The Making of V: Melanie Ward (V82)

Getting intimate with Rihanna and Kate.

V Magazine 121 is on newsstands now. To order a copy click here, and sign up for our newsletter for exclusive stories from the new issue.

To illustrate our V family values, we revisit some of our most scrapbook-worthy clips.

MELANIE WARD: Happy anniversary V! I am forever proud of our collaborations and grateful for the opportunities you have given us all to express ourselves. A memorable, intimate moment has to be when I was shooting Rihanna and Kate in London with Mario [Testino]. Apart from the fact that Rihanna said “You’re so fly, girl” when we met, a pretty big compliment coming from her, I have a lifelong memory from this shoot. We were working together just as [her song] “Diamonds” was launching. Rihanna, Kate, Courtney (my then-assistant) and I were alone having fun chatting and trying on the clothes I had brought with me in the changing area, and just standing there in her knickers, Rihanna spontaneously sang “Diamonds” for us! Her voice is seriously so incredible and full of soul that it made us cry with emotion. I will never forget this impromptu performance and honestly still get tears in my eyes when I hear this song.

Rihanna and Kate Moss for V82, Spring 2013
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