Anne Hathaway Credits Rihanna for Revolutionizing Fun Maternity Style: “She Changed the Game”

Published: October 5, 2026 Last Updated 7 minutes ago by Faustina Marfo

Anne Hathaway is redefining red-carpet maternity fashion and acknowledges the inspiration behind this shift.

During an interview on CBS Mornings with Gayle King, Hathaway shared that Rihanna’s bold approach to pregnancy fashion encouraged her to be more creative and expressive during her third pregnancy.

As a result, Hathaway has showcased a series of playful, bump-accentuating outfits during press tours for films such as The Odyssey, The End of Oak Street, and Verity.

Hathaway, 43, is expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman. Despite her pregnancy, she has managed a demanding year, promoting several projects while confidently embracing her changing appearance.

When King praised her wardrobe choices, Hathaway promptly acknowledged those who shaped her style.

“I think that we have Rihanna to thank,” she said. “She changed the game! And when I saw her, what she was doing with her maternity style, I just realized that I just needed to use my imagination and go out there and have more fun.”

She also thanked her longtime stylist, Erin Walsh, for helping her realize her creative vision.

This change in perspective is reflected in Hathaway’s recent appearances, where she has chosen flowing two-piece sets, sheer dresses that highlight her pregnancy, and distinctive custom designs.

At the world premiere of The End of Oak Street, Hathaway wore a silk crop top with low-slung jeans, both by Prabal Gurung, showcasing her midriff. She recalled being “so excited” and “really, really, really excited” to wear the ensemble.

At the New York premiere of Verity, she wore a custom Prabal Gurung gown that balanced glamour and comfort. These choices represent a shift from traditional maternity fashion and reflect the playful, body-positive style Rihanna has championed.

Rihanna, who co-starred with Hathaway in Ocean’s 8, transformed maternity fashion by treating the baby bump as a feature rather than something to conceal.

During her pregnancies with sons RZA and Riot Rose and daughter Rocki (with partner A$AP Rocky), she stepped out in everything from a hot-pink Chanel coat that dramatically revealed her first pregnancy to a red Loewe jumpsuit that announced her second during the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show.

Sheer dresses, fitted bodysuits, crop tops, and bold designer pieces became her signature. In interviews, Rihanna emphasized enjoyment rather than restriction.

“Pregnancy’s a long nine to 10 months. You have to enjoy it,” she once told Entertainment Tonight. She has also noted that fashion remains one of her favorite things and that she refuses to let the fun of getting dressed up disappear simply because her body is changing.​

Hathaway’s adoption of this philosophy coincides with a period of rapid change in celebrity maternity style. Traditional expectations, such as loose empire-waist gowns meant to conceal, are being replaced by more expressive, individual choices.

By publicly crediting Rihanna, Hathaway demonstrates how a prominent example can encourage others to experiment. Her choices show that pregnancy does not require pausing personal style, but can inspire new approaches to proportion, texture, and silhouette.

Beyond fashion, Hathaway used her CBS Mornings appearance to discuss her career and family. She admitted she “had no idea” she would have five films debuting in one year and initially worried it might be “a little bit” overwhelming.

Over time, she has learned to “chill out” and focus on connection and enjoyment. Regarding the upcoming arrival of her third child, she expressed that the family is “thrilled” and “overjoyed,” and is intentionally savoring their time as a family of four before the transition for their older children.

Rihanna’s influence on maternity fashion continues to grow. Styles that once seemed unconventional, such as crop tops, sheer fabrics, and high-fashion pieces designed for pregnancy, are now more widely accepted and celebrated.

Hathaway’s acknowledgment of this influence highlights how style icons can shape both fashion trends and the emotional experience of pregnancy for public figures and the wider public.

As Hathaway concludes Verity and prepares for the next stage of motherhood, her red-carpet choices serve as a tribute to Rihanna. They also reinforce that maternity fashion works best when it emphasizes fun, self-expression, and comfort.

By crediting her inspiration, Hathaway continues to highlight the importance of joyful, creative pregnancy style.

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