Rihanna puts Elon Musk’s daughter Vivian Wilson front and centre in ‘Savage X Fenty’ ad

Rihanna surprised fans by casting Elon Musk’s estranged daughter Vivian Wilson in her latest ‘Savage X Fenty’ campaign

Rihanna has sparked intense conversation after unveiling the faces of her latest Savage X Fenty Valentine’s Day campaign, with one casting choice drawing particular attention online. The singer and fashion mogul has selected Vivian Wilson, the estranged daughter of Elon Musk, as one of the standout models for the Love So Savage collection, a decision that quickly sent social media into overdrive.

The campaign, released ahead of Valentine’s Day 2026, sees Rihanna taking on the role of Aphrodite while placing Wilson alongside actress Lovie Simone, actor Michael Cooper Jr and model Emma Arletta. Wilson, now 21, appears in lace and floral lingerie pieces, marking another major moment in her rapidly rising profile within the fashion world. For many fans, the casting felt pointed, given Wilson’s very public estrangement from her billionaire father and her outspoken criticism of his political views.

Online reaction was immediate. Supporters praised Rihanna for using her platform to elevate Wilson, with many calling the move intentional and powerful. Others noted the symbolism of a globally recognised brand placing Wilson at the centre of a campaign built around desire, confidence and self ownership. Comment sections filled with applause emojis, while several posts celebrating the campaign racked up thousands of likes within hours of going live.

Wilson herself has become increasingly visible over the past year. She made her New York Fashion Week debut, landed her first major fashion campaign and spoke openly about being financially independent from her father. The Savage X Fenty appearance comes just as she crossed one million followers on Instagram, a milestone she acknowledged with celebratory posts that further boosted engagement.

Rihanna, who welcomed her third child with A$AP Rocky in September 2025, has continued to remain hands on with her brand’s creative direction. Her decision to remain front and centre in seasonal campaigns has been seen as a statement of control and consistency, particularly as Savage X Fenty continues to expand its cultural footprint.

The Love So Savage collection features floral robes, lace lingerie sets and printed boxers, with pricing accessible to a wide audience. Yet it is the casting that has dominated discussion rather than the garments themselves. By placing Vivian Wilson in such a visible role, Rihanna has once again demonstrated her ability to tap into cultural moments that resonate far beyond fashion.