Barbadian Billionaire Rihanna will officially launch her Fenty Beauty line of products in China. The singer made the announcement on March 20, 2023, in a campaign saying, “China, I am thrilled to share the great news. On April 1st, Fenty Beauty will officially land. China has such a rich culture that has always inspired me, and I cannot wait to share Fenty Beauty with all of you, celebrating all of your unique beauty. Thank you guys so much for making my dreams come true, and I can’t wait to see you soon.”
The “Work” singer followed up with a dancehall-soundtracked 30-second advertisement showcasing the different shades of her lipstick and makeup lines with African and Chinese models.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna first announced its entry into China as far back as 2019, initially focusing on Hong Kong and Macau. Despite China’s animal testing regulations, Fenty Beauty remains committed to cruelty-free products. The brand’s 2019 China campaign featured local celebrities and influencers, such as Wang Ju, known for challenging traditional beauty standards.
Rihanna faced accusations of cultural appropriation after the unveiling of her August 2019 cover for Harper’s Bazaar China. The photo shoot, intended to blend Western style with Eastern aesthetics, featured Rihanna in a vibrant blue gown and elaborate makeup mimicking traditional Chinese styles. Some defended the shoot, citing the Chinese creative team behind it, “Rihanna’s Harper’s Bazaar China photo shoot is not cultural appropriation at all,” one person tweeted. “The whole team behind the photo shoot (stylist, photographers, chief/visual editors) were Chinese.”
Others criticized Rihanna for cultural insensitivity, noting previous instances of appropriation, such as her Vogue Arabia cover in 2017 when she channelled Queen Nefertiti, the Egyptian royal ruler from the 1300s. The controversy sparked discussions on social media about the boundaries of cultural appreciation versus appropriation.
The multi-billion dollar brand which is part owned by LVMH, has the resources to navigate the Chinese market, and its presence on social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat has generated excitement among fans.
