Rihanna’s “Cotton Candy” Dress and Funeral Attire Sparks Online Debate

Pop icon Rihanna, known for consistently redefining maternity style, was recently spotted in Los Angeles wearing a striking archival dress. However, this cotton candy-like outfit didn’t quite captivate fans, with many fixated on its food-inspired theme. This isn’t the first time Rihanna’s fashion choices have sparked conversation, as her attire at her father’s funeral also drew criticism.

 

A “Cotton Candy” Dress and Online Backlash

 

On August 5, Rihanna was seen wearing a long, sleeveless dress with a puffy, colorful top and voluminous shapes. The vibrant design, which some described as a “nightmare,” sparked a flurry of opinions online. Many fans made food-themed comparisons, with one person describing the look as “giving gum ball machine,” and another calling it the “Most expensive bag of cotton candy ever.” One person even wondered, “If a tamale and a cotton candy had a baby.” While some criticized the look, others defended her, saying, “She’s pregnant and having a moment, we can forgive her for that outfit.”

 

A Father’s Funeral and a Strained Relationship

 

Rihanna’s outfits often spark conversation, even during solemn occasions like her father’s funeral. Her appearance at the service in Barbados drew attention online, with many fans focusing on her long, cream-colored ruched dress. Her father, Ronald Fenty, was laid to rest on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, following his death in May. She attended the service with her partner, A$AP Rocky, and their two sons, who were dressed in matching suits.

Despite the solemn setting, some fans took to social media to question whether her dress was appropriate for a funeral. “Isn’t black the proper color to be in funeral? Am I missing something?” one person wrote. Others sympathized with the singer, acknowledging the difficulty of navigating grief under public scrutiny. The article also notes that her relationship with her father had been strained. She previously spoke about feeling betrayed after he reportedly sold false stories about her to the press and filed a lawsuit against him in 2019 for allegedly exploiting her name and brand. Despite their painful past, her presence at the funeral suggests a moment of closure and a final goodbye.