Rihanna will become the first woman to create an original brand at LVMH, the first woman of color at the top of an LVMH maison, and her line will be the first new house created by the group since Christian Lacroix in 1987. It joins such storied heritage brands as Dior, Givenchy, Celine and Fendi and positions Rihanna as a breakthrough designer on a number of levels.
“Designing a line like this with LVMH is an incredibly special moment for us,"
"Mr. Arnault has given me a unique opportunity to develop a fashion house in the luxury sector, with no artistic limits. I couldn’t imagine a better partner both creatively and business-wise, and I’m ready for the world to see what we have built together.”
“Everybody knows Rihanna as a wonderful singer, but through our partnership at Fenty Beauty, I discovered a true entrepreneur, a real CEO and a terrific leader," Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, added. "She naturally finds her full place within LVMH. To support Rihanna to start up the Fenty Maison, we have built a talented and multicultural team supported by the Group resources. I am proud that LVMH is leading this venture and wish it will be a great success.”
Arnault added that the Fenty Maison will be supported by a carefully curated "multicultural team" using LVMH's expansive resources.
"I am proud that LVMH is leading this venture and wish it will be a great success,"
As for what to expect with from the Paris-based Fenty, LVMH teased Friday that their work together "takes shape with her vision in terms of ready to wear, shoes and accessories, including commerciality and communication of the brand."
Fenty is set to debut in Spring 2019, though additional launch details have not been announced.