Rihanna Reclaims Her Fashion Throne as ELLE’s “Forever Muse” for September 2026

Rihanna is reminding the fashion world why her influence remains undeniable.

The global superstar and beauty mogul covers ELLE’s September 2026 issue, appropriately titled “Our Forever Muse.” For the cover, Rihanna commands the frame in a striking portrait that places the focus on her beauty, tattoos and unmistakable presence.

Photographed by acclaimed duo Inez & Vinoodh and styled by Rihanna’s longtime creative collaborator Jahleel Weaver, the accompanying editorial moves between glamorous textures, dramatic silhouettes and intimate portraiture. Writer Roxane Gay pens the cover story, with Nina Garcia serving as ELLE’s editor-in-chief.

The beauty credits also keep Rihanna’s growing empire front and center. Her look incorporates products from Fenty Hair, Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin, further illustrating how seamlessly she has transformed her personal influence into a global beauty business.

For nearly two decades, Rihanna has existed at the intersection of music, fashion, beauty and culture. From redefining maternity style to building Fenty into a worldwide brand, her ability to influence what comes next has extended far beyond the recording studio.

Calling Rihanna a “Forever Muse” feels less like a headline and more like an acknowledgment of what fashion has already established: Rihanna doesn’t simply participate in the conversation—she continues to shape it.