Competing with men gives Rihanna thrills

Rihanna loves “competing” with men in business.The Work hitmaker – who has her own fashion brand, Savage X Fenty – says that the entrepreneurship industry is considered to be such a “man’s world” that she loves the “challenge” of going head to head with them.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the Global Conference on Women and Entrepreneurship, she said: “Overcoming stereotypes as a woman in the entrepreneurship industry, it’s an industry that’s usually looked at as a man’s industry. It’s a man’s world, so you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself and to get half as much, but it doesn’t stop my fight. I love competing with men. I love that challenge; I enjoy it, and I thrive on it. A lot of times, people see it as a man’s world ..., but our strength as women, we have the power to overcome anything.”

Rihanna previously revealed that she wanted to “gain respect” as a designer before releasing her own Fenty luxury fashion line.

She said: “I’ve been slowly evolving throughout the fashion world. First wearing it, buying it, being recognised for my style, and then collaborating with brands. I never just wanted to put my name on something and sell my licence.

“I’m very hands-on, so I wanted to take it slowly and gain respect as a designer. I already had a relationship with them after the Versailles campaign and the make-up line, so they extended the offer to me, and it was a no-brainer because LVMH is a machine. Bernard Arnault was so enthusiastic; he trusted me and my vision.”