'In order to understand why Rihanna is the perfect cover star for
our Fall/Winter issue, our ninth edition, you must understand the
issue’s theme. CR 9 is entirely dedicated to one of history’s most
controversial and misunderstood heroines: Marie Antoinette. In fact, her
most famous quote, 'let them eat cake,' was never actually uttered by
the Queen and has, over time, been attributed to her by mistake. It was
this lack of understanding, as much as her notoriously over-the-top
personal style, that moved Carine.'
'I wanted to show that she is not just a villain to be despised or a
muse to be channeled,' says Carine. 'She is neither, actually. She is a
prototype for contemporary fame, body, beauty, celebrity, and
femininity. Everything done by her and to her has influenced society’s
concept of womanhood, for better or worse.” Looking at the life and
times of Marie Antoinette, we begin to see parallels between her and the
female celebrities of today. Who besides our modern pop stars are
followed with more obsession and desire? Rihanna is beloved while Marie
Antoinette was not, but she shares with the Queen an unapologetic
attitude that inspires and fascinates. She says what she wants, smokes
what she wants, and wears what she wants, making her an icon of
authenticity in an era of calculated, pre-baked fame..'
Rihanna for CR Fashion Book, Issue #9
Photographer: Terry Richardson
Makeup: Stephane Marais
Hair: Yusef Williams
