The year is 2005, “Pon de Replay” by Rihanna is playing. Everyone is singing and dancing along having the time of their lives. Fast forward to 2019 where “Pon de Replay” is still just as much of a hit as it was in ‘05. The empire Rihanna has managed to build since then is absolutely fascinating and in my opinion, she is the epitome of a hard-working woman. She is such a huge inspiration to young girls and women across the world and her hard work and dedication to the numerous industries she’s in doesn’t go unnoticed. You’d think that by now she’s managed to do it all, but she’s still got some tricks up her sleeves. Follow me as I fangirl and take a look at the truly inspiring empire Rihanna has built over the past decade.
Rihanna began her pop music career after being discovered by an American record producer who helped her record a demo that would eventually get the attention of Jay-Z, and later sign her to his label. Her incredible talent and voice captured the attention of millions around the world. Single after single, from each album released, landed on music charts and became songs that were irresistible to sing. Her music has resonated with fans so much that has now got us begging her to drop her latest album which apparently is being called “R9,” but she’s just been so busy doing other things that her album has just been in the works for what seems like an eternity.
Rihanna seems to be taking time off music to explore numerous other projects those including her really successful beauty line, a lingerie line, the creation of her first visual autobiography, and her fashion line with LVMH.
Fenty Beauty, Rihanna’s cosmetics brand, launched in 2017. Upon arrival, it was immediately praised by fans because what felt like for the first time ever in the beauty community, her line was able to offer 40 different shades of foundation (which has now become 50). Her intention with her brand was to create a makeup line “so that women everywhere would be included” (Fenty.com). That was a huge success on its own! The rest of her cosmetics were a hit too, like the gloss bomb (lip gloss) and highlighters. Fenty Beauty is constantly keeping their consumers engaged by releasing limited-edition cosmetics and expanding their product ranges. As long as they keep doing what they’re doing, Fenty Beauty will be around for a very long time and generations to come will fall in love just as much as we did.
Savage x Fenty, Rihanna’s lingerie line, launched in 2018 and according to Rihanna, “there are really no rules with lingerie,” (Newbold, Vogue). She really wanted to embrace the woman’s power and make them step out of their comfort zones. Her first line included everyday essentials, lacy pieces and Xccesories and with the clever names for some of these pieces, who wouldn’t want to buy them! What’s so inspiring about Rihanna is her understanding of inclusivity. This is something so many designers struggle with, so for her to really take her time and think about creating something that will appeal to everyone from sizes to design choices is something that other designers must take note of. Her recent Savage x Fenty show was one for the books as she took the idea of a runway show and made it completely her own, basically turning it into a concert. It included some of the hottest musicians to date and well-known supermodels. I highly suggest watching the show on Amazon Prime (if you haven’t already and if you did watch it 10 times more) immediately, trust, you won’t be disappointed.
As if a beauty and lingerie line weren’t enough, Rihanna made history yet again by becoming the first black woman to launch her first luxury brand with LVMH Maison. Fenty, Rihanna’s latest release, launched earlier this year and of course, also made shock waves in the fashion industry. Her pieces are fresh, new, innovative, cool yet classic, everything I want in my closet and more! Like her beauty and lingerie brand, she continues to emphasize the importance of letting go of normal and embrace what makes the feeling of freedom, confidence and sexiness when it comes to clothing.
Last but definitely not least, is her latest surprise to fans, the launch of her first-ever “visual autobiography.” About a week ago, Rihanna shared that the past 5 years included the creation of a book that captured the amazing memories she has managed to rack up throughout her career. This yet again introduces her to another industry, making her more of an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. When I think of a working woman, Rihanna comes to mind. She started as a regular young girl who could sing and took full advantage to turn her fortunes into blessings by creating something that will live on forever. She is someone that will always be on top and is constantly looking for ways to reinvent herself, if that isn’t motivation enough then I don’t know what is. I’m excited to see what’s next in her journey but I’m sure that everyone’s thought in their mind is still “So when’s that music dropping?”
Signing off, with the latest on Rihanna’s Fenty Empire.