Sex sells. We've always known this. From watching Mad Men and studying the use of Freudian psychology in advertising it is clear that for decades the most effective way of selling a product, whatever it may be, is to link it to sex. Obviously it didn't take long for celebrities (and females in particular) to catch on to this idea and start acting provocatively and wearing revealing clothing (just look at any footage of Marilyn Monroe). However it appears that whereas the late 90s and early 00s were dominated by suggestive sex sirens like Britney (THAT VMA's performance), the current crop of female songstresses are indulging in all out, undisguised, overt displays of sexuality- from bicurious/lesbian antics to leather clad S&M dominatrix looks. I'm not sure if it's the influence of the ever experimental and shocking Gaga or just the coincidence of having a generation of young females who have outgrown the good-girl Disney stereotype, but almost every music video features some sort of underwear themed clothing, sex inspired gyrating and girl on girl action. Whether this is to illicit a shocked or aroused response from viewers it is most certainly opening up debate on what people (men and women alike) feel is the appropriate way for women to dress and act. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for female empowerment and experimental dressing but at times it ends up looking both pathetically rebellious (Miley Cyrus kissing girls now?!), try hard (Christina's shameful 'Not myself tonight video') or just plain weird (Gaga's 'Alejandro'). I also think it is completely unnecessary for women to wear leather and fishnets in a bid to appear 'sexy' and appeal to their male (or female) fans. Nevertheless, there are women who have the balls and attitude to pull off such extreme looks without appearing fake or affected. Rihanna is such an example. From the well publicized case of domestic violence between her and Chris Brown to the emotional and heart rending interviews which followed, we are all well aware of Rihanna's strength and tenacity; therefore it doesn't seem wrong or unnecessary for her to present an image of herself as a powerful and dominating women. Plus from the extensive paparazzi coverage of Rihanna we know that she is extremely fashion forward and confident (but in a wearable manner, not the insane 'art' creations of the Haus of Gaga), so she can pull off provocative looks without them seeming like costumes. So here are the two latest videos documenting Rihanna's new image-Te Amo and Rockstar:
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what, you seriously didn't think Rihanna's lesbianic 'Te Amo' was try-hard? It was like taTu but less convincing.
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