Let’s be real for a second. Rita Ora doesn't just "wear" clothes. She negotiates with them. Sometimes, the clothes win. If you’ve spent any time on social media over the last decade, you’ve probably seen the headlines about a Rita Ora nip slip or a "narrowly avoided" disaster at the Met Gala. But here’s the thing—Rita isn’t just a victim of bad tailoring. She is a high-stakes gambler in the world of haute couture.
When she stepped onto the red carpet at the 2018 Grammys in that one-shoulder black velvet gown, the internet collectively held its breath. The slit was so high it practically touched her collarbone. One wrong move and—boom—instant tabloid fodder. But she handled it with the same cool she’s used since she first hit the scene.
What Really Happened with the Rita Ora Nip Slip Incidents?
Most people searching for these moments are looking for a specific event, but Rita’s history with wardrobe malfunctions is more like a long-running series. The most famous "official" Rita Ora nip slip happened way back in 2012 at the Red Bull Culture Clash at Wembley Arena.
She was 21. She was rocking a white leather motorcycle suit. And because she’d literally just hopped off a bike and onto the stage, the zip decided to take a journey of its own. It started sliding. Then it kept sliding.
"Yes. It's true," she tweeted afterward. "All of a sudden the zip got lower and lower... I rushed on stage and pop! It happened. Sorry guys. (How embarrassing)."
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That’s the thing about Rita. She doesn’t hide. She doesn’t fire her stylist and issue a 500-word corporate apology. She tweets "f***!" and moves on to the next show. That transparency is why her fans stay so loyal.
The Alan Carr Incident (2015)
Fast forward a few years to 2015. Rita was a guest on Alan Carr: Chatty Man. She wore this incredibly daring, low-cut silver crop top. Throughout the interview, you could see her physically re-adjusting because the top was basically a suggestion rather than a garment. It wasn't a full-blown "slip," but it was a masterclass in what we call "modesty maintenance" in the biz.
The 2014 "Adidas" Split
Then there was the time her pants literally gave up on her. During a launch for her Adidas Originals collection, she bent down to get into a car and her skintight jumpsuit split right at the seams. It revealed her thong to a swarm of paparazzi. Again, most stars would be mortified. Rita? She basically laughed it off.
Why Rita Ora Embraces Fashion Risks
Why does this keep happening? Is she just unlucky? Honestly, no. It's a choice. Rita Ora has a very specific fashion philosophy that most of us wouldn't have the guts to pull off.
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In interviews, she’s talked about how she views clothes as "wearable art." To her, if a dress isn't pushing a boundary, it's not worth wearing. She famously avoids "safe" choices.
- She hates "boring" footwear: She once said she avoids ballet flats because they don't make a woman's foot look "sexual" or "petite."
- The "Dragon" Look: Remember the 2023 British Fashion Awards? She had prosthetic scales applied to her back.
- Sheer Everything: From the 2015 Oscars (the sheer black dress that revealed everything under camera flashes) to recent Ibiza trips in "naked" dresses.
She knows the risks. She knows that wearing a dress held together by a literal prayer increases the chance of a Rita Ora nip slip by about 400%. But she does it anyway because the "wow" factor is more important to her than the "oops" factor.
Dealing with the Tabloid Fallout
In the age of 2026, where every "accidental" moment is analyzed for PR potential, Rita feels like a throwback to a more authentic era. When she has a wardrobe malfunction, it feels human.
We’ve seen her in fishnets without pants in Rome (the 2020 Fendi show "white underpants" moment), and we’ve seen her in plunging silver gowns at the 2025 Fashion Awards. Through it all, she maintains a sense of humor.
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She recently appeared on the Unlikely Friends podcast where she actually turned the tables, asking other celebs about their worst wardrobe malfunctions. That’s a pro move. You can’t shame someone who is already laughing at the joke.
Lessons from the Wardrobe Frontlines
So, what can we actually learn from Rita’s "oops" moments? It's not just about double-sided tape (though she clearly uses a lot of it).
- Own the Moment: If your pants split or your top slips, the embarrassment only lasts as long as you let it. Rita’s "pop! It happened" attitude is a lesson in resilience.
- Function vs. Fashion: Sometimes, a dress is designed to be looked at, not to be moved in. If you're going for a "Rita look," understand that sitting down might be a challenge.
- The "Flash" Test: A lesson she learned at the 2015 Oscars—always check your outfit under a high-intensity camera flash before leaving the house. Some fabrics are opaque in the mirror but transparent under the red carpet lights.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Own Risky Fits
If you’re planning on wearing something "Ora-esque" for your next big night out, do yourself a favor and follow the Rita Protocol:
- Invest in Top-Tier Body Tape: Don't buy the cheap stuff. You want the medical-grade adhesive that can survive a 25-minute dance set at Wembley.
- The "Squat and Reach" Test: Before you leave the house, do a full squat and reach for the ceiling. If nothing pops, you're probably safe.
- Have a Backup Plan: Rita usually has a jacket or a stylist nearby. If you’re going risky, bring a blazer.
At the end of the day, the Rita Ora nip slip headlines are just a byproduct of a woman who refuses to play it safe. In a world of beige sweatpants and curated "relatability," there’s something genuinely refreshing about a pop star who is willing to risk a bit of skin for the sake of a great outfit.
Check your zippers, double-down on the adhesive, and if all else fails—just laugh it off like Rita.