For good reason, Rihanna’s lingerie label has earned a reputation as one of the most inclusive names in fashion, and its latest casting is no different. Earlier this week, the 23-year-old Tamera McLaughlin became Savage x Fenty’s first little person ambassador, making the announcement in an Instagram post (February 22).
According to the US influencer, the role with the lingerie label is a dream come true. “I shared my (dream) with my manager,” she tells Buzzfeed, “and she began to speak life into me by saying, ‘You will get what your heart desires, keep posting and creating a buzz on social media.’”
Together, they organised a photo shoot with a Savage x Fenty set, and, McLaughlin adds: “The week my ordered lingerie shipped, I got an email and it mentioned that they had somehow seen one of my viral videos and Fenty was interested in bringing me aboard as an ambassador! I CRIED IMMEDIATELY. Just that fast, it happened.”
Of course, Rihanna has consistently highlighted bodies that are rarely given space on the catwalk, casting breast cancer survivors, pregnant people, and body-diverse male models. The singer made similar waves with Fenty Beauty, shifting industry expectations when the brand launched with 40 shades of foundation in 2017.
The inclusivity seems to be paying off financially, too. While her LVMH-backed Fenty fashion house recently halted operations, her lingerie label reached a $1 billion valuation earlier this month (via Forbes).
View McLaughlin’s announcement below.