Rihanna Explains Strict Dress Code At Beginning Of Career (PHOTOS)

And so it begins.

None other than Rihanna covers Glamour's September "Friend" issue. Inside, the 23-year-old songstress talks Chris Brown, her self-reinvention and relationships with Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, while posing in names like Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs YSL and Vionnet.

Some snippets from the interview...

On hating drama...and perfection:

"I hate drama. But at the same time, nothing bothers me more than when life's perfect. And that's the sick part. I just love a challenge, whether it's a relationship, my career, clothing..."

On her attention-getting sense of style:

"Getting dressed, I want to pick the most bizarre pair of shorts so I can figure out how to make it look right, or work an outfit that will make people go, "What the hell is she wearing?"

On being a role model for young girls:

"In the beginning of my career, it was really strict for me. I couldn't wear pink or red lipstick; it was just bizarre. We had a young fan base, and they were trying to keep me fresh. But I just really wanted to be myself. I wanted to be sassy, the attitude, all these things that I am."

Take a look at a few photos below and head over to Glamour.com for the rest. Also, check out a Facebook video here. The issue hits stands August 9.

All photographs by Ellen von Unwerth, courtesy of Glamour.

Comments

[FrancisRoss]

07:45 PM on 08/15/2011

i loved her red hair! #sueme
http://www.natoyaebony.com/

[Dana Nicole]

01:39 PM on 08/04/2011

That Marc Jacobs dress is stunning, and I loved the red hair from moment One. But I have an imagination though...

[misslege]

01:00 PM on 07/29/2011

Geez what a bunch of haters you people are. Rhianna is gorgeous young woman doing her thing. I didn't read this much hate about Brittney Spears, ridiculous Lady GaGa or any of the other no-talent white women. Like Rhianna or not, she can sell a song, a look or a magazine.
Just look at that face and body....stunning.

[Bryneen Gary]

10:46 AM on 07/29/2011

Rihanna has everything I Don't
A Pocket full of Money
No negative talk here
Keep doin' ya Thang

[x1cness]

06:42 AM on 07/29/2011

Rihanna was once considered a very fashion-forward woman. Now...not so much.

[ecryder101]

02:04 AM on 07/29/2011

she looks like ronald mcdonald in drag

[caugrl]

01:12 AM on 07/29/2011

Nothing bothers her more than when life is perfect because she likes a challenge- can I donate my challenges to her?

[Regina43081]

11:16 PM on 07/28/2011

You have to admire the way she gets out there and makes a living.

[themeekeer]

11:07 PM on 07/28/2011

What's bizarre about her is that she can look in the mirror, see Ronald McDonald staring back at her, and think it looks good. THAT'S bizarre.

[grundoboy]

10:53 PM on 07/28/2011

I figured it was the string bikini from the walmart story....

[lawrencefishberg]

08:13 PM on 07/28/2011

She has finally turned white...repulsive.

[Marktisgod]

07:51 PM on 07/28/2011

Other then the creepy wig I might be interested but if she sings umbrella I might have to Chris Brown the women

[dovelove]

06:30 PM on 07/28/2011

She looks amazing in the black dress and white coat. Great look, great picture.

[dickn2000b]

06:08 PM on 07/28/2011

Rhianna wishes and has hopes to be a nude cheesecake model. She hasn't the body to do that.

[thenightingaie]

05:16 PM on 07/28/2011

What I find bizarre is how Rihanna still has a fan-base. Next!