Rihanna’s Billionaire Empire ‘Crumbles’ as Fenty Beauty Struggles — Singer Faces Stunning £60M Loss
Rihanna, the global superstar known not only for her music but also for her groundbreaking business ventures, is currently facing a turbulent period in her billionaire empire. Recent financial disclosures reveal that her luxury fashion and beauty brand, Fenty, is encountering significant challenges, including a staggering £60 million loss. This development has sent shockwaves through the fashion and beauty industries, raising questions about the sustainability of celebrity-driven luxury brands.
Fenty Beauty Struggles Highlight Financial Setbacks
Fenty Beauty, once hailed as a revolutionary cosmetics brand celebrated for its inclusivity and diversity, has recently been under financial pressure. According to newly released UK filings, Denim UK Holdings—the British company associated with Rihanna’s Fenty fashion collaboration with luxury conglomerate LVMH—reported a dramatic decline in investments and reserves. The balance sheet for the fiscal year ending December 2024 showed investments plummeting from £26.8 million to zero, alongside negative profit and loss reserves amounting to over £25 million. This translates to an effective shareholder value reduction of approximately £27 million ($36 million).
These figures primarily reflect the fallout from the Fenty fashion line, which was launched in partnership with LVMH in 2019 but discontinued quietly in 2021 after failing to establish a foothold in the ultra-luxury market. The venture’s closure left a trail of impairments and write-downs, underscoring the harsh realities of the high-end fashion industry. Despite these setbacks, Fenty Beauty itself remains a substantial player in the cosmetics sector, reportedly generating around £340 million ($450 million) in net sales in 2024.
LVMH’s Strategic Reassessment and Its Impact on Fenty
Adding to the complexity of the situation, reports from Reuters in October 2025 revealed that LVMH is considering selling its 50% stake in Fenty Beauty. The luxury conglomerate has engaged Evercore to explore potential buyers, with the brand’s valuation estimated between £750 million and £1.5 billion ($1 billion to $2 billion). This move signals a strategic reassessment within LVMH, which traditionally nurtures its luxury maisons over extended periods.
Industry experts interpret this potential divestment as a pragmatic response to evolving market dynamics rather than a punitive measure against the Fenty brand. The luxury goods sector is experiencing cautious growth, prompting conglomerates like LVMH to streamline portfolios and focus on core assets. Selling a stake in a high-growth beauty brand like Fenty Beauty could provide LVMH with liquidity and flexibility to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
The Broader Implications for Rihanna’s Brand Empire
Rihanna’s public image as a barrier-breaking entrepreneur who champions inclusivity and diversity has been central to Fenty’s identity. The brand’s mission to create makeup for all skin tones revolutionized the cosmetics industry and garnered widespread acclaim. However, the recent financial losses highlight the challenges of translating celebrity influence into sustained commercial success across multiple sectors.
Beyond cosmetics, Rihanna’s empire includes Savage X Fenty, a lingerie and e-commerce brand that continues to grow, and other ventures that contribute to a more nuanced overall business picture. While the fashion arm of Fenty has faltered, the resilience of Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty suggests that the singer’s entrepreneurial journey is far from over.
Balancing motherhood, music, and a diverse portfolio of businesses is no small feat. The financial disclosures serve as a reminder that even the most iconic brands face volatility and that market success requires constant innovation and adaptation.
Conclusion
Rihanna’s billionaire empire is undeniably facing a challenging chapter as Fenty Beauty struggles with a significant £60 million loss and LVMH contemplates selling its stake in the brand. While the setbacks in the fashion sector have cast a shadow, the enduring strength of Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty offers hope for recovery and growth. For fans and investors alike, this moment underscores the importance of resilience and strategic agility in the luxury market.
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