Rihanna, the 36-year-old pop icon and entrepreneurial powerhouse, continues to captivate audiences, this time with a series of alluring images for her Savage x Fenty lingerie line. The latest campaign showcases the brand’s Valentine’s Day collection, with Rihanna embodying sensuality and confidence. In one striking image, she’s draped across a bed of roses, clad in sheer stockings and a black corset adorned with red roses, her pink-tinted hair cascading over her shoulders. Another shot captures her on all fours, offering a sultry gaze to the camera, her intricate hand and wrist tattoos prominently displayed. This recent campaign follows a similarly captivating shoot featuring a vibrant red lingerie set, further emphasizing Rihanna’s mastery of self-promotion and her ability to embody the essence of her brand. These campaigns are not mere advertisements; they are artistic expressions of feminine empowerment and self-love, themes that resonate deeply with her fanbase.
The Savage x Fenty brand, launched in 2018, is just one facet of Rihanna’s expansive Fenty empire. Her foray into the business world has been nothing short of remarkable. From lingerie to beauty and skincare, her brands have garnered immense success, with an estimated valuation of £2.2 billion. Rihanna holds a 50% stake in this empire, solidifying her position not just as a musical artist, but as a shrewd businesswoman with a keen understanding of the market. Her approach to inclusivity and diversity within her brands has also been widely praised, challenging traditional beauty standards and resonating with a global audience that appreciates her commitment to representation.
The timing of the Valentine’s Day collection is strategic, generating buzz ahead of Rihanna’s highly anticipated ninth studio album, slated for release in 2025. This album marks her return to music after a nine-year hiatus, a period during which she focused on building her Fenty empire and embracing motherhood with the birth of her two sons with partner A$AP Rocky. While her business ventures have taken center stage in recent years, Rihanna’s recent late-night studio sessions in New York suggest a renewed dedication to her musical craft. Fans are eagerly awaiting new material, their anticipation heightened by the long wait and the snippets of information emerging about her creative process.
Despite the lengthy hiatus, Rihanna hasn’t entirely abandoned the music scene. In 2022, she released the single “Lift Me Up,” a testament to her enduring musical talent. However, her DJ set in Barbados last year sparked some concern among fans, as she hinted at a potential shift in focus, stating that while music initially captured attention, “God had other plans” for her. This statement fueled speculation about her future in music, especially given her significant success in the business world.
Nevertheless, Rihanna has confirmed that her ninth album is in the works. She has acknowledged the challenges of aligning her musical vision with the visual concepts she has for the project, leading her to revisit existing material with a fresh perspective. This meticulous approach to her creative process underscores her commitment to delivering a high-quality product that meets her artistic standards. It also suggests a desire to evolve her sound and explore new creative directions, building upon her previous musical accomplishments.
The anticipation surrounding Rihanna’s return to music is palpable. Her influence extends beyond music and into the realms of fashion, beauty, and business. She has become a cultural icon, admired for her bold style, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering confidence. As she prepares to unveil her new album, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the next chapter in the multifaceted career of Rihanna. Her journey from pop star to business mogul and back to music demonstrates her versatility and resilience, qualities that continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.