The diva behavior of these big stars is on display

When Beyoncé sang ‘Diva is the female version of a hustler’ in 2008, it was the first time I heard the word ‘Diva’ in a positive context. Before that, it was stories about women like Mariah Carey, who supposedly had bizarre demands and insisted that no one looked her straight in the eye. Whether that's true, no one knows for sure. But generally, women are quickly labeled ‘Diva’ if they simply know what they want and don't want. At Kunsthal Rotterdam, they decided to put Divas in a different light and let the power and fashion that comes with Divas shine.

From opera stars, through Marilyn Monroe, to Rihanna and Billie Eilish

Meanwhile, the Diva status is something women are proud of, as the term is increasingly used in a feminist context: they are strong women who take care of themselves, know what they want, and how to get it. And that's exactly what they want to show in Rotterdam. The power that radiates from that, and the fashion statements that go with it. We're talking about Divas from all times: Maria Callas, Shirley Bassey, Cher, Pink, Billie Eilish, Elton John... We could go on for a while.

One of the highlights of this exhibition is Rihanna

If you melt away at Rihanna's iconic looks at the Met Gala and elsewhere, make sure to bring a fan to stay cool when you visit this exhibition. They have five of her most beautiful looks right there, within reach. Think of the creations by John Galliano and her 2021 all-black Met Gala look from Balenciaga. You have until March 2, 2025, to come drool over this tribute to these business Divas of all time.