Euro Star

On never allowing her record label to dictate her style: "That should never be allowed! It’s like somebody telling you what to sing."

Tulle, organza, and feather dress, leather gloves, over-the-knee boots, all, Chanel Haute Couture, call 800-550-0005. Hair and head creations, Ken O’Rourke at Streeters for Oribe and accessories from M&J Trimming, NYC.

On scoring that red Marchesa gown she wore to the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards: "I went up to [Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman] and said, 'Hi, I'm Rita. Nice to meet you. I need to wear your dress.' She was like, 'What dress?' They've got 10 million dresses. I said, 'Look, I have your dress as the screen saver on my phone. This red dress needs to be on my body.'"

Layered embroidered tulle bustier dress, embroidered tulle gloves, all, Dior Haute Couture, call 800-929-DIOR. Lycra-tubing beanie, Philip Treacy, $1,250. Diamond and citrine earrings, Cartier, price on request. Hair and head creations, Ken O’Rourke at Streeters for Oribe and accessories from M&J Trimming, NYC.

On her childhood idols, the Spice Girls: "I just remember watching them – not even meeting them – and I was completely mesmerized. It feels great to meet someone who is not human, but is."

Floral-painted organza dress, printed pumps, all, Valentino Haute Couture, visit valentino.com. Grosgrain ribbon and felt horn headband, Heather Huey, $1,630.

On her 2009 "big break" with artist Jay-Z who signed her to his label: "I didn't think in a million years that I'd fly to New York to meet one of the biggest music moguls of our time."

Strapless bra by Calvin Klein; headpiece by Philip Treacy

Read the full story in our May issue on newsstands April 23!

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