Naya Rivera was an American actress, singer, and model best known for her breakout role as Santana Lopez on Glee. Admired for her talent and bold fashion sense, Naya captivated fans with her red carpet elegance and confident style statements.
Of mixed ethnicity—50% Puerto Rican, 25% African-American, and 25% German—her unique background often influenced how she navigated Hollywood and presented herself publicly. Her heritage came from her father, George Michele Rivera, who was of Puerto Rican and German descent, and her mother, Yolanda Marie (White), who was half Black and half Puerto Rican.
Navigating Identity: Naya Rivera’s Reflections on Race and Representation
Naya herself discussed her heritage on the talk show “The View,” where she described her identity as “half Puerto Rican, a quarter German, and a quarter African American.” She was well-known for her role as Santana Lopez on the television show Glee.
In July 2019, Naya Rivera turned heads in a striking leopard-print, off-the-shoulder maxi dress from Azzedine Alaïa’s Fall 1991 collection to the LA premiere of Judy. Originally presented with a V-neck, the body-con dress was styled off-the-shoulder, enhancing its sultry appeal.
Naya Rivera turns heads in a chic off-the-shoulder leopard-print bodycon dress paired with classic black ankle-strap heels at the LA premiere of Judy on September 19, 2019 (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN)
It’s no coincidence that Naya Rivera chose a standout look from Azzedine Alaïa’s Fall 1991 collection. This iconic collection—known for its bold leopard prints, sculpted silhouettes, and unapologetic femininity—inspires celebrities decades later.
Kim Kardashian turned heads in a leopard-print catsuit by Azzedine Alaïa, embracing the designer’s fearless aesthetic. Similarly, Tamron Hall wore Alaïa’s signature knee-high boots, pairing them with an Alexander McQueen patchwork tweed dress for a chic, editorial look.
Naya Rivera showcases her elegant size 8 feet in minimalist black ankle-strap heels, complemented by a glossy nude pedicure on the red carpet (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN)
These style moments highlight Alaïa’s lasting legacy in celebrity fashion and explain why stars like Naya continue to gravitate toward his timeless designs for red carpet appearances.
Controversial Comments on Hygiene Spark Backlash
In January 2015, Naya Rivera ignited controversy with her comments on race and hygiene during an appearance on “The View.” She suggested that white people shower more frequently than “ethnics,” a term she used to refer to non-white people, citing her personal observations and family background as evidence.
I have to say I have a theory about showering, [which] is that I think that white people shower a lot more than ethnics. I feel like showering more than once a day or every day is such a white people thing.
Naya Rivera stuns as a sultry Carmen Sandiego, wearing a red leather onesie, black over-the-knee boots, and a bright yellow scarf at Kate Hudson’s pre-Halloween party on October 27, 2013 (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)
Her remarks quickly sparked backlash on social media, with many accusing her of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about minorities being less clean. Rivera added that her husband, Ryan Dorsey, showered a lot. They married in July 2014 and divorced in 2016.
My mom is half-black, half-Puerto Rican, she showers every day, so I can say this. I’m now married to a white man and he showers a lot. Like two, three times a day. I’m like, ‘What are you doing?’
Rivera’s attempt to defuse the situation with humor did not appease her critics, who found her comments insensitive and ignorant of the historical context of such stereotypes, which have been used to justify racial discrimination and segregation in the past.
Naya Rivera made waves when she appeared on Rolling Stone’s Latin Hot List cover. The photoshoot highlighted her confident style, featuring a striking black bodysuit accentuating her physique and bold platform heels.
Naya Rivera stuns on the cover of Rolling Stone’s Latin Hot List 2013 issue, flaunting her toned legs in a sleek black bodysuit and sky-high platform heels (Credit: Rolling Stone)
The backlash made headlines and shifted how Rivera was perceived in the media spotlight. This attention inevitably followed her to red carpet appearances, where she used fashion to reclaim confidence and visibility.
Reflections on Identity: Naya Rivera’s Struggles With Being Labeled “Other”
In her memoir “Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes and Growing Up,” Naya Rivera explores her complex relationship with race from an early age, highlighting how she has always been categorized as “other.” You can order a copy on Amazon.
She recounts how her mother would explicitly detail her mixed racial background on audition forms, emphasizing the importance of her children knowing their identity amidst a society eager to classify them. Rivera experienced a sense of alienation growing up, feeling too mixed to fit in neatly with any one racial group, which mirrored the challenges she faced in her acting career.
