Behind the scenes with Rihanna

You’ve seen the ads, visited the new website watched the video, and maybe even shared it or left comments on our Facebook page. And now, since it’s the season of giving, we’re treating you to the backstage footage of that now-notorious video shot by Stephen Klein and directed by Johan Renck on location in New York, featuring none other than Rihanna.

She may have been mysterious, sultry and slightly shady in the film, in our exclusive backstage footage she’s all smiles (and skin). While she’s clearly at home on a set like the seasoned pro she is, you can tell she still feels a thrill when the cameras start rolling.

There was a lot of buzz around the video itself when it was released in October 2011. After all, it heralded several big events: Rihanna’s new collaboration as the face of Armani Jeans and Armani Lingerie, the brand new launch of Armani.com….and if that wasn’t enough, the Grammy-winning, unconventional and outrageous, Barbados-born but American-made pop star was all of a sudden sporting a new blond pixie bob. Yes, it was one of the most talked-about haircuts of the season. Who knew changing from bright red to platinum would be so controversial?

Take a look at the backstage video and enjoy watching Rihanna break out of character…but not out of those jeans.