Music superstar Rihanna poses for the cover story of Interview Magazine‘s Spring 2024 edition lensed by fashion photographer Nadia Lee Cohen. In charge of styling was Mel Ottenberg, with set deign from Brittany Porter, and production by The Morrison Group. Beauty is work of hair stylist Yusef Williams using What Wigs by Yusef at The Wall Group, makeup artist Yadim Carranza using Fenty Beauty at Art Partner, and manicurist Kim Truong using Aprés Nail at Star Touch Agency.
Rihanna’s interview with Mel Ottenberg for Interview Magazine offers a candid glimpse into the multifaceted world of the global superstar. Starting with a relaxed tone, the conversation begins with an outfit check, revealing Rihanna’s casual yet pointed interest in fashion, even wearing her brand Fenty’s Puma shoes. The dialogue quickly transitions into a deeper, more personal discussion, veering away from conventional interview questions to explore topics that resonate on a more intimate level with Rihanna.
Throughout the interview, Rihanna’s personality shines through – her wit, her candor, and her reflections on fame, motherhood, and her evolving identity. She shares insights into her creative process, mentioning how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated her relationship with A$AP Rocky and led them to start a family sooner than they might have otherwise. Rihanna speaks to the joys and fears of motherhood, the dynamic of her relationship with Rocky, and even the competitive spirit that comes alive during games of Crazy Eights.
Fashion and personal style play a significant role in the conversation, with Rihanna discussing her collaboration with Ottenberg over the years and how her body’s changes have influenced their fashion choices. She candidly talks about her post-pregnancy body and her desires regarding plastic surgery, bringing a level of openness and relatability to the discussion.
The interview also explores Rihanna’s musical career, with Ottenberg gently probing about her future in music. Rihanna reveals that her creative process is currently leading with visuals rather than music, hinting at a new direction for her artistic output. Despite the prodding, the conversation steers clear of pressuring Rihanna about new music, respecting her timeline and creative journey.
Rihanna’s reflections on her fears and vulnerabilities, such as the constant worry that comes with being a parent and the dread of betrayal, offer a view into her personal life. Even her dietary preferences and her strategies for managing energy during demanding schedules are covered, painting a comprehensive picture of her day-to-day life.
Towards the end, Rihanna touches on the facets of herself that remain unseen, maintaining a sense of mystery and privacy despite the public’s insatiable curiosity. Her interaction with Ottenberg is playful yet sincere, encapsulating the essence of a woman who navigates the complexities of fame, creativity, and personal growth with grace and authenticity.
Photography © Nadia Lee Cohen for Interview Magazine, read more at interviewmagazine.com
