How Fenty Turned Representation into a Global Brand Movement
A Brand Leadership Perspective from Charity Hudnall
There are a lot of brands I admire, but few have shaped the beauty landscape the way I believe Fenty has. Rihanna doesn’t just create makeup and lingerie. She created a movement around belonging. That’s something I’ve always believed great brands do. They make people feel seen.
Diversity That Redefined Beauty
When Fenty Beauty launched with 40 shades of foundation, it wasn’t the standard product release for a cosmetic company. It was a cultural shift. I remember watching the campaign and thinking, finally. I had spent years in marketing, studying how brands spoke to their audiences, but this one felt different.
It wasn’t about checking boxes. It was about authenticity. Every shade, every model, every visual said, “you belong here.” And it worked. The Fenty Effect became real. Suddenly, every major cosmetics line was trying to match that level of inclusivity.
That moment proved something I’ve always regarded as important. Diversity is not a marketing tactic. It’s leadership.
Branding That Builds Emotion
Fenty’s branding is among the best I’ve ever seen. It’s bold, but minimal. Luxurious, yet approachable. It knows exactly who it’s speaking to.
The first time I held a Fenty product, I noticed how it felt in my hand. Sleek. Magnetic. Thoughtful. The packaging design wasn’t trying to impress. It was simply impressive. That quiet confidence is something I try to bring to every creative direction I lead.
And then, there was the Super Bowl ad with the footballs in every skin tone. I smiled when I saw it. A simple idea with a powerful message. It said everything Fenty stands for in a single image: everyone is included. That’s the mark of great branding. When one visual asset can tell your entire story.
Empowerment Through Expression
Fenty stands for something more than just looking good. It’s about feeling powerful in your own skin. Savage x Fenty carried that idea into fashion, with runway shows that made inclusivity feel alive. I remember watching one and getting goosebumps. Models of every body type, gender, and background walking with total confidence.
That’s what I love most about Rihanna’s approach. She doesn’t just talk the talk; she walks the walk. She created space for people to see themselves as art. As someone who works in branding, that kind of emotional storytelling is unforgettable.
Building a Legacy of Confidence
Fenty is so much more than a brand. It’s a blueprint. Rihanna built it in partnership with LVMH, proving that ownership and collaboration can coexist with purpose. Every move feels intentional. She saw gaps in the market where people weren’t represented and filled them with confidence, creativity, and care.
When I think about the kind of stories I want to tell through marketing, I think of Fenty. It proves that the future of beauty is not about perfection. It’s about presence.
Rihanna gave people permission to take up space through Fenty, and that’s a powerful message.
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