Hold onto your hats, beauty lovers and business watchers! There’s a significant buzz in the industry: LVMH, the luxury goods giant, is reportedly exploring the possibility of selling its stake in Rihanna’s incredibly successful Fenty Beauty brand. This potential move could mark a major shift for one of the most talked-about beauty ventures of the last decade.
The Genesis of Fenty Beauty and LVMH’s Partnership
Back in 2017, Rihanna teamed up with Kendo Brands, LVMH’s in-house beauty incubator, to launch Fenty Beauty. The partnership was initially a 50/50 split between the superstar entrepreneur and the luxury conglomerate. Even Bernard Arnault, LVMH’s chairman and CEO, couldn’t help but praise Rihanna, calling her a ‘true entrepreneur, a real CEO and a terrific leader’ back in 2019.
This collaboration wasn’t just about a celebrity endorsement; it was a strategic alliance that leveraged Rihanna’s vision with LVMH’s vast resources and expertise. The synergy between the two was clearly powerful from the start.
Fenty Beauty’s Unstoppable Success Story
From day one, Fenty Beauty disrupted the market by launching with an inclusive 40 shades of foundation, a move that was revolutionary at the time and set a new standard for the industry. Its product range, from lip glosses to highlighters and even skincare, has consistently resonated with consumers.
The financial impact has been staggering. The company raked in $450 million in net sales last year alone, with its valuation potentially soaring between $1 billion and $2 billion, according to sources. It’s no wonder Forbes has recognized Rihanna as a billionaire, largely thanks to this venture. Plus, Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation recently earned a spot on Time Magazine’s 2025 Best Inventions Hall of Fame list!
Is LVMH Ready to Let Go?
Now, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, Reuters is reporting that LVMH is actively considering selling its 50% stake. They’ve reportedly enlisted the help of investment bank Evercore to manage the potential sale. As of now, neither LVMH nor Fenty Beauty has officially commented on these reports.
It’s worth noting that LVMH and Rihanna also ventured into luxury fashion with ‘Fenty Fashion House’ in 2019. However, that particular line was sunsetted after two years, a decision that coincided with the significant challenges faced by many fashion brands during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even then, Rihanna expressed immense satisfaction with her partnership with LVMH, calling them the ‘better partner both creatively and business-wise.’
This potential sale raises many questions about the future of Fenty Beauty and its relationship with LVMH. Will Rihanna maintain full control? What does this mean for the brand’s direction? Only time will tell, but it’s certainly a developing story to watch closely in the business and beauty worlds.
What are your thoughts on LVMH potentially selling its stake in Fenty Beauty? Do you think Rihanna will buy them out? Share your predictions in the comments below!
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