This day, four years ago, Rihanna dropped “Bitch Better Have My Money,” one of three tracks she released ahead of her most recent studio album, Anti. Critics proclaimed it her “hardest song yet,” and four months later an accompanying video—nay, cinematic masterpiece—arrived. It starred Spanish model/DJ Sita Abellan and newcomer Sanam as henchmen, and saw Rihanna embark on a kidnapping, torture, and murder mission to retrieve cash from an accountant who’d done her dirty. It was also, of course, a fashion revelation.
In fact, the core stylistic elements the “Bitch Better Have My Money” wardrobe can be credited for a lot of which you and your friends are wearing, almost half a decade on. We break down why, below.
1. Newsboy Caps
While the Ulyana Sergeenko coat Rihanna wears for her initial heist is certainly something to write home about, it’s the newsboy cap (the likes of which hadn’t been seen since 2004) that set tongues wagging. It very well could have been Rihanna who catalyzed the style’s return more recently.
2. Adam Selman
Long before Adam Selman became a household name among the Opening Ceremony cohort for his embroidered mesh jeans, Rihanna wore a T-shirt bearing his name. That’s a heavy plug.
3. Bandanas (And Anything Demna)
Seen your clique increasingly don the bandana like they’re Mary-Kate and Ashley in a 1998 romantic comedy? Well, that’s probably Rihanna’s impact. And as for the maroon thigh-high Vetements boots, well, we all know we saw many lot of knock-offs in the past several years.
4. 1990s Designer Sunglasses
Not only Rih, but Sita and Salman, donned vintage oval-shaped sunglasses for the video. Rihanna and Sanam’s both came courtesy of ’90s Gianni Versace, while Sita’s were Jean Paul Gautier. Something to keep in mind next time you’re trolling Depop for some new eyewear.
5. Fur Trims
Seen an increase of fur trimmed hems and necklines of late? Well, we should shout out Rihanna’s ship corset.
6. PVC Everything
The Bajan beauty donned a $3,000 latex dress for this video, as well as a clear PVC trench from Wanda Nylon’s Fall 2015 collection. You can probably find many a similar ‘fit now on Fashion Nova.
7. The Strappy Heel
Hi, Marc Jacobs! To everyone looking for a strappy sandal this spring, these toe-baring pumps from the designer set the tone for all of our future shopping carts. Let us take a minute to thank the Fashion Gods for the inspiration (i.e. Rihanna).