We've written about Rihanna's affinity for metal, or at the very least the metal aesthetic before. In the past, she's been spotted in Judas Priest shirts (Rob Halford approved), Krokus shirts and gaudy metal jackets and sweatpants. But did she take inspiration from Ghost's recently "deceased" Papa Emeritus for her outfit to the Met Gala Ball?
The Met Gala Ball is an annual excuse for rich people to get all dressed up based around a theme disguised as a charity event presented by Vogue Magazine at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year's theme was "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination" and Rihanna showed up looking all Pope-like.
.@rihanna, #MetGala Co-Chair, has arrived on the red carpet. #MetHeavenlyBodies pic.twitter.com/Gi8QupIpoM
— The Metropolitan Museum of Art (@metmuseum) May 7, 2018
WELCOME TO THE CHURCH OF RIHANNA. COME. SHE SHALL BAPTIZE YOU IN BODY LAVA AND SIN. pic.twitter.com/xIvBunLnhO
— justine (@biticonjustine) May 7, 2018
Okay let’s do something about the Met Gala 2018 :
Like for Pope Francis
Rt for Rihanna pic.twitter.com/Q8FwZmLQjM— Alex (@bemysweetener) May 8, 2018
Ghost took notice of the look and seemingly thanked Rihanna noting that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
The footage was repurposed from Vogue, and an excellent marketing technique. Ghost even asked their fans who wore it better:
[MESSAGE FROM THE CLERGY]
We wish to inform you that the clergy needs help in deciding who wore it best. #MetGala #MetGala2018 @rihanna @usweekly @people @voguemagazine @harpersbazaarus pic.twitter.com/c0TdKzzGmP
— Cardinal Copia (@thebandGHOST) May 8, 2018
One of the best responses was this re-edit of the "Rats" music video to Rihanna's "Umbrella"
— Nameless Girl (@Nameless_Girlt) May 8, 2018
Perhaps this could lead to a musical collaboration down the line, the way that Korn remixed Rihanna's "Bitch Better Have My Money."