Pop star Rihanna celebrates fearlessness, confidence and inclusivity. And now, she’s charting a new path with her very own clothing line that’s bound to shake things up.
On the final night of New York Fashion Week, last September, after a 90-minute-late Marc Jacobs show at the Park Avenue Armory (normally the finale of the week), when a lot of editors had hot-footed it to JFK, the only place I wanted to go was back to my hotel. But there was an underwear presentation that I hauled myself to, in the name of a story for Grazia. The panties better be worth it, I thought, on the way to Brooklyn Navy Yard.
It was Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty debut. And, yes, the trek was worth it. At the Garden of Eden-themed show, any thoughts of my pillow disappeared among the uplifting, invigorating energy of seeing models of all shapes and sizes, including a nine-month pregnant Slick Woods, grooving like goddesses in silky robes, leopard-print pants and sheer bodysuits. A lingerie show can usually be a guaranteed way to make the ‘real’ woman feel bad about her body, but this felt like a celebration of our bodies in all their wildly different glory. There were actual jiggling boobs. And, tummies with rolls. And arms with muscles. The message was “You’re gorgeous as you are. Come in, girl. Have fun. Everyone’s welcome.” It was less a breath of fresh air, more a gale-force wind.
So, it comes as no surprise to me that Rihanna has ‘conquering the fashion world’ in her sights. She’s now making her play for a position as one of the most powerful women in fashion when, in Paris, she gave the world its first look at her new fashion line, Fenty, created with behemoth luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Talk about a power couple.
This story is from the Grazia July Issue 2019 edition of Grazia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Grazia July Issue 2019 edition of Grazia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NEW ROLE, NEW RULE
As the first Indian woman to win two Michelin stars and a new mother, chef Garima Arora shares her recipe to a well-rounded life full of flavours, tradition, and ambition
HUMBLE HERITAGE
India’s multicultural facets and diverse approach to food, fashion, and life has inspired many, and this brand is paying the ultimate tribute to the country
CLEAN SLATE
What are the beauty secrets of Gen Z representative Khushi Kapoor, the firstever ambassador of a much-loved Korean beauty brand?
PORE PERFECTION
What is oil gritting and why is everyone talking about it?
ELEVATING QUIET LUXURY
This Italian fashion house is consistent in its efforts to make subdued luxury look cool
A LOVE LIKE THIS
After a picturesque show that got everyone talking, Amrita Khanna and Gursi Singh of Lovebirds speak about their new collection
SOME KIND OF BRILLIANCE
How do you detail a sparkling four-decade long career journey in a half-hour chat? By uncovering the things that matter the most: A passion for design, a love for gemstones, and a dream of wanderlust. In what is probably her 40th visit to the country for Bulgari’s A Roman Holi gala), Lucia Silvestri, Bulgari’s Creative Director, talks to Grazia about the things that she holds closest
STRAIGHT-TALKING
Going beyond being a nod to tradition, embracing our heritage is an exploration of timeless craft, details Monica Shah of luxury label JADE
Label ALERT
This month, form and fabric shape different philosophies on dressing
YOUNG CONNOISSEURS
Meet Rudritara Shroff, the 16-year-old who brought together revered names in Indian art to create artworks that aid neonatal growth