Pregnant Rihanna stuns in red lace bodysuit on the cover of Vogue’s May issue
Rihanna has posed for the cover of Vogue Magazine’s May 2022 issue whilst pregnant with her first child.
The singer and entrepreneur, 34, puts her baby bump front and centre as she graces the latest issue of the fashion bible in a red lace catsuit and heels
Styled by fashion editors Alex Harrington and Jahleel Weaver, the international superstar wears an Alaïa bodysuit, glove, and shoes with Chopard earrings whilst being photographed by famed fashion photographer, Annie Leibovitz.
Taking to Instagram to reveal her front cover, Rihanna wrote: “our lil fashion killa on da cover of VOGUE!! 👼🏽,” referring to her "plus one" baby bump.
Since announcing her pregnancy with partner A$AP Rocky to the world in January 2022, Rihanna has re-written the rules of pregnancy style, regularly displaying her bump in a variety of innovative ways: under tulle dresses, decorated with belly jewellery and bump-dates (bump updates) on Instagram.
Read More: Rihanna says pregnancy has 'unlocked new levels of love and respect' for her mother
“When I found out I was pregnant, I thought to myself, ‘There’s no way I’m going to go shopping in no maternity aisle [sic],’” Rihanna told writer Chioma Nnadi for Vogue’s May cover interview. “I’m sorry—it’s too much fun to get dressed up. I’m not going to let that part disappear because my body is changing.”
Elsewhere inside the magazine, Rihanna dons a Rick Owens jacket and skirt with no top underneath, allowing her tattoos and baby bump to shine through. Another show-stopping outfit is a Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello coat. Again, worn with nothing underneath but a diamond Messika belly chain.
Read More: Rihanna shares fresh baby bump photo as she introduces her new 'gang'
In the interview with the fashion publication, Rihanna candidly detailed some of her biggest fears when it comes to being a mother. Hearing stories from other women who have struggled with postpartum depression scare her the most: “Will I feel out of control emotionally? Those are the stories I hear from other women that scare me.”
But she has her long-term partner A$AP Rocky by her side. After years of being close friends, the couple started dating in 2020 and became closer than ever during the pandemic.
“He became my family in that time,” she told Vogue. “I love the simple things but also the grand adventures. There’s no pretentious my-brand-your-brand bullshit, it’s just us living. I just feel like I can do any part of life by his side.”
Read More: Katy Perry admits to experiencing 'waves of depression' while pregnant in quarantine
“What I love the most about us?” she explained to Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi. “Transparency with everything: how we’re feeling, what our goals are, what our fears and insecurities are. The vulnerability to be able to say what you feel about each other.”
That said, fashion’s favourite couple weren’t exactly “planning” their pregnancy. “But certainly not planning against it,” she explained. “I don’t know when I ovulate or any of that type of shit. We just had fun. And then it was just there on the test.”
Watch: Behind-the-scenes of Rihanna's Vogue cover shoot
The 34-year-old joins a long list of celebrities who have bared their bump on magazine front covers. One of the most memorable being Demi Moore’s 1991 Vanity Fair front cover, also photographed by the legendary Annie Leibovitz.
But despite a 20-year gap in photoshoots, it seems that perceptions haven’t changed that much, and Rihanna is determined to change that.
Read More: Demi Moore says naked pregnant 'Vanity Fair' cover had impact on the world
“I’m hoping that we were able to redefine what’s considered ‘decent’ for pregnant women,” she tells Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi. Rihanna certainly seems to be intent on doing just that, by leading by example, and celebrating her changing body.
“My body is doing incredible things right now, and I’m not going to be ashamed of that. This time should feel celebratory,” she adds. “Because why should you be hiding your pregnancy?” Why, indeed.
Vogue's May 2022 issue is available on newsstands nationwide on April 26th.
Watch: Rihanna makes Forbes' billionaires list
