Rihanna rocks up to CFDA awards in see-through mesh gown

FUR, bling, mesh, gloves and totally see-through — not that we would expect anything less from Rihanna, who has arrived at the CFDA awards.

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 02: Rihanna attends the 2014 CFDA fashion awards at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on June 2, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

FUR, mesh, diamonds, gloves and something that looks a lot like a knit swimming cap — Rihanna has arrived at the annual CFDA awards to pick up the Fashion Icon 2014 gong in an interesting ensemble, and we wouldn’t expect anything less of her.

Gallery: Red Carpet at the CFDA awards

Never one to disappoint, the singer strutted the Council of Fashion Designers of America red carpet with confidence despite her custom Adam Selman dress leaving little to the imagination, telling reporters “you will never be stylish if you don’t take risks.”

Your 2014 #CFDAAwards Fashion Icon did not disappoint. @rihanna has arrived. pic.twitter.com/X49AVypRes

— CFDA (@CFDA) June 3, 2014

Sub-type: comment CAPTION: Your 2014 #CFDAAwards Fashion Icon did not disappoint. @rihanna has arrived. pic.twitter.com/X49AVypRes— CFDA (@CFDA) June 3, 2014

The CFDA awards always draws a mix of fashion insiders and Hollywood, and this year, Rihanna was clearly the drawcard as the highly anticipated Fashion Icon Award recipient.

The Fashion Icon award is “given to an individual whose style has made a significant impact on popular culture on an international stage.”

“We are proud to present Rihanna with the CFDA Fashion Icon Award for her impact on the industry as fashion’s most exciting ambassador in recent memory,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of CFDA, who has previously presented the award to Lady Gaga, Iman, Kate Moss and Nicole Kidman.

Rihanna at the 2014 CFDA fashion awards at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Centre on June 2, 2014 in New York City. Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris

Speaking of Rihanna before the show, designer Zac Posen hailed the pop star as someone who “takes risks, and she marches to her own drum and she knows what she likes.” He told The Associated Press that Rihanna has a great appreciation for designers, and “that's why people love to dress her.

“She was a fashion world novice [when we first met] but obviously she had looks and confidence and little-girl charm. All the ingredients were there for her to be a huge superstar: ambition, strength, and also vulnerability.”

Rihanna's use of shock value, he said, “has kept her current, and balanced how classically beautiful she is.”

"You will never be stylish if you don't take risks." - @rihanna, #CFDAAwards Fashion Icon 2014. Photo by @BFA_NYC pic.twitter.com/tdxtAjMUhE

— CFDA (@CFDA) June 3, 2014

Sub-type: comment CAPTION: "You will never be stylish if you don't take risks." - @rihanna, #CFDAAwards Fashion Icon 2014. Photo by @BFA_NYC pic.twitter.com/tdxtAjMUhE— CFDA (@CFDA) June 3, 2014

Also being honoured at the glamorous ceremony at New York's Lincoln Centre was designer Tom Ford, who was getting the CFDA's lifetime achievement award. The prestigious Founder's Award was going to Bethann Hardison, a former model and modelling agent who has been a vocal champion for diversity on runways.

The group's international award was going to Raf Simons, of Dior. Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o is also expected to present a major award.

Rihanna strikes a pose. Picture: Timothy A. Clary

Red carpet at the CFDA awards.

— with AP