Rihanna presents a diverse cast for Savage x Fenty Vol. 3

On Friday, the third installment of Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty shows debuts exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. The prerecorded “fashion show,” which is more like an ensemble musical of choreographed modeling, special appearances, and performances, was filmed at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles over the summer and is a continuation of the singer-turned-business mogul’s vision for an inclusive brand that celebrates diversity, body positivity, empowerment and the authenticity that blooms from standing in that power.

The cast of models and performers in this year’s show includes both newcomers and notable names alike: Nas, Ricky Martin, Adriana Lima, Erykah Badu, Gigi Hadid, Troye Sivan, Normani, Vanessa Hudgens, and more. Rihanna, who served as executive producer and creative director of Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3, said that the partnership between her company and Amazon Prime Video was a fruitful one.

“They gave me a platform and a stage to show this dynamic show that we’ve been able to put together,” the star told The Reporter at Wednesday’s premiere event. “I think the challenge every year is to make it better than the previous one and this year we went bigger, we went better, and I’m very proud of every part of the show.”

The third edition of the Savage x Fenty welcomed an all-star cast, presented by Rihanna, in a highly anticipated production of the new lingerie collection.

In a diverse array of talents, the cast for the show included the likes of top models Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Behati Prinsloo. It also featured a number of notable personalities, such as drag-star Gottmik, actress Vanessa Hudgens and singer Troye Sivan. Each member of the cast brought a unique nature to the round-up while presenting a collection that aims to be totally inclusive of gender expression, silhouette, and personality.

The presentation, exclusively launched through Amazon Prime, additionally featured performances by the likes of Normani, Nas, Ricky Martin, and Bia, who each brought additional entertainment to the grand-scale production. Over the Summer, the prerecorded show was filmed at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, providing an impressive backdrop for the ensemble.

“Every year we challenge ourselves to up the ante, so to speak,” explained Rihanna, in her red carpet interview before the event. “This year, this space is the star of the show, so we will be highlighting all its stunning architecture. It is definitely going to be a challenge for our creative director, but this challenge is going to be the thing that makes it special.”

She added: “Everything in this space is so special, so when you see it in the camera there are so many ways you can work with it. Usually, we are building out our set, but this year our set just told us what to do.”

Daring designs featured in the risqué collection included caged lace pieces, pleated metallic material, lace catsuits, leather body harnesses, and gathered mesh textures. The selection aimed to empower different and unconventional body types, allowing for people to explore their individuality.

Almost every item included in the show is available on the Savage x Fenty official website and through Amazon Fashion. A few individuals wore custom pieces, including model Gigi Hadid who bore a sequin kimono-style robe over sequin underwear, with a chain attached leading up the body to a matching choker necklace.

On the casting process, Hadid said in her interview: “The world started to catch on to holding brands and production companies accountable for the shows they were producing and who they were casting for these shows. To me, a lot of people did just enough to get by to not piss people off.”

She continued: “I think Rihanna is always one step ahead. She was doing it before a lot of brands, and in the right way, which is not just casting what she thinks needs to be cast. Rihanna casts for the person, whether that is a huge celebrity, or a street cast, or a friend, or a person she knows. Each person is cast for who they are and not what they can do for her show. It always feels genius and very Rihanna to put forth people that inspire her.”

Volume three celebrates the latest lingerie collection from the brand, which features unique lace, leather, and lamé pieces in sizes ranging from 32-46 in bands, A-H in cups, and up to XS-3X/XS-XXXL, which is a central part of the brand’s mission of body positivity more broadly. Said Rihanna: “If we invite a consumer, they’re never uninvited, we just try to figure out who did we not invite and try to expand on our inclusivity and what that means for us as a brand.” The partnership also includes a shoppable collection at both Savage X Fenty and in the Amazon Fashion store.

Terence J, an entertainment reporter best known as the former host of BET’s 106 & Park and previous co-anchor of E! News, celebrated Rihanna’s growth not only as a person but also as an entertainer and entrepreneur. “I did one of her first interviews when she was just a girl from Barbados trying to make it to see her at a billion dollars, it’s inspirational to all of us. I’m so proud of her and so proud of how she represents us.”

When asked about the specific import of Savage X Fenty in the larger Fenty universe, and how her creativity sings differently with this business endeavor, Rihanna said: “I can’t do this at Fenty Beauty, I can’t do this at Fenty Skin. With this, I get to unleash my inner savage and play. There’s nothing that’s off-limits with this brand and that’s why I love to have fun with it.”

Content courtesy of Fashion United & Nairobi fashion hub