As part of the Vogue’s Forces of Fashion Conference Rihanna was invited to a talk with Hamish Bowles earlier this evening. The interview starts at 4:11 and is a real treat to listen too. I mean Bowles didn’t do his homework and keeps asking her about where Fenty x Puma is going, where the next show will be etc when in fact she already did her final collection for Puma, but I love seeing her in these kinds of settings where she’s allowed to elaborate on a few topics instead of just doing fast questions at a red carpet event. The story about her Guo Pei dress at the Met gala for example, like wow, a TREAT starting around 20:20.

A little earlier, at 15:40, I actually started crying though. Speaking (again) about the diversity in Fenty Beauty she says:

”We’ve had this amazing emotional connection with customers who’ve never been able to find their shade of foundation before. I mean like women crying at the counters. It’s crazy to even think about because when I first started creating the brand and make a foundation – it wasn’t that deep for me. I just… The first woman I ever saw put make-up on her face is a black woman – that’s my mom. So when I’m thinking of my costumer THAT is one of my customers.”

Yes, I’m pms:ing and I’m tired and in Berlin where nothing went my way today but it just says something about how closely connected diversity and quality are to each other. Just as it describes exactly how I relate to my own creativity. When I write it’s either my grandmother, best friend, baby cousin or myself I see in front of me. And one of those (preferably all) need to feel important and seen in the piece I’m making. For example: writing a comedy I doubt my best friend will enjoy is an impossibility. Because their needs and perspective is with me, so I have to be respectful of that and responsible in where I throw the punches (never down, always up). Likewise with me gravitating towards soap opera themes in my plays as this is a major connection for my grandmother and I.

What I’m trying to say: Rihanna recognizing her mother’s image when she sets out to make a foundation hits home. It’s beautiful and powerful and should not be underestimated.

Speaking of soap operas though, Rihanna truly looks like a mogul from The Bold and the Beautiful (Sally Spectra anyone?) in these candids of her getting to the conference! A LOOK.

And before we wrap this up: earlier today she did something I’ve never seen before. She went to the gym. A fangirl is surprised.

All pics from rihannarange.com.

SS18 is Rihanna’s final collection for Puma. She went out with a bang, or on a bike, and have managed to pull off a real reboot of PUMA since she became the company’s women’s creative director back in 2014 (earnings went up 17% the first year alone).

I’ve tried to get something from each collection, first to wear but now it’s more of a collectors thing. I enjoy having the pieces in my home, even if I’ve found I don’t really wear them much. 1) they’re expensive and I’m kind of too scared to ruin them and 2) I’m a + size girl and Rihanna doesn’t really make + size clothing (for my body type at least). So I stick to the accessories, shoes, make-up etc. And on occasion a piece of clothing, I’m not gonna lie :)

still not over it…😱 #FENTYxPUMA SS18. In case ya missed it…

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Sep 21, 2017 at 8:33am PDT

Is there anything I want to get from the SS18 collection? Yes. Yes. Yes. Can I afford it? Nope. Do I think it’s gonna fit me? Doubtful. So I’ll wait until I can try the pieces on this time as there’s no point in consuming (ever) things I won’t wear, and can’t afford. Looking forward to seeing other people wear it all though! And Rihanna herself of course. Imagine that feeling, going to a club in clothes you designed, wearing your own make-up and listening to your own songs. Must be so surreal.

Selected looks from the Fenty x Puma SS18. Photos by Luca Tombolini / Indigital.tv via Vogue.

I think it’s pretty amazing she’s managed to pull this off in the midst of all her other projects (!). How does the woman get the time? And energy? And focus? A true inspiration.

For her final collection with Manolo Blahnik, a collaboration that started with ”Denim desserts” back in May 2016 and continued with ”Savage” a couple of months later, Rihanna has created 4 embellished heels that are truly the best we’ve gotten from Fenty’s stay in the luxury shoe biz (alongside the 9 to 5’s).

This third and final collection is called ”So stoned” (I see what you did there Rih) and $he made sure to wear one of the designs in the video for Wild Thoughts. The shoe is called ”Poison Ivy” and will cost about 1000x more than any mortal can afford (thanks to capitalism and his friend class differences). Looks amazing though.

Mamacita rocking ”Poison Ivy”.

It’s not always she’ll promote her work and/or designs but we should all consider us lucky this month of June because both video and shoes are getting the best of treatments. Yesterday Rihanna posted three gorgeous pictures, taken by her main photographer Dennis Leupold, of the shoes on her Instagram. Below are ”Bajan Princess”, ”Spice” and ”Poison Ivy” (in that order):

 Pictures by Dennis Leupold for Manolo Blahnik.

The final design is called ”Purple Chalice”, which we’ve only gotten a promo pic of so far:

All the shoes have Swarovski crystals on them, cost between $1,265 to $2,325 and will be available for purchase on July 6th over at manoloblahnik.com.

Rihanna served as usual. After HOURS of waiting she finally stepped out and graced us with another Met Gala delivery.

Tonight’s event is honoring Comme des Garçons’ designer Rei Kawakubo, but tbh most attendants ignored the theme and went for same old same old (yes, especially pointing at you Kylie Jenner). Rihanna went all in though, successfully following the theme while also making it incredibly her. Look at the dress and the shoes and the makeup. I suspect it is Fenty Beauty, launching this fall (look for it at Sephora).

