Barbadians welcomed the official launch of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty here on Thursday, seven years after its initial global debut.
Fans of the Bajan pop, fashion and fragrance icon thronged to the launch ceremony at the only authorised retailer of the brand in Barbados, Bridgetown Duty-Free.
Duty-Free Caribbean Island Manager Kathy Harris expressed the company’s excitement about introducing the brand: “It’s an emotional, special, exciting day, and to be launching it with partners as strong as we have in Essence Corp from Miami and the Kendall team, who are obviously in charge of Fenty Beauty, is especially emotional to have them here.”
She noted that a crowd of eager customers had gathered at the doors early in the morning, ready to begin shopping as soon as they opened at 8 a.m.
Content creator Kira P. (LG)
Harris also shared her anticipation of attracting a wider range of customers due to the diversity that Fenty Beauty offers.
“We are offering a brand that’s diverse, and a diverse brand means we can cater to all customers. I think that’s so important in makeup, and having the assortment of any colour to suit any woman in Barbados, internationally and locally, is something that will definitely benefit us.”
She added that both national and international demand for Fenty Beauty has been tremendous, highlighting that the partnership with Essence Corp and the Kendall team has been in development for the past year and a half.
As demand for Fenty beauty products is expected to rise, the company has expanded its team to enhance the shopping experience.
From left: Guillaume Bona, VP Sales Essence Corp; Gina Grivas, Senior Branding Marketing Manager; and Gabriela Mier y Teran, Area Manager for the Caribbean. (LG)
“We have three specialised makeup artists who have been fully trained by the brand, ensuring they can cater to any customer who walks through the door. Today, we’ve already seen the benefit of that, with our artists being able to colour-match and help customers make the right shade decisions,” Harris said.
Content creator Kira P said this development is a game changer for Barbados, noting that many customers who previously ordered online or waited until travelling to purchase Fenty products can now buy them locally.
“If there’s one place it should have always been, it’s home. So I’m glad it’s here finally,” she said, adding that she hopes the Savage Fenty lingerie line will soon be available here as well.
Duty-Free Caribbean Island Manager Kathy Harris (left) and Brand Manager for Duty-Free Caribbean, Kay Richards Inniss. (LG)
Another fan of the Fenty Beauty products, Jaliea Lovell, shared her support for the brand’s inclusivity and her excitement about its arrival in Barbados: “Rihanna took the pioneer role in being inclusive, offering a wide range of foundation shades.”
Content marketing specialist Adia Millar praised the brand’s decision to team up with local makeup artists “who are passionate about the brand and the artistry of makeup”. She also appreciated the interaction and communication from the Fenty team.
An official revealed that several products have already sold out, with the hopes of receiving a new shipment soon.
The Bridgetown Duty-Free island manager announced that some exciting new products would be introduced in a few weeks for the holiday season.
“We can’t wait to bring the holiday collection, along with the assortment we’re currently offering, including a variety of special sets for the festive season. You’re going to be very happy, and all of our customers will be excited,” Harris said. (LG)
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