It's been a long time since Rihanna released new music, making her business ventures the center of fans' attention these days. Fenty Beauty was an instant success when it was launched in 2017. The brand has 40 foundation shades and 50 concealer shades that cater to a broad range of skin tones. The singer broke barriers in creating such inclusive collections. The Umbrella singer also wowed her fans when she used a diverse cast of models for her debut Savage X Fenty fashion show.
Men, women, and non-binary models of different body types appeared with Bella Hadid, Lizzo, Drag Race star Shea Couleé, Demi Moore, Paris Hilton, and more. The Ocean's 8 star definitely uses her platform to create a significant social impact. She's perhaps one of the few unproblematic Hollywood celebrities out there these days. But there was still a time when Rihanna almost got canceled for promoting her Savage X Fenty line. Here's the full story.
Rihanna's Hands-On Marketing For Her $600 Million Empire
Rihanna's empire is estimated to be worth $650 million as of 2021. At the age of 33, she's now the second richest female musician in the world after Madonna. In the last recent years, the 9-time Grammy award winner has been focused on expanding her business. She's been hands-on with promoting inclusivity in her brands, making her Instagram a strong marketing tool. She's mastered the seamless incorporation of new products into her rare personal posts. Her name isn't even on these products like Kylie Jenner's makeup and skincare lines.
Rihanna's products sell on their own, but it's undeniable that her influence and effect on people remain a huge driving force in her brands' sales. Every photo she publishes on social media gets people talking. When she's not posting, her eager fans still try to find something that would get her name on headlines. Interestingly, the singer-turned-entrepreneur has never been caught in any scandal that dragged her name or brands. The one time that almost happened, it just somehow never blew up.
Rihanna Was Once Called Out For "Using Religion As An Aesthetic"
Rihanna is known for posting risque photos of her in her Savage X Fenty lingerie. It's doubtlessly an effective way to promote her products. Who doesn't want to look as sexy as her, right? In February 2021, she posted a topless photo wearing a pair of lilac satin Savage X Fenty boxers. Actress Issa Rae even left a comment asking, "Do the boxers come with the body?" The unisex underwear is part of the brand's Valentine's capsule.
There didn't seem to be a problem with the picture at first. Another musician, Miguel even modeled the shorts with a matching lilac jacket. Again, breaking gender norms and further promoting self-empowerment. But a great number of fans noticed that the business mogul was wearing religious iconography on her bare torso.
Riri was wearing a lavender Ganesha, a Hindu deity, as a necklace. Also spelled Ganesh, this elephant-headed Hindu god is known as the god of beginnings. Fans thought it was inappropriate for the musician to be fashioning the sacred symbol in such a suggestive photo. One fan on Twitter wrote, "Dear Rihanna, plz stop this nonsense. Super offensive wearing Ganesha like that. Our first god, a holy sentiment to millions of people celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi every year. Sorry Ri, u disappointed me & others... u have crossed d limits."
Rihanna Has No Personal Connection To Hinduism
Rihanna is not in any way connected to Hinduism. That's one of the main factors that upset her fans. Her mother, Monica Fenty raised her in Barbados under the Christian faith. In an interview with Sarah Paulson, she said she's "always been" a "person of real faith." She also shared that she prays first thing in the morning. "My first time praying and fasting was when I was 7 years old. I did that on my own, because I wanted to go to New York, and I knew that this was a sacrifice I had to make in order for god to make sure I could get there."
Riri's team never released a statement about the matter. It was a smart PR move. The backlash never escalated into a whole big discussion about Riri's alleged appropriation of the religious symbol. But of course, fans still think it's unfair that the Work singer just managed to get away from "using religion as an aesthetic." There's been a long-running debate about the use of religious themes in secular fashion as a style statement. Lucky for Rihanna, there hasn't been a clear verdict against it.
