Rihanna is no stranger to making headlines with her bold and daring fashion choices. The singer, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be mother of two has always been a trendsetter and a style icon, whether on the red carpet, the stage, or the streets. Now, she is adding another feather to her cap by starring in Pharrell Williams' first campaign for Louis Vuitton as the creative director of menswear.
The campaign, which was unveiled on a billboard in Paris ahead of the label's Spring/Summer 2024 show last week, features Rihanna in various outfits and accessories from Williams' debut collection, including his reimagined version of the iconic Speedy bag. The bag, which was originally designed for Audrey Hepburn in 1965, has been given a modern and unisex twist by Williams, who said he wanted to create "a great bag for humans".
Rihanna is seen carrying different colors of the Speedy bag, which features a checkerboard motif that is also present in many of the garments from the collection. The motif, according to Williams, was inspired by New York's Canal Street, where he used to shop for counterfeit Louis Vuitton products as a teenager. The collection also pays homage to the late Virgil Abloh, who was Williams' predecessor and friend, by incorporating some of his signature elements such as quotation marks and arrows.
The campaign was shot by photographers Keizo Kitajima and Martine Syms in New York City, where Rihanna is seen strutting her stuff with confidence and charisma. She also flaunts her baby bump in some of the images, showing off her edgy maternity style that has earned her praise from fans and critics alike. In one of the pictures, she wears a jumpsuit unzipped to reveal her belly, paired with a matching bra and a jeweled beanie that matches her boyfriend ASAP Rocky's own.
Rihanna and Rocky were among the many celebrities who attended Williams; Louis Vuitton shows in Paris, which was a spectacular display of music, art, and fashion. The show featured a full orchestra and a gospel choir, as well as over 70 models who walked on a bridge over the Seine River. Rihanna and Rocky sat at the front row, holding hands and cheering for Williams, who received a standing ovation at the end of the show.
Rihanna's appearance in Williams' campaign is not only a testament to their friendship and collaboration (they have worked together on several songs, including "Lemon" by N.E.R.D.), but also to her status as "a symbol of human empowerment", as Louis Vuitton described her in a press release. Rihanna is not only one of the most successful artists of all time, but also a philanthropist, an activist, and a businesswoman who has launched her own brands such as Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Savage x Fenty.
With her stunning looks, impeccable taste, and undeniable influence, Rihanna is the perfect muse for William's first campaign for Louis Vuitton. She embodies his vision of creating "a new language" for the house the celebrates diversity and individuality. She is also proof that fashion can be fun, fearless and fabulous at any stage of life.
