In the world of beauty and fashion, there's been a seismic shift. Fenty Beauty and Savage X aren't just disrupting the industry; they're rewriting the playbook on diversity. Let's break down how Bad Gal RiRi is showing corporate America how it's done.

The Fenty Effect: More Than Makeup

When Fenty Beauty dropped in 2017 with 40 shades of foundation (now 50), it wasn't just a product launch—it was a statement. The message? "We see you." In an industry that had long paid lip service to diversity while catering predominantly to lighter skin tones, Fenty Beauty said, "Nah, we're doing this for real."

The impact? Seismic.

Market Expansion: Fenty Beauty reportedly made $100 million in sales in its first 40 days. Why? Because when you actually cater to a diverse audience, surprise surprise, they show up and show out.
The Ripple Effect: Suddenly, other beauty brands were scrambling to expand their shade ranges. The "Fenty Effect" became a term in the industry, proving that inclusivity isn't just right—it's profitable.

Savage X Fenty: Redefining 'Sexy' for Every Body

*Rihanna’s son, RZA and partner, A$AP Rocky for Savage X Fenty*

Not content with revolutionizing beauty, Rihanna set her sights on lingerie. Savage X Fenty runway shows aren't just fashion events; they're masterclasses in representation:

Body Diversity: From plus-size to petite, Savage X Fenty showcases a range of body types that actually reflect real people.
Gender Inclusivity: The brand features models across the gender spectrum, challenging traditional notions of who lingerie is "for."
Cultural Representation: With models from various ethnic backgrounds, Savage X Fenty celebrates cultural diversity in a way that feels authentic, not tokenistic.

Savage X Fenty Ad

The Business of Inclusion: Lessons for Corporate America

So what can corporate America learn from Fenty's approach to DEI? A lot.

Authenticity is Key: Fenty's approach to diversity doesn't feel forced because it's baked into the brand's DNA. It's not a marketing ploy; it's a core value.
Representation at All Levels: From the products to the marketing to the runway shows, diversity is consistent across all touchpoints.
Innovation Through Inclusion: By considering a diverse range of needs and preferences, Fenty has innovated products that serve a wider market.
Cultural Competence as a Competitive Advantage: Understanding and authentically representing diverse cultures has given Fenty a edge in a crowded market.
Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Fenty doesn't just talk about diversity; it invests in it, from product development to marketing budgets.

The Bottom Line: Diversity Pays

Let's talk numbers for a second:

Fenty Beauty reportedly earned $570 million in revenue in its first 15 months.
Savage X Fenty raised $115 million in Series B funding in 2021, bringing its valuation to $1 billion.

These aren't just impressive figures; they're a wake-up call. Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren't just ethical imperatives—they're business opportunities.

Beyond Beauty: The Broader Impact

The success of Fenty isn't just changing beauty standards; it's challenging corporate America to rethink its approach to DEI:

Recruitment: Companies are realizing the importance of diverse teams in creating products for a diverse market.
Product Development: There's a growing understanding that considering diverse needs leads to better, more marketable products.
Marketing: Authentic representation is becoming the new standard, with consumers quick to call out tokenism.

The Takeaway: DEI as a Business Strategy

Fenty's success proves that when done authentically, DEI isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a powerful business strategy. It's about creating products that serve real people, marketing that resonates on a cultural level, and a brand that stands for something beyond profit.

So, to the C-suites across America: take notes. The Fenty playbook isn't just about making everyone feel seen; it's about seeing the business opportunity in making everyone feel seen. It's time to stop treating DEI as a checkbox and start seeing it as the key to unlocking new markets, driving innovation, and building brands that resonate in our multicultural world.

In the words of Rihanna herself, "You belong in the conversation. You belong in the photograph. You belong on the runway." And clearly, as Fenty is proving, you belong in the business plan too.

From Foundation to Lingerie: How Rihanna's Empire is Schooling Us on the Power of DEI