Rihanna, the Grammy nominated pop sensation from Barbados who is climbing the billboard charts releasing four albums in four years, graces the cover of the February issue of W Magazine. What a year it has been for this 21 year old superstar who made headlines in 2009 when then boyfriend Chris Brown assaulted her resulting in a paparazzi frenzy. Rihanna went on to lend her voice to survivors of domestic violence and the lyrics from her recent CD RATED R resonate her personal experience. “This was a different type of record for me. It was really personal; it was from me in the most authentic way. It’s like a movie, hence the title,” Rihanna explains.
What a difference a year makes. In addition to her chart topping success she has also become a fashion icon. Who can forget the bold menswear inspired Dolce & Gabbana black tuxedo she wore to the 2009 MET Costume Institute Gala. Ri-Ri has been called a style chameleon never afraid to take a risk when it comes to her wardrobe choices.
To go behind the scenes and watch a video of the photo shoot click here
PHOTOGRAPHY: CRAIG McDEAN
STYLING: LORI GOLDSTEIN