As promised here are the credits for Rihanna’s seven covers for Complex. The magazine did one cover for every album Rihanna has released so far. Her stylist Mel Ottenberg worked with the rest of her glam squad (Ursula Stephen, Mylah Morales, Kimmie Kyees) to re-imagine the seven album covers in a way that works with Rihanna’s current sartorial taste. If you missed the previous post click here to catch up.
Music of the Sun: Back in 2005 Rihanna’s label-approved style consisted almost exclusively of midriff-baring tops and baggy jeans with a little island flare. Here Mel opted for vintage Levi’s cut-off shorts and a vintage Chanel bra. Rihanna’s jewelry includes her own Jacquie Aiche body chain (worn throughout), a vintage Chanel necklace provided by Lynn Ban and hoop earrings by Jennifer Fisher.
A Girl Like Me: In 2006 Rihanna scored her first of many number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. On that album cover she posed in virginal eyelet but for Complex she went a bit racier. She wears a white crochet outfit provided by Palace Costume, which includes Anna Kosturova‘s Sophia crochet maxi skirt.
Good Girl Gone Bad: This album scored her a slew of hits, catapulted her to superstar status and earned her the first of many Grammy awards. Rihanna mimics the iconic leaning pose from that cover in a custom white bodysuit designed by longtime collaborator Adam Selman and earrings by Alexis Bittar.
Rated R: This album is known for it’s dark tones, which were also reflected in the many edgy outfits the star sported during this era. Sticking with the theme from the album cover, Mel dressed Rihanna in a leather bustier by Alexander Wang and Rodarte‘s leather grommeted lace-up pants from their Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Her jewelry includes several rings by Lynn Ban including a jagged knuckle ring (a favourite of Rihanna’s) and Amy Zerner‘s black crystal snake ring.
Loud: In 2010 Rihanna emerged from the darkness with bright red hair and a carefree attitude. Reflecting the red that was so prominent during that time, she wears a retro-style bikini designed by the legendary Gianni Versace in 1991. The print is a combination of Andy Warhol‘s iconic pop art paintings of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean (perhaps a nod to Love Without Tragedy?). She also wears a vintage Versace bracelet, Chanel earrings from the early nineties and red Manolo Blahnik Chaos sandals.
Talk That Talk: Rihanna is known for her ever-changing style and it changed again in 2011. Her fashion took a more urban lean and she started wearing menswear pieces and grunge-inspired outfits. On the magazine cover Rihanna rocks a custom made camouflage bandana and bra by Adam Selman, vintage Chanel suspenders and earrings, and Carhartt‘s double-front work dungarees.
Unapologetic: Rihanna was definitely unapologetic as she posed nude for this album cover. The magazine cover reflects this attitude plus her love of Instagram. She wears tuxedo pants by Tom Ford and rings by Alice Waese plus a few from her own extensive jewellery collection.
Which cover is your favourite?
images via complex/zoe mcconnell
