The Erykah Badu Brand has extended past music and into the fashion realm. Earlier this year, she was announced as the face of Givenchy and since then, has formed a funfriendship with the brand’s Creative Director, Riccardo Tisci.
The unlikely duo cover the October 2014 issue of “Paper” and keep it super retro as they ride the New York City subway system. Erykah, in her now signature top hat, cuddles up to to Riccardo, who rocks a camouflage jacket, in a series of intimate shots, proving that she’s just like us “regular folk.”
The Spring 2014 campaign not only features models of color–it marked the first time Erykah agreed to be the face of a luxury brand.
“The first time we actually connected was when she arrived to the set of the campaign. I was so nervous — it is rare to spend time with one of your idols, and she is truly one of my ultimate ones,” said Tisci of his muse. “She was nothing short of what I had in mind. She arrived with the most outrageous hair (a solo braid long to the floor) and an amazing hat. She was the exact definition of style according to me.”
In turn, Erykah also dished on her success outside of the music business, something she attributes to having ownership over everything she does.
“I think my image is more popular than my album sales. The stage is where I shine and pay my bills. But art is art to me. There’s nothing new about cross-pollination in art to me because it’s all one thing: an expression of who I am. I’ve always directed all of my videos and been in total control of my image. I write all of the lyrics, stage and produce all of the shows. It’s something that comes very naturally to me.”
Photo Credit: Theo Wenner/Paper Magazine
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