Let’s hope it’s a good read! Rihanna releases a $111K ‘visual autobiography’ that comes with its own hand-carved marble pedestal (and it’s already SOLD OUT despite the sky-high price)
- Rihanna, 31, announced the launch of her first visual autobiography on Monday
- The 504-page book contains more than 1,000 photos of the singer, many of which have not been seen before
- As well as the classic version, which retails for $150, Rihanna is releasing several limited editions, including an ‘oversized ultra luxury supreme edition’
- Only ten of the $111,000 editions have been released, and they each come with their own marble pedestal designed in collaboration The Haas Brothers
- The pricey pedestal is aptly named Stoner and comes with its own special cover
- Other options include the luxury supreme version which includes a gold custom bookstand and retails for a relatively-cheap $5,500
Rihanna has never been one to do things by halves, and her first foray into publishing is no exception, as she’s released a special edition ‘visual autobiography’ that sits atop a hand-carved marble pedestal – and retails for an astonishing $111,000.
The 31-year-old popstar announced the release of her picture-filled autobiography on Monday, revealing at the same time that several different editions of the book would be available, with prices starting at $150 for the most basic version and climbing up beyond $100,000 for the ‘oversized ultra luxury supreme edition’.
However, while many might balk at the sight of such a sky-high price tag, the most costly copies of the book – of which there are only ten – have already sold out, with the singer’s most dedicated fans rushing to get their hands on the limited version of the tome and the accompanying 2,000-lb marble stand.
Literary: Rihanna, 31, announced the launch of her first visual autobiography on Monday (pictured on September 12)
Get it? While the classic version sells for $150, the Ultra Luxury Supreme Edition, comes with an art piece titled Stoner and costs $111,000
Rihanna made the surprise announcement on Instagram, revealing she has partnered with global publisher Phaidon on the book, her ‘first piece of art in a new industry,’ which was five years in the making.
It’s filled with 504 pages with 1,050 color photographs from her life, including her childhood, private moments with loved ones, and scenes from her time as an international popstar.
But the tome is obviously meant for superfans, as even the least expensive version – just the book, which comes with no accessories – costs a jaw-dropping $150.
Beyond that, there are three more limited-edition versions with steadily increasing pricetags.
The priciest of all is the Ultra Luxury Supreme Edition.
That version comes with a 2,000-pound hand-carved marble pedestal from Portugal entitled ‘Stoner.
It appears to be for displaying the book in a place of honor, perhaps in a living room or library, and measures 42 inches high and 40 inches wide.
That book and stand cost a whopping $111,000 – that is, it did cost that when it was available, but all ten copies have already been bought.
The identities of nine of the ten superfans are unknown, though at least one is public: Cardi B, showing her support, won one of the $111,000 pieces at Rihanna’s Diamond Ball last month.
However, it does seem likely that Cardi B’s cash went to a good cause, as the event benefited the Clara Lionel Foundation, which supports education programs, women’s health, and emergency response organizations.
Drip: There is also the Luxury Supreme version, which includes a gold custom bookstand created in collaboration with artists the Haas Brothers
Gilt: This slightly less pricey version costs $5,500 and is still available
Views: The bookstand and book will fit right in with any modern space
There is also the Luxury Supreme version – which, like the $111,000 version, starts with a 60-pound book covered in bespoke black fabric with a matte black, laser-cut, steel logo inset into the front cover.
It includes a custom gold cast-resin tabletop bookstand cakked ‘Drippy + The Brain,’ which was created in collaboration with the artists the Haas Brothers. That one sells for a mere $5,500.
The bookstand isn’t a shelf, but rather a gold display piece with a cushioned fabric that the book can sit open inside.
A photo shows it placed in the middle of a coffee table to better show off the photo book.
This one is still available to buy.
Deal: There is also a limited edition Fenty x Phaidon version for $175
Art: This edition features a steel bookstand also designed by the Haas Brothers
Stunning: The special editions also include a signature from the artist herself
Wow factor: No matter what format the book is in, it will contain more than 1,000 photos documenting the pop star and her life including many snaps which have never been seen
Beautiful: . Additional features include three paper stocks, seven single and double page gatefolds, 9 bound-in booklets, 1 tip-in sheet, and a double-sided removable poster
The final and least expensive limited edition volume is the Fenty x Phaidon version, which costs $175 and is also still available to buy. It comes with a certificate of authenticity.
It features a steel bookstand also designed by the Haas Brothers, which is titled ‘This Sh*t Is Heavy.’
The spine is wrapped with a custom-dyed, rose gold, metallic cloth, with the book’s title silkscreened using a clear gloss UV.
No matter what format the book is in, it will contain plenty of photos which have never been seen.
Additional features include three paper stocks, seven single and double page gatefolds, 9 bound-in booklets, 1 tip-in sheet, and a double-sided removable poster.
Monochrome madness: The special edition has a different cover as there are black and white photos on the front and back covers along with a dyed rose gold metallic cloth
Still stunning: The standard version can be bought for $150
Coming soon: Rihanna and Phaidon are hosting a pre-publication ticketed book party at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City this Friday
Of the project, Rihanna said: ‘I am so excited to share this collection of incredible images. I’m very grateful to the talented photographers and artists who contributed.
‘We’ve been working on the book for over five years and I’m really happy to be able to finally share it with everybody.’
A press statement read: ‘From her childhood in Barbados to her worldwide tours, from quintessential fashion moments to private time with friends and family, the book showcases intimate photographs of her life as a musician, performer, designer, and entrepreneur.’
Rihanna and Phaidon are hosting a pre-publication ticketed book party at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City this Friday.
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