Adam Selman is a name you may not yet know. Though unless you’ve hidden under a rock for the past year, you’ve likely seen his handywork. When Rihanna needs a leopard print bustier, he’s there. When she needs a back-up dress for the VMA’s, there he’ll be: needle, thread and boob tape in tow. He’s her costume designer. And when it comes to the mega fashion force that is Rihanna, it’s he and stylist Mel Ottenberg that craft her looks.
If you look closely at backstage photos of Rihanna, you’ll spot him. He’s often tweaking, her moments before she steps on stage. He’s like the stage mother, shoving his very own made-up,adorned down kid on stage for the world to see. The man behind the woman whose musical reign just won’t let up talks panties, kitten heels and what it’s like working with Queen Ri.
Where do the ideas for Rihanna’s costumes begin?
For the Loud tour I was super inspired by the photographer Cheyco Leidmann—all of those bright poppy colors he used in his work him and early David LaChapelle. Throughout the Loud tour, Debbie Harry also played a huge role.
And what about for The 777 Tour?
For 777 things had to be quick and transition from stage, to going out at night then to the plane. It was all about custom bras and that jet set lifestyle. It all kind of transitioned into this Debbie-Harry-meets-Tupac thing, like with the jersey other men’s pieces. A lot of menswear was involved.
What was the 777 Tour like?
It was a trip! I’ve done tours and worked some crazy jobs and hours, but this one was a whole new beast! Bags were lost, everything was late, everyone was cranky. But we managed to have some good times in the process. I’ve never experienced press like that either and I’ve hardly given any interviews, I was afraid to go to the back of the plane! Cameras were on 24/7, microphones were out at all times. I don’t think the back of the plane ever slept.
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