It’s one thing to listen to Anti on repeat and keep up with Rihanna’s latest headline-making appearances; it is another to come face-to-face with the superstar. For the models who made their way onto the runway for Rihanna’s debut Fenty x Puma collection last night, the experience of working with the pop diva during her debut show was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Model Sarah Brannon had trouble containing her emotions. “[I was] ecstatic, like very, very excited!,” said Brannon, “Rihanna’s, like, my idol!” For newcomer Ana Christina (a Rihanna fan since the Good Girl Gone Bad days), getting word she’d been confirmed was a thrill not unlike nailing a major campaign. “Obviously, I was beside myself, I mean who wouldn’t be,” said Cristina. “I used to listen to ‘Te Amo’ in my bedroom and scream it–I’m pretty sure I had a Rihanna mixtape too!”
One of the primary perks of the show was getting to try the much-hyped collection before anyone else, the gothy-sportswear vibe especially appealed to Cristina, who expressed an affinity for both the clothes and those dramatic black lips. “The whole aesthetic of the show is amazing—very my style,” said Cristina. “I was kind of the makeup instruction doll, which has never happened for me. And my face got to be blessed by Pat McGrath–my first time meeting her!” For Brannon the highlight was simply being a part of another of one of NYFW’s most exciting events, “It’s such an honor to be chosen as one of the models to work with someone like Rihanna because this doesn’t happen every day!”
Behind the scenes, both Brannon and Cristina found themselves impressed by the relaxed atmosphere. Most fashion shows dissolve into backstage chaos in the moments before showtime—not the case with Fenty x Puma. “The cast of models was amazing, everyone here was friends, and it was just such a fun atmosphere to be in,” said Brannon, who, with six seasons under her belt, has seen her share of fashion spectacles. Rih took time out to make sure her model squad was in the zone before lineup. “She made me feel really comfortable,” said Cristina “she was very open, very sweet.” Though both Brannon and Cristina expressed admiration for Rihanna neither felt nervous, thanks in part to their fashion experiences. “Everyday I’m working with people who are also in the limelight,” said Brannon. “You learn how to compose your starstruck reactions.”
Watch the Fenty x Puma Fall 2016 ready-to-wear show:
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