At this point, it's fair to say that there isn't anything Rihanna can't do. She's one of the biggest selling artists of all time, has a bunch of blockbuster Hollywood movies to her name, and is now, with the successful launch of Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty, a fully fledged businesswoman.
But, if that's not exhausting enough, Rihanna has decided to turn her hand to fashion once more, launching a brand new clothing line — Fenty — under the LVMH conglomerate, who also house brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dior.
The launch of Fenty makes Rihanna the first ever woman to create an original brand at LVMH, the first woman of colour to lead one there, and also marks the first new fashion house created by LVMH since Christian Lacroix back in 1987.
On Wednesday, Rihanna finally debuted the collection in Paris. However, although she's so far received positive praise for it, people were forced to come to her defence over the price range.
One article, in particular, started going viral on Twitter, calling the prices "classist hypocrisy" and claiming that Rihanna's aim of targeting the modern woman was "out of touch with reality".
.@rihanna's luxury clothing line claims to target the "modern woman"—but the typical modern woman can't afford a $200 dollar #FENTY T-shirt. https://t.co/2bn8xEJf2o
I guess you could say that the internet didn't react too well to that, especially considering one keyword had apparently been forgotten — LUXURY.
it says "luxury clothing line" like right there https://t.co/k3rhktw41T
Are you drunk? It is an LVMH brand. Do you know the company it keeps? People were able to buy her puma collaboration, and many have access to her makeup. This is upmarket fashion, and we should be thrilled she has been taken seriously enough to launch it. Shut up. https://t.co/R1gP4ClVKX
Can’t believe people thought a “luxury” fashion brand was going to have the same price tag as high street clothes 🤧 https://t.co/5Z1lfz8tuM
@Popdust @rihanna It’s a luxury clothing line not H & M.
People pointed out that Rihanna's other collaborations, including her previous fashion lines and makeup brand, are at a more accessible price range, but that's not the point of this collection.
Rihanna has two brands that are at a very accessible price point. Fenty is a luxury brand, not Zara, so the clothing is going to be at a “luxury” price point. What is this take? Lmao https://t.co/WB6fcesUZP
People also wondered why there was an issue with Rihanna's prices but seemingly nobody else's.
@Popdust @rihanna why didn't anyone have this same energy for victoria beckham's luxury line i wonder?
you know rihanna will design the most extravagant, amazing clothes yet kanye is out here selling beige t-shirts for 400 bucks, where is that energy for him? https://t.co/vter9D5Fbu
I....where is this energy for every other luxury brand? https://t.co/MpQGB0xXj0
Even Jameela Jamil got involved, pointing out that the prices were still a lot cheaper than many other labels.
It’s high fashion, it’s luxury, and still cheaper than most designer stuff. I also bet this means that the clothes are amazing, made in humane conditions and don’t disintegrate after one wash. All her shit is quality. (Even her actual shit I bet. I bet it’s the best quality.) 💁🏽♀️ https://t.co/wM2dctU2O0
According to an interview with Bloomberg, Rihanna wants to "keep prices as accessible as possible while still using luxurious materials and techniques". Rihanna added: "I hope I can reach a broad audience. I can't wait to walk outside and just run past someone who's wearing it. I think that'll be a huge moment for me."
