Rihanna Calls Out Brands Using Trans Models As ‘A Marketing Tool’

rihanna fenty beauty

by Katie Rosseinsky |
Published on

In the few months since its launch, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty has been credited as a game changer for the beauty industry. For her first foray into make-up, the singer has been fully committed to representing a diverse spectrum of women; a commitment that’s evident in her campaigns and in the range of foundation shades on offer (40 and counting). Cue a rapturous response from millions of women around the world.

So far, Rihanna’s Fenty campaigns are yet to feature trans models, something which a fan raised to the singer on Twitter, asking her to consider casting trans women for the next shoot.

‘Fenty Beauty campaign is awesome, next time you record something [you] should invite a trans girl to the group,’ the fan wrote.

The fact that Rihanna gave an individual, carefully considered response to their question is clearly testament to how seriously she takes the issue of representation.

‘I’ve had the pleasure of working with many gifted trans women throughout the years, but I don’t go around doing trans castings! Just like I don’t do straight non trans women castings!’ she explained.

‘I respect all women, and whether they’re trans or not is none of my business! It’s personal and some trans women are more comfortable about being open about it than others so I have to respect that as a woman myself!’

She then went on to point out that beauty brands choosing to cast just one trans model, or model of colour, in an attempt to appear more diverse can feel like a marketing ploy that benefits the brand’s perception, and not the models in question.

‘I don’t think it’s fair that a trans woman, or man, be used as a convenient marketing tool!’ she said. ‘Too often do I see companies doing this to trans and black women alike! There’s always just that one spot in the campaign for the token “we look mad diverse” girl/guy! It’s sad!’

We couldn’t agree more. Take a bow, RiRi.

Gallery

Rihanna's Style Transformation - Grazia

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Back in 2005, Rihanna would team low-rise boyfriend jeans with a gaudy halterneck. Oh the Noughties! Oh our eyes! What an incredible time for casual dressing.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Remember the time Rihanna took style pointers from 'Ender's Kat Slater? Well, you do now.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Rihanna returns after a break in music in 2009 with an edgy haircut (which was to be replicated by millions) and a mannish tux.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Rihanna begins to step outside her comfort zone in a daring assemble that she is known for today. With big, burgundy hair and a mesh length frock, we adore this award-ceremony look.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Rih goes gothic with a plunging bandeau bralet and a fishtail mesh skirt to match.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

It's 2012, and Rihanna is back looking hella classy with a fantastic blend of dangerous. Oh and we are obsessed with the honey-hued lob.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

It's the 2014 Grammy awards and Rihanna opts for a shimmering yellow, floor-length evening gown, playing homage to her Caribbean roots.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Another bold sartorial choice from Rihanna. The star went to a Los Angeles dinner wearing nipple pasties, a draping white skirt and fishnet stockings. Definitely not one for the shrinking violets amongst us.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Oooh the wrath of teenage rebellion! Rihanna goes full goth whilst unveiling the artwork for her album 'ANTI'.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Here is Rihanna at the 2015 Met Gala wearing that cape, which afterwards inspired hundreds of memes, including one that compared her assemble to a 'spilled omelette'. We are obsessed.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

In 2015, Rihanna teams a Celine dress with Nike kicks and gives a whole new meaning to 'Sports Luxe'.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Rihanna turns up to Coachella in a floor-length violet fur coat, a beautifully parred-down purple lip and clashing Doc Martens.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Any devotees to the pyjamma trend take note, as RiRi wears nightwear as outerwear like a pro.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

The Wild Thoughts singer waltzes around New York in a gorgeous salmon-pink assemble which screams 'Barbie paradise'. In a good way, of course.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Rihanna contrasts a printed floor-length smock dress with a bold lip and biiig hair.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

During the 2016 Tidal Event, the songstress wears a boob-skimming blazer co-ord with white ankle boots.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Rihanna channeled her inner-princess side at her Fenty Beauty launch by wearing a lilac tulle dress by Molly Goddard.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Bad Gal RIRI quite literally turned the fashion world on it's head, by rocking up to the 2017 Met Gala in Comme des Garçons assemble. Outfit or art? We are torn.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Rihanna gives a new meaning to athleisure in neon pink tracksuit and a contrasting sky-blue sports bra.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

One of the most iconic looks from Ms Fenty, to date. When asked by Laverne Cox what gave her the courage to wear the sheer Adam Selman dress to the CFDA Awards in 2014, she said: “Dear Laverne, I took advantage of my t***ies before they go south. I saw my window, and I took it.” Hear hear.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Rihanna oozes attitude, despite wearing a ruffled, polka dot dress to the Kid's Choice Awards in 2010.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

The songstress never been one to shy away from head-turning stage outfits. Here she is in an ab-skimming, gold detailed tracksuit, that is definitely too showy to wear to your morning pilates class...

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Rihanna fashion outfit

The Take A Bow singer paid homage to a young Britney Spears at the 2005 World Music Awards. Though kudos for rocking a skirt brighter than Harper Beckham's future .

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Rihanna fashion outfit

2006 Rihanna ups the glam-factor in a simple, but oh-so stylish nude dress. Princess-esque and almost a little too perfect from the Wild Thoughts singer.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

The songstress was spotted at the 2006 Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards wearing er, spots! Oh and fuchsia pink leggings which we all can admit to wearing at one point...

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Once upon a time, Bad Gal Ri Ri would coordinate her oversized knit, baker cap and tights. There is hope for us all.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

A wholesome Rihanna rocked up to the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards wearing white skinny jeans (remember those days?) and a teeny weeny sequin-encrusted waistcoat. She had the Island-girl image nailed.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Define Noughties fashion in one picture? Denim skirt - check. Lace-detailed cami - check. Metallic cowboys - check. Rih Rih looks every inch a R&B artist of 2005.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Rihanna plays it safe with a black LBD and stilettos in 2007.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

One of Ms Fenty's most low-key looks to date. The lipstick connoisseur plays it safe with a black LBD and simple accessories. Miles away from her 'fur coat, no bra' aesthetic ten years on.

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Rihanna fashion outfit

Rihanna wears a glitzy bodycon dress and perfectly permed tresses to the 2006 MTV awards.

READ MORE: What Happened When Rihanna Met Brigitte Macron In Paris?

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