Rihanna Talks New Fenty Line and 'Antagonizing' Her Fans About Upcoming Album (Exclusive)

If you're reading this article desperate for an update on Rihanna's upcoming album, not only does she know it, she's openly mocking you.

"To be continued," RiRi teased when she spoke with ET's Rachel Smith in New York City on Friday night, miming three dots with her fingers. "I like to antagonize my fans a little bit. Well, they antagonize me, too! So, they get it right back."

That's not to say the 31-year-old multi-hyphenate doesn't have plenty in store in the upcoming year. Rihanna was in NYC to celebrate the launch of her new Fenty 2-20 collection at one of the city's most iconic department stores, Bergdorf Goodman.

"This is a monumental store in fashion, especially in New York City," she raved. "This is one the first places I ever came to in America. One of the first places that I could buy clothes when I got a check. And so to see my brand just sit here and be a part of this establishment is really wonderful... To see it in real life, it blows my mind. I mean, it really is special."

Rihanna launched the first line from her namesake Fenty fashion house in May of last year -- following her Savage X Fenty lingerie collection in 2018 -- and it's already become a worldwide sensation. 

"The journey's been incredible," she said. "It's a lot of hard work and just being true to your brand. I've always tried to stick with things that I enjoy doing and that I'm passionate about. Fashion, being creative, that's one of those things -- it doesn't matter the outlet, I always enjoy it. Fashion comes naturally, because of the industry that I'm in. It's a part of my visuals, it's a part of my videos, so it's always been something that I've been interested in. To have this opportunity to do a Fenty brand with LVMH is special. It makes me feel validated."

The performer admitted that it's also been empowering to receive support from fellow stars as she embarked on a new creative venture.

Rihanna Style Evolution: From 2010 to 2020

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Rihanna Style Evolution: From 2010 to 2020

"It really shocks me, the people that reach out. I feel so, like, 'Wow!' Even Teyana Taylor! She's like, 'I want those Wasabi pants!' And I'm like, 'I got you, girl!'" she recalled. "And to see the celebrities that didn't reach out to ask for stuff, but went to the store, or went online, and bought it -- it makes me feel really, really great. Because I'm one of those celebrities that when I see something I like, I just go buy it. So to feel supported by my peers, it's a big deal."

So, who's a star she'd love to style?

"Lena Waithe," Rihanna answered, with almost no hesitation. "I love her. I love her attitude, she's so intelligent, she's so talented, but her style is something that I really respect, because it boarders on the line of non-binary, and I enjoy that. That's what Fenty really stands for, we have a lot of unisex styles. I shop mostly in the men's section, so when making my clothes that was always in mind, like, I want guys to love my stuff too."

A longtime basketball fan, the singer also opened up about her heartfelt Instagram tribute to Kobe Bryant, admitting that the tragic helicopter crash that took the life of the NBA legend and eight others is something that's still weighing heavy on her mind.

"Every time I see a helicopter, it's just like-- As an entertainer, we travel so much, like, in your mind, it could have been any of us," she said emotionally. "My heart breaks, my heart goes out to Vanessa Bryant and the entire Bryant family and all of the families that lost people that day. It's a tragedy and I think it's something that the world will never really get over."

"To see him play, there's just something that comes over him, that you just can't even-- it's not even tangible," she remembered. "You can't even understand it. It was beautiful to see his career. It was beautiful to see him play -- and I actually got to witness him playing -- but it makes it even more tragic to lose him."

See more on the latest from RiRi in the video below. 

Rihanna Spotted Out With Drake, A$AP Rocky Following Rumored Split

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