"I never just wanted to put my name on something and sell my license," Rihanna said of the partnership, which was announced earlier this month. "I'm very hands-on, so I wanted to take it slowly and gain respect as a designer. I already had a relationship with them after the Versailles campaign and the makeup line, so they extended the offer to me and it was a no-brainer because LVMH is a machine."
Asked about the historic nature of the partnership, which makes her the first black woman in charge of a major luxury Paris house, Rihanna revealed she didn't even realize the feat until months into her talks with LVMH. Later, she was asked for her thoughts on how her presence in the fashion industry helps alleviate its historically non-inclusive ways.
"You're going to be black wherever you go," she said, noting that the issue in the fashion industry is "never" alleviated. "And I don't know if it's unfortunate or fortunate, because I love being black. So, sorry for those who don't like it — that's the first thing you see before you even hear my voice . . . I do know that the reason I'm here is not because I'm black. It's because of what I have to offer."
Fenty sales start May 24 at a Paris pop-up, with full availability worldwide set for an online launch May 29. For the full T Magazine piece, which includes a few price points and some photos by Kristin-Lee Moolman, visit here.
In their previous announcement statements, both Rihanna and LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault predicted great success for the new line, which "takes shape with [Rihanna's] vision in terms of ready to wear, shoes, and accessories."
Monday, Fenty also released a fresh campaign video:
Earlier this month, Rihanna joined the widespread condemnation of Alabama's recently passed abortion ban. "These are the idiots making decisions for WOMEN in America," Rihanna said in a caption of a photo depicting an assortment of male lawmakers. "Governor Kay Ivey…SHAME ON YOU!!!!"
