Dior "New J’adore" 2024 Ad Campaign

Review of Dior “New J’adore” 2024 Ad Campaign by Photographer Steven Klein with model Rihanna

A legendary icon is reborn through a new muse: Dior has shared the first look at Rihanna as the face of its J’Adore perfume. The star was captured by photographer Steven Klein.

The huge news broke in June that Rihanna was set to take up the mantle as the face of the fragrance, which has been iconically embodied by Charlize Theron since its release in 1999. Theron’s golden goddess glow has been associated with J’Adore for its whole existence, which has spanned a generation – so a changing of the guard is no small feat.

But who could be better suited for this task than a talented, multifaceted, and beautiful icon of women’s empowerment like Rihanna? Her relationship with Dior fragrances has already been long established, as she starred in the house’s Secret Garden campaign in 2015. But in case anyone had any doubts about this new transition, Klein’s teaser portrait should put them all to rest. Regally enthroned at the Palace of Versailles, Rihanna radiates a honey-golden glow and a romantic, queenly serenity.

In addition to being just the third woman to take the throne as the face of J’Adore, Rihanna is the first Black woman to do so, which is a major representation win. Luxury beauty and fragrance imagery has a huge impact on cultural perceptions, and that young Black girls will grow up seeing Rihanna as the pinnacle of beauty, grace, and power is something to celebrate.

It’s impressive how much one image can communicate, but this is just the beginning: the full campaign video is set to release on September 1st.