In the glittering world of high society and extravagant events, few gatherings rival the grandeur of an Ambani celebration. This particular affair, a pre-party bash thrown by the Ambani family to celebrate the marriage of their youngest son to Radhika Merchant, was nothing short of legendary. With no expense spared, the lavish soirée unfolded like a scene from a fairy tale, captivating the imaginations of all who were fortunate enough to attend.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by a spectacle of grand proportions – 500 delectable dishes meticulously prepared by around 100 chefs, towering bush sculptures of majestic giraffes and elephants, and a star-studded guest list that included luminaries such as Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, ASAP Rocky, and a myriad of other esteemed actors and personalities.
But the pièce de résistance of the evening came in the form of a mesmerizing performance by none other than the iconic Rihanna. Taking the stage with her full army of backup singers, dancers, and band, Rihanna enthralled the audience with a 45-minute spectacle featuring 19 electrifying songs. It was a performance for the ages, one that left an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.
Watch a video of the performance HERE.
However, behind every show-stopping performance lies a team of dedicated creatives working tirelessly to bring the artist's vision to life. This is where we come in! When Rihanna's stylist, Jahleel Weaver, reached out to VidaKush owner's best friend and esteemed stylist, Ann-Marie, to style the backup dancers for the performance, it was an opportunity that Ann immediately knew she needed our help with.
Having previously collaborated on projects such as the 2023 Super Bowl, Ann-Marie and Jahleel understood Rihanna's vision like no other. With just three weeks to go before the big event, they embarked on a whirlwind journey of brainstorming and creation, exchanging ideas and concepts until the perfect vision emerged. This process took time as the designs changed with discovering new materials and adapting to be more durable so they wouldn't break when the dancers were giving it their all.
From handcrafted waist chains for the female dancers to crystal-adorned kilts for the male dancers, every detail was meticulously curated to complement Rihanna's stage presence. Ann-Marie's fondness for epaulettes inspired the inclusion of these striking accessories, adding an air of strength and sophistication to the male dancers' ensembles.
The process of designing and making these epaulettes was no easy task but the final product was worth every effort. Enjoy this story line of photos from the idea, to the sketch, down to the final product.
But it wasn't just the dancers who dazzled on stage – Rihanna herself looked resplendent in pink sparkly tights and a matching dress, a vision of ethereal beauty on the big stage that was built for the performance. Jahleel had been assisting alongside stylist Mel Ottenburg with Rihanna since 2005, but it was in 2014 that Rihanna asked him to work with her directly and since then he has been her personal assistant and official creative director of Fenty.
For VidaKush, this project was unlike any other, pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship to new heights. With 51 individuals touched by our creations, witnessing our pieces come to life on stage was a moment of unparalleled pride and joy.
As the curtains closed on yet another unforgettable performance, one thing became abundantly clear – when passion, talent, and creativity converge, the result is pure magic. And for VidaKush, being a part of such a momentous occasion was an honor beyond measure.
From the Ambani pre-party bash to the bright lights of the stage, this is a story that will be etched in history, a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the enduring spirit of artistic expression.
Here are the rest of the photos to help you piece together the story even more. What is your favorite custom piece we made for the wedding?
Watch a video of the performance HERE.