Naya Rivera flaunts her size 8 feet and delicate ankle tattoo in minimalist black ankle-strap sandals at the 15th Annual Trevor Project Benefit on December 8, 2013 (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
“At auditions, my mother would fill out the forms with all my basic information, and when it came to the question about race, she’d always check the ‘other’ box, and then write out exactly what I was: one-quarter African-American, one-quarter German and one-half Puerto Rican,” Rivera writes.
“Mom made sure to instill my racial identity in me as well. ‘People are always going to ask my kids what they are,’ she said. ‘And it’s important that they know.’”
Naya Rivera stuns at the BET Awards in a dazzling, asymmetrical sequin mini dress paired with classic black Jimmy Choo pointy-toe pumps that elongate her legs and complete the bold red carpet look (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
“While I may have been black enough for Mattel, it wasn’t that clear-cut once I got to school,” Rivera adds. “I soon started realizing that I was too white for the black kids, too black for the Latinos and just generally too all-around other for the white kids.”
Beyond her acting talent and public persona, Naya Rivera was also known for her striking fashion sense. Whether on the red carpet or at film festivals, she consistently delivered memorable style moments—none more radiant than her appearance in Italy.
Style Spotlight: Naya Rivera in Pink Michael Kors and Silver Monika Chiang Heels
In July 2013, Naya Rivera attended a photo call for the 2013 Giffoni Film Festival, looking drop-dead gorgeous.
The ‘Glee’ actress posed and greeted a crowd of screaming fans in a pink Michael Kors Pre-Fall 2013 dress that highlighted her curves and showed off her tanned skin.
Naya Rivera flaunts her incredible legs at a photo call for the 2013 Giffoni Film Festival in Ischia, Italy, on July 24, 2013 (Credit: WENN)
She complemented the dress with soft pink lips and pointy pink nails but smartly broke the color scheme with silver Monika Chiang “Zinc” stilettos.
Naya Rivera stuns in a strapless pink Michael Kors dress paired with silver Monika Chiang ankle-strap stilettos, perfectly balancing bold color with sleek metallic accents (Credit: WENN)
Though there’s a lot of pink, we think the silver stilettos offer some balance, leaving us smitten with this look!
Naya Rivera reveals elegant toe cleavage in metallic silver Monika Chiang ankle-strap stilettos, featuring a sharp pointed toe and sleek mirrored finish that add futuristic flair to her red carpet ensemble
So, what’s your verdict? Did Naya’s look work? Were her silver stilettos a good move?
If you’re digging this pair from Monika Chiang, we understand. They boast an elegant shape with show-stopping heels — perfect for making a statement.
Monika Chiang Zinc d’Orsay Stilettos, $395
Style Moments: Naya Rivera’s Most Iconic Fashion and Footwear Looks
Naya Rivera consistently captivated audiences with her impeccable style. Her fashion choices left a lasting impression, from red carpet events to casual outings. Explore some of her most memorable looks:
Naya Rivera’s Sophisticated Look: Donna Karan Velvet Dress and Stuart Weitzman Heels
- Event: TrevorLIVE LA, December 2013
- Outfit: Naya Rivera turned heads in a crushed velvet Donna Karan dress, showcasing her elegant side.
- Footwear: She completed the look with classic black Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’ sandals, highlighting her star tattoo.
- Read more: Naya Rivera’s Sophisticated Look: Donna Karan Velvet Dress and Stuart Weitzman Heels
Naya Rivera Slays in Michael Kors & Casadei Blade Pumps at 2013 Women in Entertainment Event
- Event: The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Breakfast, December 2013
- Outfit: Naya Rivera embraced business-chic in a Michael Kors tweed peplum skirt paired with a sleek black top.
- Footwear: She elevated the ensemble with Casadei Blade ankle-strap pumps, adding a sharp edge to her look.
- See more: Naya Rivera Slays in Michael Kors & Casadei Blade Pumps at 2013 Women in Entertainment Event
Naya Rivera’s Guide to Styling Leather Pants With Sophistication
- Event: Casual outing in Beverly Hills, March 2013
- Outfit: Naya Rivera showcased a minimalist look with black leather pants and a white sleeveless button-down top.
- Footwear: She completed the ensemble with Christian Louboutin pumps, exemplifying effortless chic.
- Discover more: Naya Rivera’s Guide to Styling Leather Pants With Sophistication
These moments highlight Naya Rivera’s versatility and enduring influence in the world of fashion and footwear.