Thursday, 14 May 2015

Rihanna is the epitome of seductive glamour as she stars in dramatic new Dior ads as the brand's first ever black campaign star

Rihanna is the epitome of seductive glamour as she stars in dramatic new Dior ads as the brand's first ever black campaign star

  • Dior confirmed in March that the 27-year-old popstar had been chosen to front the latest installment of the fashion label's Secret Garden campaign
  • Rihanna was spotted filming and shooting for the brand at the Palace of Versailles in Paris just days before Dior confirmed her new role 
Rihanna made history earlier this year as the first woman of color to be named as the face of Dior, and now the first set of images from her stunning new Secret Garden campaign have been revealed to the world. 
The sultry singer flaunts her perfected pout in the gothic-inspired images, which see 27-year-old Rihanna showcasing a number of the brand's more glamorous designs.  
In one image, the char-topper can be seen wearing low-cut black fur dress, which she is seductively pulling open as she pouts towards the camera. 
Star power: Rihanna looks seductive as she models for Dior's newest campaign, which she previously described as a 'big deal' for her culture
Star power: Rihanna looks seductive as she models for Dior's newest campaign, which she previously described as a 'big deal' for her culture
Red lips and tips: This image focuses on the 27-year-old's bold accessories; in addition to her bold red lipstick and nail polish, Rihanna can be seen wearing a pair of black sunglasses while carrying an embellished purse
Red lips and tips: This image focuses on the 27-year-old's bold accessories; in addition to her bold red lipstick and nail polish, Rihanna can be seen wearing a pair of black sunglasses while carrying an embellished purse
The daring ensemble has been accessorized with a beaded black veil, and a large quilted purse which is complete with a chunky chain handle and floral embroidery, which ties in nicely with the Secret Garden theme of the shoot. 
In the background of two of the four images that have been released, the opulent surroundings of the Palace of Versailles, where the campaign was shot, can also be seen. 
For one particularly glamorous shot, Rihanna is pictured wearing a high-necked, long-sleeved sequin gown, while clutching a small silver handbag and staring at her own reflection in one of the Palace's many mirrors. 
In another, the singer is running through the Palace halls, her long red gown sweeping behind her as she dashes away from the camera, stealing just a quick glance back at the lens.  
In an interview with MTV News back in March, Rihanna touched on the importance of her casting in the campaign, describing her new role role as 'fantastic' and 'meaningful'.
Big deal: Rihanna explained in March how important she believes her new Dior campaign will be for 'a lot of young girls of any color'
Big deal: Rihanna explained in March how important she believes her new Dior campaign will be for 'a lot of young girls of any color'
Opulence and glamour: The images for the campaign were taken at the luxurious Palace of Versailles in Paris
Opulence and glamour: The images for the campaign were taken at the luxurious Palace of Versailles in Paris
'It feels fantastic,' she explained. 'It is such a big deal for me, for my culture, for a lot of young girls of any color. 
'I think, to be acknowledged by Dior is just, it means a lot as a woman to feel beautiful, and elegant, and timeless.' 
Dior's decision to cast the chart-topper as the newest face of its spring-inspired Secret Garden campaign, which is currently in its fourth year, was met with an overwhelming amount of support, both from the fashion industry, and from the label's fans, when it was originally announced.
'#HistoRIH @rihanna is gonna be the first BLACK WOMAN to be the face of Dior!!!!!' one person tweeted, while another added: 'Huge news for @rihanna today: she's the first black woman to be the face of Dior.'
Dior confirmed that it had signed Rihanna up as its newest campaign star just days after she was seen shooting for the campaign in Paris.
Strike a pose: Rihanna was seen working on a photoshoot for the Dior campaign at the Palace of Versailles just a few months ago
Strike a pose: Rihanna was seen working on a photoshoot for the Dior campaign at the Palace of Versailles just a few months ago
Couture: The popstar was modeling a beautifully-cut black Dior gown and red leather gloves, both of which feature in the new campaign shots
Couture: The popstar was modeling a beautifully-cut black Dior gown and red leather gloves, both of which feature in the new campaign shots
Rihanna has joined models such as Daria Strokus, Melissa Stasiuk and Xiao Wen Ju, all of whom have previously featured in the Secret Garden series. 
Back in March, Rihanna was seen strolling through the Palace of Versailles' luxurious rooms during a late night shoot, while wearing her glamorous sequin gown - and a pair of fluffy slippers. 
Earlier that day, the star was also seen enjoying some downtime in her trailer, which was located at the Palace. Rihanna was pictured lying down, while having her nails done by an assistant. 
While the new campaign marks Rihanna's debut as a model for the brand - she is known to be a great fan of the brand, and is often seen wearing a variety of Dior's latest and greatest designs while frequently featuring on the front row at the label's Paris Fashion Week catwalk shows.
And while Rihanna has not previously modeled for Dior, the star does boast plenty of fashion experience, having previously modeled for the likes of Balmain and Emporio Armani, as well as appearing on numerous covers of fashion bible Vogue.
Front row favorite: Rihanna is known as a big fan of the French fashion label and is a regular attendee at Dior's Paris Fashion Week shows
Front row favorite: Rihanna is known as a big fan of the French fashion label and is a regular attendee at Dior's Paris Fashion Week shows
She joins the likes of Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence, Black Swan actress Natalie Portman and French beauty Marion Cotillard, all of whom have starred in campaigns for Dior in the past.
The last installment of the Secret Garden campaign, which debuted in May 2014, has had more than nine million views on YouTube. It was also shot at the iconic French palace. 
Making clear the key role that the historical setting plays within the campaign, Dior said of its previous video installment: 'As the eyes open upon the famed perspective of the chateau gardens and their massive geometries, as on the cusp of a dream, the Dior woman draws the spectator with her around the twists and turns of a secret and amazing Versailles.'
Known also as the Chateau de Versailles, the extravagant royal residence is located just southwest of Paris.
Three French kings lived there, including Louis XIII, Louis XIV, and Louis XV, up until the French revolution in 1789. 
Each king increased the palace’s splendor by continuing to build upon the premises.  


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3080759/Rihanna-looks-dark-brooding-stars-dramatic-new-Dior-ads-brand-s-black-campaign-star.html#ixzz3a5tcE4B5
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