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!
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