Ever-evolving and daring to be different, British-Japanese singer Rina Sawayama is no stranger to experimentation when it comes to music and fashion. A look at the cover of her sophomore album Hold The Girl showcases Sawayama’s penchant for the avant-garde: sporting elongated fingernails and a bulbous black dress designed by Terrence Zhou, Sawayama poses on water against a stark red background.
From the release of her 2017 EP Rina till today, the singer has developed an idiosyncratic style that makes her one to watch. Just like her hit singles, ‘XS’ and ‘Comme des Garçons (Like the Boys)’, the singer’s experimental sound matches her eclectic wardrobe. Sparkly accessories, loud prints and heeled boots—not to mention an assortment of hair colours—have become mainstays of the rising pop star’s look over the years.
The stylist working closely with Rina Sawayama? Jordan Kelsey, who continuously elevates the singer’s presence with a stunning wardrobe. This year in particular, Kelsey has been mixing striking leather and denim pieces with a western cowboy style for Rina Sawayama. The effect of such sartorial choices speaks for itself as Sawayama serves up a distinctive flair in each look she wears for the promotion of her latest album.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to predict what Rina Sawayama wears whenever she makes an appearance. One moment Sawayama would be serving red carpet glamour in a frilly couture gown and the next thing you know she’s on tour rocking Mugler bodysuits and bleached brows.
While Sawayama does occasionally play up a more subdued casual style, the vivacious energy of the ‘This Hell’ singer always shines through. If anything, you can look to Sawayama for outfit inspiration when you’re in the mood to go out of your comfort zone and take fashion risks.
Below, scroll to see Rina Sawayama’s most show-stopping looks since her debut.
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October 2022: 'Frankenstein' music video
In her latest music video for ‘Frankenstein’, Rina Sawayama puts a dramatic spin on the classic tale and showcases her edgy style with an all-black look: low-rise trousers, a puffy leather jacket and a sheer asymmetrical shoulder crop top.
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October 2022: Performing at the O2 Academy Brixton on her 'Hold The Girl' tour
Layering denim on denim to rock the stage, Rina Sawayama pairs a pleated mini skirt with a cropped jacket and a cowboy hat. The ensemble? Distressed textures, frayed hems and a patchwork of variegated denim washes.
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October 2022: Promoting 'Hold The Girl'
Creating the visuals for her sophomore album, Rina Sawayama wears a pair of low-waist trousers and a top made out of leather buckle straps—all of which accentuate the singer’s figure.
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August 2022: Channeling Chanel at the Grammy museum
Performing at the Recording Academy ahead of her ‘Hold The Girl’ tour, Rina Sawayama showed up dressed in Chanel. Mixing a spangled black jacket with a sheer skirt, the star layered copious amounts of jewellery to finish off the ensemble.
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July 2022: Latitude Festival
Serving up a rock edge to her performance at Latitude festival, Rina Sawayama opted for a crop top with a crinkled leather finish and cargo shorts. Topping off the look are statement accessories like chunky sunglasses, chains and a belt with a distinct ‘R’ buckle.
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July 2022: Supporting Elton John at BST Hyde Park
To celebrate Elton John’s farewell tour, Rina Sawayama paid tribute to the ‘Rocket Man’ singer’s stage costumes with an archive Vivienne Westwood dress that boasts feather trims and thousands of sequins. Best of all? The star added funky eyewear and shiny boots to the glittering vintage piece.
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July 2022: Supporting Elton John at BST Hyde Park
Putting her own spin on the legendary British singer’s stage costume, Rina Sawayama paired a Gucci x Elton John two-piece suit with yellow-tinted sunnies and studded cowboy belt.
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July 2022: Paris Haute Couture Week
For Paris Haute Couture Week, Rina Sawayama went around the city in a denim getup. To keep things casual, the star mixed a button-up, low-rise skirt and knee-high leather boots. To complete the look, Rina donned a slouchy beret and wrap-around shades.
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April 2022: Coachella
Wearing ONRUSHW23FH at Coachella, Rina Sawayama displayed her penchant for distressed textures and cowboy boots. The singer also showed off a bit of skin by having her skirt drape slightly loose at the hip.
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March 2022: NME Awards
Honoured at the 2022 NME Awards with four nominations, Rina Sawayama’s statement outfit was a denim GmbH dress featuring a feather-trimmed neckline, frayed sleeves and a thigh-high leg slit.
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March 2022: Launch party for Charli XCX's 'Crash'
At the release party for Charli XCX’s album ‘Crash’, Rina Sawayama’s sported long jet black hair and wore a top with corset boning and a low waist maxi skirt—all black, of course.
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November 2021: A Mugler muse on her Dynasty tour
Never one to shy away from the spotlight or bare it all, the singer embarked on her Dynasty tour with a figure-hugging Mugler bodysuit designed by creative director Casey Cadwallader.
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May 2021: Red-carpet glamour at the BRIT Awards
At the 2021 BRIT Awards, Rina Sawayama stole the scene with a voluminous lilac gown that boasts cascading ruffles, a cut-out bodice and a lengthy train. Handpicked by the singer herself from Olivier Rousteing’s 2019 Balmain couture collection, Rina Sawayama’s eye for ornate couture pieces never misses.
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April 2020: 'XS' music video
For her ‘XS’ music video, Rina Sawayama went for a classic tweed suit in a bold yellow hue. To add on the drama, her outfit was styled with colourful make up, teased hair and pearls.
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October 2019: Supporting Charli XCX's UK tour
Unafraid to clash patterns and colours, Rina Sawayama’s ensembles while going on tour with Charli XCX flexed multiple abstract prints and bright hues.
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October 2019: Supporting Charli XCX's UK tour
Layering heaps of silver jewellery together with a dress covered in a zany floral print, Rina Sawayama displays her extravagant, maximalist style—complete with glittery graphic eyeliner and long sleek hair.
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September 2018: Business of Fashion 500 Gala
At the Business of Fashion 500 gala back in 2018, the singer arrived like an alien superstar with a bright pink bodysuit and sheer black dress. Dripping in shimmery accessories, the star also pulled off bleached brows and slicked back pink hair.
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September 2017: i-D x Jeremy Scott party
Showcasing a maximalist side to her style back in 2017, Rina Sawayama sported crimped orange hair and a pair of UGG boots at the 2017 i-D x Jeremy Scott party. A ruffly patterned dress, a military green corset and beret tied the look together in the most eclectic way possible.
