When Rihanna swirled out onto the red carpet looking flawless in her Jean Paul Gaultier couture gown and “doobie” in tow at The American Music Awards, the Internet and maybe even the world, went up in a frenzy. Americans of all backgrounds went to Twitter and Facebook to discuss the infamous hair “style” the star chose to rock at one of the biggest award shows in the music industry.
The response was huge and mixed with accolades and dismay:
Although the “doobie” is largely known within the African American community as a household style used to preserve the straightened hair of African American women, you can occasionally find women wearing their hair in this manner to run errands, food runs, the gym and other minor activities. To wear a wrap in public to an event of any caliber is a huge violation to the woman and her culture. But when Rihanna did it, viewers questioned her motives?
Over on NY Mag, they stated, “Some believed that Rihanna’s hair was a deliberate statement, in keeping with her signature nonchalance.”
Celebrity Hair stylist Ted Gibson said: “I think she was just trying to say, ‘I’m Rihanna. I want to create trends. I want to be beautiful. As an icon, I can do whatever the f*#k I want to do.'”
Because of the huge response and confusion around the singer’s hairstyle, her hairstylist, Ursula Stephens, decided to address the controversy in an interview with Elle Magazine where she talks about Rihanna’s decision to wear the wrap and how it paid homage to the world of fashion. Check out an except below:
“Whose idea was it for Rihanna to wear a doobie wrap?
It was actually Rihanna’s idea. She had her mind made up! Honestly, I was a little hesitant but I knew she could pull it off, so I was all for it.
There’s been quite a bit of backlash from some members of the African-American and Latina community, who feel the wrap should be relegated to the bedroom. How do you respond to that criticism?
Everyone has an opinion. However, the doobie has been worn to Bergdorf Goodman. They just haven’t been paying attention. And it’s been around since the ’30s. Part of my job is to know eras, trends and fashion, and to keep looks alive by adding a modern twist.”
Although Stephens confirmed the idea of the style was that of Rihanna’s, the manager of a yet-unknown rapper wasted no time to attack the “origin” of the hairstyle taking to social networks to proclaim the “doobie” as her own, accusing Rihanna of stealing the style.
The YBF.com reported:
“Patwa, a Bronx born 2nd generation Jamaican American, who fused hip hop, reggae and culture into her music (much like Rihanna). As a part of her “look”, Patwa embraced the doobie with jeweled pins to signify she was a Queen and this was her ghetto crown.
But here’s the thing…Patwa and her manager were told by Def Jam execs that her look was too hood and White America wouldn’t embrace it. Though Patwa was offered a development (if she agreed to soften up her image), she walked away from the industry.
But now, former manager Trumaine Ferguson is speaking out about Rihanna and expressing outrage about what happens when someone with money, power and fame rips you off and you can’t do anything about it.”
Whatever the situation may be, Rihanna is one of the bigger fish in the sea of celebrities and will undoubtedly take the credit for debuting the style on the red carpet. Whether it is well received or riddled with backlash, Rihanna did what most Icons would do…she took a risk and she changed the game.
