Rihanna is one of the most flawlessly dressed celebrities in the game, from her magazine covers to her barely dressed Instagram photos. And as much as we would love to think she wakes up and slips into something effortlessly, she does have someone to help her.
Enter Mel Ottenberg.
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The name may not sound as familiar as Rihanna’s, but the stylist has been responsible for some of Rihanna’s most famous looks on red carpets, editorial shoots, and of course her effortless street style snaps.
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Fashionista had the opportunity to catch up with the man behind Rihanna’s style. Check out some excerpts from the interview below.
Fashionista: How does one become Rihanna’s stylist?
Mel Ottenberg: I did work with Kanye West, who I love, and then he had a creative director who was working on some Rihanna stuff that just brought me into the fold on a job with Rihanna. Then they asked me to design her last tour after doing one job with them.
She must be a dream to work with since she seems totally willing to take risks and looks amazing in everything. Is there anything she says ‘no’ to?
She’s very opinionated. She has a very specific idea about what looks good on her and she’s really smart about that and knows her arena. I mean, the thing she’s so good about is she’s great at looking great on the street, looking incredible on the red carpet, looking amazing in a show. All that stuff’s really different and I don’t think there’s anyone else that nails all those different things, so she really gets it, but she also is willing to let you play with different ideas.
Do you have a favorite Rihanna look?
I would say if anything this one’s my fave [points to black Victoria’s Secret performance gown]. I think this would be one of her favorites, too.
Does it bother you when people criticize her outfit choices for being too crazy or revealing?
Fuck no. The reaction of the people I know and respect and just strangers on the street is what I’m into. Someone criticizing her for wearing a bikini or something is very silly. I’m not paying attention to that.
That “Fuck No” sounded like someone who has clearly been in the presence of Rihanna!
Looks like Rihanna likes to keep her clothing close and her Mels even closer (Melissa Forde included!) Head over to Fashionista to read the full interview with the man behind Rihanna’s charm.
SOURCE: Fashionista
