Fenty, has finally debut its first ready-to-wear collection in Paris. Knowing Rihanna, the mastermind behind the collection, it came as no surprise to both fashion critics and longing Fenty lovers, that both the clothing and accessories which make up the collection reached their expectation to the highest level.
The collection comprises mini blazers (which she wore a white one to the launch), strong shouldered corseted trouser suits sold with matching bum-bags, mannish cotton shirting, multi-pocketed oversized jackets in Japanese raw denim, white waist-cinched T-shirt (priced at 200 Euros) and a set of accessories from point-toe strappy sandals in zingy and neutral hues to shield sunglasses and bold architectural jewelry in polished gold with crystal pave. All these and more took the pop-star now fashion’s most sought after creative designer, two years to achieve.
In a sit-down interview with Vogue after the launch, Rihanna disclosed that her desire to make her own clothes came as a result of not finding satisfaction with the clothing she bought from stores. To the Fenty creative director, things could have always been done differently with a particular dress or any other accessory. “I often walk into stores and I’m like, I love this, but I wish it was more like that, or in a different color or in a different fabric, and now I get to do it,” said Rihanna.
A little bit of the oversized inspiration dresses and gaga sunglasses from the Fenty camp came from the iconic star’s mother. She explained to Vogue, “I always had a love for fashion and style. I loved everything my mum wore, from her make-up to her clothing. She wore a lot of oversized stuff but still feminine. I just wanted to be her. “The collection according to the pop star is made of the best fabrics she’s ever encountered.
Unlike other brands, which come up with teasers and long waits before consumers get to buy a desired outfit from the label, Fenty changes the narrative of purchasing by making it a direct-to-consumer retail model with new pieces coming on a 6-8 weeks’ basis. She commented on the new strategy, “There is no six-month wait, you get it when you see it. There’s no tease. You see it, love it and want it and that’s because I’m like that. I want things right away. I see designers new season products and I’m like, look 11, I need that. It’s frustrating when you can’t buy straight away.”
The strategy is the first of its kind for LVMH, the father-house of Fenty, but who cares of its difference from others in the game long ago when it’s Rihanna, the pop star with nine Grammys and 14 US No.1 singles.
The ready-to-wear collection is made unisex for the benefit of all, as the designer charmed her personal interest in both feminine and masculine made dresses into making the collection. She encouraged both sexes to appreciate the designs, since it’s made not for a particular gender’s benefit, “I like to wear men’s clothes, I don’t like to say, it’s a man’s thing. I hope men and women just wear it because they love it,” she said.
The first installment for the collection goes on sale on Fenty.com on May 29, while the next installment launches at the end of June 2019.
BY: Larry Adams
