“A few months ago, she came to the studio,” says Olivier Rousteing, creative director of Balmain, referring to pop singer Rihanna, the subject of the French fashion house’s ad campaign for its spring ’14 collection. “From that visit, I wanted to create this collection around her,” he added. Breaking from past shows rife with eveningwear, Rousteing sent out models for the new season dressed in sportswear including cardigans, overalls, and bomber jackets. Oversized chains served as necklaces, bracelets, and wrestler’s belts. Next, Rousteing assembled a creative team including photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin to shoot images of Rihanna in New York this past November. Now, as the fashion pack readies their closets for new additions, the images of Rihanna decked in pink-and-white houndstooth or blue denim are debuting in fashion magazines. Here’s a look behind the scenes at the photoshoot that led Rousteing to declare, “When the woman that inspires you wears your creations, your vision feels complete.”

By Elizabeth Varnell

Video by Evan E. Rogers
Pictured: Rihanna in Balmain’s spring ’14 campaign. 
Photo by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, Hair by Yusef Williams, Makeup by Yadim

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