Vogue Arabia, March 2022. Photo: Tom Munro
Accessory designer Amina Muaddi has grown to become not just a much-loved name in the region, but an international favorite too. Along with owning her own label, which counts the likes of Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber among its fans, Muaddi is also the director of Rihanna’s Fenty Footwear, and has also in the past collaborated with Rihanna’s boyfriend, A$AP Rocky’s creative agency, Awge, on women’s footwear. It seems only natural then that the young powerhouse shares a special relationship with the couple, who are soon to welcome their first baby together.
The past week, however, saw Amina Muaddi’s relationship with mom-to-be Rihanna come under scrutiny when turbulent rumors took over social media, hinting that the designer was in an alleged relationship with A$AP Rocky. Spreading across pop culture and meme pages on Instagram, the statements were quick to receive lots of comments from followers around the world.
Now, Amina Muaddi has addressed the vicious rumors on her personal page, taking to Instagram stories to share the truth. “I’ve always believed that an unfounded lie spread on social media doesn’t deserve any response or clarification, especially one that is so vile. I initially assumed that this fake gossip—fabricated with such malicious intent—would not be taken seriously,” Muaddi wrote. “However in the last 24h I’ve been reminded that we live in a society that is so quick to speak on topics regardless of factual basis and that nothing is off limits. Not even during what should be one of the most beautiful and celebrated times of one’s life. Therefore I have to speak up as this is not only directed towards me but it is related to people I have a great amount of respect and affection for.”
Despite the heartfelt disappointment in her tone, Amina Muaddi made sure to make a direct reference to Rihanna, a celebrity who has championed Muaddi’s designs on more than just a few occasions, and to close her comment on a positive, uplifting note. “While Rih is continuing to live her serene, best dressed pregnancy life and I go back to my business—I wish everyone a beautiful Easter weekend!”
