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Erykah Badu and Riccardo Tisci‘s fashion love affair is getting out of control–but in a good way! The avant-garde songstress became the newest muse of Givenchy’s creative director after Riccardo hand-picked her to be the face of Givenchy’s 2014 Spring campaign.

MUST READ: Giving Face: Erykah Badu Is Front And Center In Givenchy’s Spring 2014 Campaign

Where was I when Erykah and Riccardo took over this subway train to have a photo shoot?

The two partnered up for a cover feature and interview with Paper magazine. Inside the magazine, Riccardo proclaims his love for Badu (she seems to have that affect on all men she’s around) and basically confirms what we all think–she’s the baddest chick to ever do it.

Riccardo on how he met Erykah:

The first time we met was at one of her concerts in New York a few years back. But the first time we actually connected was when she arrived to the set of the campaign. I was so nervous — it is rare to spend time with one of your idols, and she is truly one of my ultimate ones. She was nothing short of what I had in mind. She arrived with the most outrageous hair (a solo braid long to the floor) and an amazing hat. She was the exact definition of style according to me. We clicked immediately. We hugged and talked for so long, about everything and anything. And we share so much more than aesthetics… I love her.

On the campaign set, she started styling the looks she was supposed to wear and I was amazed. The effortlessness was striking. Everything she put together worked perfect and screamed Givenchy. She came with her own personal stuff in case we were to need it, and I discovered that she owned many pieces that I designed. That’s when I realized we shared the same taste.

What people don’t suspect is how involved she is in every aspect. We have mutual respect for each other: she’ll ask me what I think, and I’ll ask her opinion too. We nourish each other. But she is so on it — it is very refreshing. She always adds her touch, knows about fashion, about hair, make-up, photography, everything. Her art isn’t just music; it is reaching a concept at its highest level in every discipline.

If I were to say a quote that defines her, it would be “Bow Down B—hes!” She has paved the way for so many of today’s artists. I see a lot of visuals and hear a lot of music nowadays that are related to her legacy. She is an icon in that way.

Diversity in fashion has always been Riccardo’s personal mission. Ciara was also hand-picked to be his muse for Givenchy and he’s also the reason why we even know who Joan Smalls is. Her big break came after he booked her exclusively for Givenchy’s 2009 Couture presentation.

I tip my imaginary Pharrell hat off to Riccardo and Erykah because this editorial is HOT.

READ MORE:

Erykah Badu Talks Motherhood & Life As A Doula In Mantra Magazine

Erykah Badu Tweets Sex & Relationship Advice To Fans

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