Besides from Rih, here are my favorite looks from the evening:

Zoe Kravitz because look at her, a glamazon angel.

Zendaya <3

Diddy and Cassie in an iconic moment.

One more pic because they both look bossy.

Jourdan Dunn.

Solange’s shoes.

@thombrowneny ⛸

A post shared by Solange (@saintrecords) on May 1, 2017 at 4:02pm PDT

Tracee Ellis Ross. I love this woman so much.

Janelle Monaé.

La La, fresh out of a divorce. Fun fact, she wore a ring on every finger but one…

Unbreakable 🖤#metgala pic.twitter.com/Iz9wwtiJ1O

— LA LA (@lala) May 1, 2017

Rita Ora.

And Ruth Negga’s dress seems so pleasing and I’d want something like this to hide but also show off in if I ever went to one of these things.

Bonus: Jaden Smith with his own hair as an accessory. (?!?!)

I saw Rih’s latest collection for her FENTY x PUMA line glued to multiple live streams, admiring the catwalk in awe together with one of my BFFs. Rihanna’s projects have a way of making me feel part of something bigger, be it her excellence, fanbase or friendships. I think it’s amazing how she manages to bring that feeling to me not only through her music but with fashion, interviews and performances as well.

How amazing isn’t it that fashion, music, art, movies, literature, architecture etc can make you feel things? For me it’s one of the best parts of life, to experience a physical sensation thanks to the arts. That’s something worth fighting for. I’m thinking of Trump’s plan to eliminate all funding to programs like the National Endowment of the Arts, for example. That can’t be allowed. We can’t allow it. Art and the opportunity to practice it is vital for the quality of life and a healthy democracy since it allows us to feel, reflect, experience new things and challenge our way of thinking. Which is of course exactly what oppressors try to suppress.

A group of people that truly understand the link between art and quality of life are fangirls (we live for it after all!). So I decided to ask around:

How does the new Fenty x Puma collection make you feel?

”Slayrage”.

”I have experienced a new feeling. I call it slayrage. It’s similar to cuteness-rage (when you see a baby or animal that is so cute you can’t handle it and you get mad instead)only it’s when you see someone slaying real bad. What triggered it? Seeing first a picture from the Fenty x Puma line and then pics from Zara Larssons nike cooperation. Like she put split pants on top of some silk boxer short??? Who the hell thinks of that? And it looks so amazing my head wants to explode??? Like in a butch but gay and silk underwear and new way to expose the thighs kind of way???”
– Elin

A few of Dan’s favorite looks from the collection.

”The new collection makes me feel SOOO happy! To see Rihanna grow from such a small artist into the successful musician and fashion designer she has become is inspiring! I’m super proud of her. I love how the collection is based on an ”American cliques” theme, from goths to skaters, to nerds and preppies and bad girls! It has something for everybody and is definitely my favorite FENTYxPUMA collection so far!”
– Dan

Fenty University, class of 2017.

”I was blown away instantly. The colors are vibrant, & the designs are so ”Rihanna”.”
– Chrissy

Tai wearing Fenty x Puma AW16 beenie and sweater, and Fenty x Puma creepers.

”LIKE A GLAMAZON FIERCE BITCH”
– Tai

Some of Vinnie’s favorite looks from the collection.

”This collection makes me happy. I love it because I’m so comfortable with this style. I could see myself wearing so many pieces from this collection. I definitely loved this one the most out of all, although the Fenty x Puma collections from before were marvelous as well. I was not expecting this at all, but Fenty never disappoints.”
– Vinnie

The models walked on tabletops at the French National Library.

”Her vision is so unorthodox. Just watching the fashion show & seeing her ideas manifested was invigorating.”
– Kat

”I’m very intrigued by the innovative and versatile pieces that Rihanna and the other designers came up with. She did so well with picking the beautiful and comfortable fabrics and designs.”
– Kai

DM between Rih and Asia, who’s wearing Fenty x Puma AW16.

”This Fenty X Puma collection got me totally SHOOK. It is everything and more than we expected from the style Queen. I’m so proud of her. I’m glad I’ve got some pieces from the winter and spring collection!!!!! Rihanna has an amazing fashion taste, we can notice that since when she was a child!!! Rihanna is able to influence others style as well. I love her.”
– Asia

”My fav 3 styles ;-) /Renri”

”I felt I missed those school style which I did when I was high school and uni student! But the collection change those basic school style so much more stylish!!! How cool.”
– Renri

Lameka Fox walks the FENTY x PUMA AW17 catwalk in Paris.

”It makes me feel immortal.”
– Gizem

”The new Fenty x Puma Collection makes me feel immensely proud of Rih. I have watched and admired her growth over the years and seeing her doing something of this magnitude reminds me every time why I love her so much. #Caribbeangalsrunthings”
– Zoe

”Even though my student life is ending this June and I could not be more upset, this line brings back my university life in a much cooler and more elegant way as Fenty University. I can’t wait to experience my new university. ”
– Idil

A pic of her leaving the restaurant in Paris…That evening she waited in the car and when everyone left and I stood there with friends she turned on her light in the car and started waving at us and throwing kisses. /Nathalie

”It made me feel so excited!!! She’s so creative… I even went to Paris to support her 3rd fashion show… Can’t wait until this collection be available!”
– Nathalie