Nicki Minaj is Roberto Cavalli’s new campaign star

The Anaconda singer turns model for the Italian brand's exotic animal prints and flamboyant designs

Linda Sharkey
Thursday 18 December 2014 18:28 GMT
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Nicki Minaj has been unveiled as the new face of Roberto Cavalli’s spring/summer 2015 campaign.

The Italian fashion house is known for its flamboyant designs, outré cuts, exotic animal prints, snake logo and motifs, while the rap star is the hitmaker behind record-breaking track Anaconda, meaning that this collaboration is a fashion match made in heaven.

The news come after Emporio Armani unveiled musician Calvin Harris as the face of its latest collection, in another music/fashion deal.

Calvin Harris for Emporio Armani

The 32-year-old rapper has brought her famous curves to the campaign, which she takes over from fellow singer Rita Ora, who fronted the Marilyn Monroe inspired autumn/winter campaign.

Celebrated Italian photographer Francesco Carrozzini captured Minaj's voluptuous derriere in a series of images that are likely to inspire any upcoming sunny holidays, with the zebra-print gown, embroidered crop tops and lace dresses.

The bootylicious musician looks beach-ready in the brand’s tribal and animal prints and body hugging crochets.

Roberto Cavalli said of his new face: "I chose Nicki Minaj because she embodies the exuberant and modern femininity of the Cavalli woman. In recent years we have become accustomed to women castigated in clothes that hide their body shapes."

The message behind Minaj’s Anaconda is that women embrace their curves and sensuality with pride, which seems to coincide with the collection’s inspiration.

"With this campaign, I wanted to send a strong countertrend message,” said the 74-year-old designer. “I wanted a sensual woman who is aware of her body, who is not afraid to show her curves, rather she make them as strength."

Cavalli is valued at more than $1billion (approx. £650m), but reports today revealed that the majority stake in the business could be snapped by Italian private equity firm Clessidra SGR, which could see Cavalli relinquished to the role of shareholder and advisor.

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