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We can all agree, 2020 has tried us. From the insurmountable stress of the ongoing global pandemic and crippling racial unrest, to relentless White House tweets and devastating natural disasters, we have had very few happy moments.
Enter Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
Whether it’s championing Black Lives Matter on social media, galvanizing voters at the polls, redefining body and gender norms with her second Savage x Fenty show, or simply reminding ourselves that we’re still sexy and beaming through her Fenty Skin and Fenty Beauty tutorials, Rihanna was the blazing sun we needed on many dark days last year.
For the January / February 2021 issue of ESSENCE, Rihanna continues to show us the way forward. For the first time in our brand’s 50-year history, we commissioned the prestigious Lorna Simpson to interpret modern beauty in collaboration with the global star. The result: a series of original photographic collages for the cover and a 12 page portfolio titled “Of Earth & Sky”.
Photographic collage, variable dimensions © Lorna Simpson
Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
Creative direction and fashion styling, Jahleel Weaver. Hair, Yusef / The Y by Yusef / Factory Downtown. Make-up: Raisa Flowers using Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin. Manicure: Maria Salandra / Dior Vernis / Art Department. Tailor, Grace Ryung Kim. On Rihanna, a diamond necklace from Michelle Ong of Siegelson.
“Lorna is a legend,” said Rihanna, 32, of the artist whose lauded career spans three decades. While teaming up with Simpson was an idea conceived with his Creative Director, Jahleel Weaver, Rihanna was excited to take the first step. “Honestly, I just didn’t think I could have it,” Rihanna laughs. “But I like to reach for the stars and I like to challenge myself.”
Simpson became known for her art which recontextualizes images of black women from vintage pages of Ebony and Jet magazines and found photos in the creation of striking collages. In 2018, she received the J. Paul Getty Medal and has been honored by the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the Studio Museum in Harlem. Saying yes to this exclusive project allowed Simpson, 60, to continue to explore narratives around gender, race and identity. She also shared her experience with her daughter, writer and actress Zora Simpson Casebere, 22, who wrote the essay for the accompanying cover portfolio, “Anthems of Possibility.”
“[Collaborating] with Rihanna and ESSENCE magazine, it’s pretty amazing, ”Simpson said on set. “As an artist, I am able to deliver these unusual images of someone who is so famous and so recognizable… It is an incredible opportunity.
Rihanna agreed. “It’s a natural trio,” she says. “It’s like magic.”
See below for a preview of Rihanna and Lorna Simpson’s photo collages from the January / February 2021 issue.
(on newsstands and digital platforms on January 19).
Photographic collage, variable dimensions © Lorna Simpson
Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
COAT, JACKET AND SHORTS Rick Owens. LEGGINGS Savage x Fenty. Givenchy SHOES.
CHOKER Belperron. RINGS Belperron and Messika. Chrome Hearts, Thelma West (drops), Messika and Melissa Kaye (cufflink) EARRINGS. Rihanna’s own ANKLET.
Photographic collage, variable dimensions © Lorna Simpson
Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
DRESS, JACKET AND SHOES Maison Margiela Artisanal. RING Camilla Diets Bergeron. EARRINGS Thelma West, Lang Antiques and Colette (cuff).
Photographic collage, variable dimensions © Lorna Simpson
Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
BRA Savage x Fenty. TOP Harris Reed. JACKET Hood by Air.
Photographic collage, variable dimensions © Lorna Simpson
Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
BRA, SKIRT AND HEAD Maximilian. SHOES Amina Muaddi. EARRINGS Chrome Hearts and
Thelma West (drops). CUFF Belperron. RINGS Chopard.
Photographic collage, variable dimensions © Lorna Simpson
Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
BRA Savage x Fenty. TOP Harris Reed. JACKET Hood by Air.
The January / February 2021 issue will hit newsstands and digital platforms from January 19.
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