We can all agree, 2020 has tested us. From the insurmountable stress caused by the ongoing global pandemic and crippling racial unrest to uninterrupted tweets from the White House and devastating natural disasters, we have had few moments of happiness.
Enter Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
Whether defending Black Lives Matter on social media, attracting voters to polls, redefining body and gender norms with his second show Savage x Fenty, or simply reminding us that we are still sexy and brilliant through his Fenty Skin and Fenty Beauty tutorials , Rihanna was the scorching sun that we needed on many dark days last year.
For the January / February 2021 edition of ESSENCE, Rihanna continues to light our way. For the first time in our brand’s 50-year history, we hired the esteemed Lorna Simpson to interpret modern beauty in collaboration with the global star. The result: a series of original photographic collages for the cover and the 12-page portfolio with the title “Of Earth & Sky”.
Photographic collage, Variable dimensions © Lorna Simpson
Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
Creative direction and fashion style, Jahleel Weaver. Hair, Yusef / The Y by Yusef / Factory Downtown. Makeup: Raisa Flowers using Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin. Manicure: Maria Salandra / Dior Vernis / Art Department. Tailor, Grace Ryung Kim. In Rihanna, a diamond necklace by Michelle Ong from Siegelson.
“Lorna is a legend,” said Rihanna, 32, of the artist whose praised career spans three decades. Although the partnership with Simpson was an idea conceived with its creative director, Jahleel Weaver, Rihanna was apprehensive about taking the first step. “Honestly, I just didn’t think I could get it,” Rihanna laughed. “But I like to reach for the stars and I like to challenge myself.”
Simpson became known for her art that recontextualizes images of black women from vintage pages of Ebony and Jet magazines and photos found in the creation of captivating collages. In 2018, she received the J. Paul Getty Medal and was 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 exploring narratives around gender, race and identity. She also shared the experience with her daughter, writer and actor Zora Simpson Casebere, 22, who wrote the cover portfolio essay, “Anthems of Possibility”.
“[Collaborating] with Rihanna and ESSENCE magazine is amazing, ”said Simpson during the set. “As an artist, I am able to present these unusual images of someone who is so well known and recognizable … It is an incredible opportunity.”
Rihanna agreed. “It’s a natural trifecta,” she said. “It’s like magic.”
See below a preview of the photographic collages of Rihanna and Lorna Simpson from the January / February 2021 edition
(on newsstands and digital platforms on January 19).
Photographic collage, Variable dimensions © Lorna Simpson
Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
JACKET, JACKET AND PANTS Rick Owens. LEGGINGS Savage x Fenty. Givenchy SHOES.
Belperron CHOKER. RINGS Belperron and Messika. EARRINGS Chrome Hearts, Thelma West (drops), Messika and Melissa Kaye (cufflinks). Rihanna’s own ANKLET.
Photo 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).
Photo collage, Variable dimensions © Lorna Simpson
Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
BRA Savage x Fenty. TOP Harris Reed. JACKET Hood by Air.
Photo collage, Variable dimensions © Lorna Simpson
Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
BRA, SKIRT AND HEADPIECE Maximilian. SHOES Amina Muaddi. EARRINGS Chrome Hearts and
Thelma West (falls). CUFF Belperron. Chopard RINGS.
Photo 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 edition will be on newsstands and digital platforms from January 19.