Rihanna Gets Real About Inclusivity, Power & Sending The Perfect Nude
Last night, Rihanna more than confirmed that she can easily outwork any businessman. She's a business, man. Victoria's Secret was founded by Roy Raymond a little more than 40 years ago, and in only two years, Rihanna has put her game down, flipped and reversed the lingerie industry forever with her brainchild, Savage x Fenty, and the brand's annual star-studded fashion show is proof that Queen Rih won't be slowing down anytime soon.
Inclusivity, power, and uninhibited sexuality are understatements when it comes to taking a look at Rihanna's resume, and last night's fashion show was a reflection of all of those things.
Featuring appearances by Normani, Big Sean, ASAP Ferg, The Migos, and Laverne Cox, Rihanna promises that the show is "the most bold, sexy, super energetic experience you can imagine," and will premiere on Amazon Prime Video next Friday. According to Rih, although body positivity and melanin appreciation may be a new concept to mainstream industries, making inclusivity king was part of her vision all along. After the show, she told The Business of Fashion:
"There are a lot of women out there who are feeling in the dark, invisible. 'I can't try that on because I'm not made that like.' This is where you feel safe, right here at Savage."
In an interview with ELLE, the singer shared that her lingerie line is more than just a business venture, it was an industry necessity. She explained:
"It's important, right? You belong in these pieces. You, me, trans women, women of all sizes, paraplegic women, all women are important women! All women belong here, on the biggest platform I can give them."
When Rihanna was asked why she handpicked artists like Normani and Halsey to participate in the show, the 31-year old mogul had this to say:
"I wanted to highlight women who are powerful. To me, power in whatever way you master it is very sexy. And with someone like Normani, you know, she's an incredible dancer, and dance is athleticism. Dance is powerful. It would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity to have that kind of beauty and power in the show."
Speaking of dancing, you can also expect to see a sexy little number from Rihanna in this year's show. The performance, which was choreographed by Parris Goebel, a dancer who Rihanna says embodies the brand in the most "bombastic" way. The entertainer shared that as a serial entrepreneur who just so happens to be one of the most prominent entertainers in the industry, it was hard to find the time to rehearse for the show's opening act, she laced up her lingerie wherever she could and made it happen. Rih explained:
"Look, I'm not nearly as good a dancer as Normani, but I will try. I will dance in these pieces in my kitchen until we get it right! Which is what I did, believe it or not. I only had two-and-a-half hours of rehearsal so I had to, like, get it where I could fit it in. Usually, it was while I was doing other approvals. People are like, 'Hey, pick this model! Pick this look!' And I'm like this—[She starts doing the opening moves from her dance number.] No, listen, it happens! I'll rehearse anywhere because I want it to be perfect. If you're passionate enough about something, you'll get it done."
Rih wouldn't be Rih without dropping some gems that awaken our inner sex goddess, and the queen didn't leave the interview without giving us a few tips on the art of sensuality. Rihanna also opened up about perfecting the nude selfie, because being the richest musician in the world doesn't make you exempt from sexting.
"You know your assets, right? What do you want to show off? Your jawline, your ass, your legs, your waist, your tits? We've all got things we love about our bodies, and so what's great is, we make things that highlight every type of body. So what are you, a tits girl, right? Find your assets, show them off, and you're good. Also, chances are, your man will tell you what he wants to see. Is he an ass man? Is he a tits man? He'll tell you. They always do."
Rih's collection is now officially available on Amazon and you can catch the fashion show on Amazon Prime Video Sept. 20!
Featured image by Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock.com
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage