Rihanna made a big statement at the American Music Awards show on Sunday (November 24, 2013) where she wore her hair in a doobie, a wrap using bobby pins that’s predominantly used to protect and prolong the look of hair that’s been straightened.
Her stylist, Ursula Stephen, weighed in on the look and credited Rihanna with the idea. Stephen told Elle magazine, “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.”
Both Rihanna and Stephen were aware the look would create waves. She explained, “I knew it would get a reaction but I wasn’t sure if it would be positive or negative. A doobie on the red carpet has never been done before so I knew it could have gone either way.”
At the same time, Stephen noted that wearing a doobie in public is nothing new. She explained, “I see girls on the street rocking them all the time shopping, eating; it’s just never been seen in a formal setting.”
As for critics who viewed Rihanna’s hair choice as showing a lack of respect given the setting, Stephen wasn’t having it. She stated, “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.”
