanna.

October 2011: Rihanna comments on performance outfits

In October 2011, in the British Vogue issue, Rihanna stated that her performance outfits and appearances are all an act; "That's not me. That's a part I play. You know, like it's a piece of art, with all these toys and textures to play with".

2012: Social Networking Superstar

In 2012, Rihanna ranked No. 1 on Forbes' list of Social Networking Superstars.

May 2013: Eve Ensler Praises Rihanna

In May 2013, feminist Eve Ensler praised Rihanna for having agency over her sexuality, being open about it, and having grace and talent.

2013: Influential Pop Star in the UK

In 2013, Rihanna was named the most influential pop star in the United Kingdom by UK channel 4Music.

2014: Time Magazine's Pop Star Ranking

In 2014, Time magazine's pop stardom ranking metric ranked Rihanna second in history, based on all-time chart performance and contemporary significance.

March 2015: Rihanna becomes the face of Dior

In March 2015, Rihanna was chosen as the new face of Dior, making her the first black woman to be the face of the brand.

2015: Stylistic comparison to fashion icons

During Vogue Festival 2015, Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing praised Rihanna, comparing her stylistically to fashion icons like Madonna, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, and Prince.

2015: Guo Pei Yellow Dress at Met Gala

In 2015, at the "China: Through the Looking Glass" Met Gala, Rihanna's Guo Pei-designed yellow dress garnered significant attention, accruing a billion impressions on social media. The dress later became the subject of a documentary, Yellow Is Forbidden.

August 2018: Billboard Ranking

In August 2018, Billboard ranked Rihanna as the tenth biggest Hot 100 artist of all time, and the fifth biggest female act of all time.

September 20, 2018: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Barbados

On September 20, 2018, Rihanna was appointed by the government of Barbados to be an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, with special duties of promoting "education, tourism and investment for the island."

2018: Most Influential People and Best Dressed

In 2018, Time magazine included Rihanna on its 100 Most Influential People in the World issue, and she was ranked one of the best dressed women by Net-a-Porter.

May 2019: Launch of Fenty fashion brand with LVMH

In May 2019, Rihanna launched her Fenty fashion brand under LVMH, becoming the first woman to create an original brand for LVMH and the first woman of color to lead an LVMH brand.