After recording a huge win with her Fenty makeup line which has received widespread praise for embracing diversity by providing makeup for pretty much every skin shade, she was also listed on Times’ 25 Best Inventions of 2017 list. 

So it’s no wonder that the superstar had us all on the edge of our seats when she announced that she would be launching a lingerie line, Savage x Fenty, that would cater to all sizes.  The emphasis on ‘all sizes’ had everyone guessing that she was going to bring the same diversity she had implemented with her beauty line and that was refreshing!

Shortly after the line was released, Elle magazine got 20 random women to try on all sizes of the lingerie which ranged from 32A to 40DD. Most of the ladies gave rave rave reviews but others complained that the brand which had promised to be all inclusive actually wasn’t, as there are sizes that are far larger than a DDD cup and a size 40 band, and the lingerie line isn’t reflective of that.

One of the muses, Jenna who tried on the size 40DD bra had this to say about the line:

“When I heard Rihanna was launching a lingerie line, I was interested and hoping that plus sizes would be included. I didn’t want to get my hopes up because most celeb collections aren’t size inclusive. I’m frankly used to being let down because their sizes are extremely lacking. It feels like she just dipped her toe in the plus size pool, but didn’t take the plunge. Stopping at a size 18/DD, when a 14/D is the “average” size of the American woman, is really the bare minimum where plus sizes are concerned.”

And even more fans voiced their complaints expressing their disappointment on social media about the lack of perceived inclusivity:

Here are some comments ftom fans online:

Savage x Fenty subsequently released an announcement in reply to one such fan who complained about the lack of inclusion of plus-size women  stating:Apologies for any inconvenience. This is only the beginning. We’ll keep you updated as more styles and sizes become available. Make sure to opt-in to receive our Savage X Fenty emails.

Here are a couple of more reviews from the women who tried the line:

Caroline, who wears a 34D, says: “The lacy bra I shot in felt amazing. Super soft with great quality fabric, the fit was exceptional and the aqua color with the rose gold hardware is such a gorgeous, sexy touch! This bra was one of the best fitting bras I’ve worn in a while.”

Helen says: “When I heard Rihanna was launching a lingerie collection a light bulb went on over my head. I thought, ‘Oh I see, Rihanna wants all the money in my bank account, not just a little!’

The bra is really comfortable! I get to wear my true size 32C and that is amazing. Also, I was able to find nude tones that did not exist before. The bra is just as good if not better than anything I have had. Also I want to support Rihanna! I think that its important to speak with you wallet. Not just social media, or Facebook, but to use your hard-earned dollars to support business. It feels good to support a newcomer who is changing the game.”

Mabel says: “I’m a 34A so it’s difficult to find a bra that looks good and feels nice but the Savage X bra was super flattering. Best of both worlds. I was expecting to see super padded bras, lace, and maybe a bit of S&M when I got to the ELLE.com offices. Now, it’s clear that the collection is sexy but tasteful. I’ve never felt confident in lingerie before the day of the shoot.“

Halle, who wears a 40D, says: “When I first heard Rih was launching lingerie, my first thought was GAME CHANGER. If it was going to be anything like Fenty Beauty, I knew for sure that it would be inclusive of everyone. This bra is definitely better than other’s I’ve tried. When I put the bra on, I felt sexy and confident. A lot of lace bras don’t give me the support I need, being that I am plus size and have a fuller bust, but one thing I really liked about the bra was the underwire which provided me with support.” 

***

Body positivity has become such a big thing in the industry with more women being open about their struggles with their weight and finding their happy no matter what size or shape they are. It would be great for Savage x Fenty to factor this in and deliver on their promise. With Riri’s proven track record of keeping to her word with her other brands, we’re hoping that the same applies here.

Read all 20 women’s reviews of the Savage x Fenty lingerine line on ELLE

Photo Credit: ELLE

What stood out to us about the entire interview was just how much she’s grown in so many aspects of her life. And that growth shows that despite her celebrity status, she’s human, just like the rest of us millennials, and her growth reflects ours in many ways.

Here are 5 important life lessons we learned from the interview:

How to handle that awkward situation when a man is madly in love but you don’t really feel the same way

Rihanna pretty much implied that although Drake was madly in love with her at some point, she wasn’t really on the same wavelength with him feelings-wise.

You may recall a few years ago, Drake professed his undying love for her on live TV during the MTV Video Music Awards. Speaking on this situation, Rihanna said, “…waiting through that speech was probably the most uncomfortable part. I don’t like too many compliments; I don’t like to be put on blast..”. When asked about her current relationship with Drake, she said, “We don’t have a friendship now, but we’re not enemies either. It is what it is.”

In such situations like these, it can be quite tempting to settle for a guy who is absolutely crazy about you, even though you may not feel the same way. Especially in our culture where getting married is seen as an accomplishment. Family and friends may think you’re nuts for not wanting to settle down with such a guy. But as Rihanna has shown, if the feelings aren’t mutual, it’s time to move on!

We aren’t called to do just one thing in life. Our purpose is multi-faceted

When you were younger, it’s highly likely that your parents and older siblings asked you this question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” In response to this question, you probably may have mentioned just one thing. A ballerina. A lawyer. A journalist. A doctor. etc. In hindsight, we shouldn’t have restricted ourselves into thinking we could only have one career. As Rihanna has shown us, having a multi-facted career path is possible. She’s a singer, actress, a makeup mogul-in-the making, a fashion designer…and then there are rumours that she might be going into the Wine business soon. 

So guys, don’t limit yourselves. Explore your passions and look for smart ways to monetize them.

Body positivity

When Rihanna first gained a couple of pounds and officially joined the “team thick fit” club, the Internet went crazy. Many speculated that she was either pregnant with Drake’s baby, or extremely depressed, as they found it hard to accept her fuller figure. But Rihanna apparently didn’t give a damn. She showed that she was comfortable with her new physique, by continuing to rock daring outfits that even size 2 women would think twice about wearing. Speaking on her body image, she told Chioma, “I mean, I know when I’m having a fat day and when I’ve lost weight. I accept all of the bodies…I’m not built like a Victoria’s Secret girl, and I still feel very beautiful and confident in my lingerie.”

What a great reminder to love the skin you’re in!

The importance of having a healthy work-life balance

Rihanna is a hard worker, but she definitely knows how to step a way from work demands and take a break when it’s necessary. She said, “…even mentally, just to be away from my phone, to be in the moment, that has been key for my growth. Now, when I come to work, I’m all in. Because before you know it, the years will go by. I’m glad I’m taking the time. I’m happy.”

Take nothing for granted

Speaking on her Bajan roots, she said, “I basically grew up in paradise. I mean, people save for their whole lives to go on vacation there, and it’s easy to take that for granted.”

This one really hit home for us. You know, being from Africa and being aware of the continent’s numerous blessings and shortcomings can often leave one with mixed feelings. Especially when it often seems as though it’s shortcomings far outweigh it’s blessings. We should be reminded that there are people who genuinely long to rediscover and connect with their African roots, and be in our position, No matter what challenges we may face, we should always remember that being here is truly a gift.

Photo Credit: VOGUE