Martin proudly hoists a giant MAC lipstick over his heavily-gelled head as Minaj arches her back and says “meow” — with her frosted eyes — on a motorcycle. Wham, bam, thank you Glam.

Photo: WowWow.me

Photos: Homotography

from “Atonement” by Andy Houghton

Photo: Bella Sugar

The dashing divas shook their equally famous bon bons (remember that song…yeah, me neither) with David LaChappelle Monday in Miami for the the Minaj-à-Martin ads,  set to appear in fashion/lifestyle magazines come February. [WWD]

@rihanna: My bad ci, did I 4get to tip u? #howrudeofme

[@LesFabian: Ouch. #bitch]

@rihanna: U gangsta huh? Haaa

@ciara: Trust me Rihanna you don’t want to see me on or off the stage.

@rihanna: Good luck with bookin that stage u speak of

[@LesFabian: Oh snap! #BURN]

@ciara: pure comedy…

[@LesFabian: #nocomeback]

@rihanna: Ciara baby, I love u girl! U hurt my feelings real bad on TV! I’m heartbroken! That’s y I retaliated this way! So sorry!

[@LesFabian: How...sweet... #lyingherfaceoff]

@ciara: Rhi, u know its always been love since day 1! Doing shows and everything. You threw me off in that party! Apology accepted. Let’s chat in person.

[@LesFabian: Translation: Bitch, wait til I twist my fingers through that troll doll hair. #illcutabitch]

Things have calmed down dramatically since then, but whenever divas duel it out in the public arena, there is an inevitable choosing of sides and bitter argument over who’s better, blah, blah blah.

Well, since I live for these moments, I’ve decided the only logical way to determine who is the baddest bitch on the block (clearly not including Beyoncé who could blink and take out both of them) is to compare both RiRi’s and CiCi’s editorials from European Vogues…naturally.

Rihanna covered Vogue Italia‘s special couture supplement in 2009, shot by the incredible Steven Klein and styled by Patti Wilson:

Then last year, Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci styled Ciara for a Vogue Paris shoot with the dynamic duo of Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

For me, the answer is clear. Ciara’s editorial easily trumps Rihanna’s, achieving a poetic and sensual beauty that’s more effective than the hard, technical sexuality of the Klein shoot. Which is not to say that both spreads aren’t great, but Ciara possesses a grace and classic beauty that makes her actually look like a model and not just a moonlighting popstar in it for some free couture.

Plus, she totally gets extra points because Riccardo said this about her:

“Ciara is like a black Betty Page. A very refined hip hop queen. Although she is American, she has a sort of European class, a Parisian chic.”

Musing for Givenchy beats out openly stealing from David LaChappelle any day of the week.

In his suit, LaChapelle alleges RiRi appropriated eight of his images for the video, directed by Melina Matsoukas who was also behind the camera for the singer’s “Rude Boy” video.

You may remember, if your memory consists almost completely of Wikipedia articles as mine does, that this is not the first time that Matsoukas has been accused of plagiarism.

The “Rude Boy” video was criticized for copying M.I.A.‘s video for “Boyz” but Matsoukas defended that video, saying that she “definitely wasn’t trying to rip anybody off” and that “we’re all inspired by similar elements and it came together in that way.”

It’s not clear whether LaChapelle can win this case — intellectual property suits can be tricky — but it certainly raises questions as to where inspiration ends and plagiarism begins. And also raises questions concerning why Perez Hilton is allowed anywhere near a music video.

Photos/Link Love: Daily Mail

It was so nice of Jesus to come down from above and make himself available for the lens of David LaChapelle, can’t think of anyone else that would do Jesus the justice he deserves on camera…

Happy Easter, or Passover for you non Jesus people!

LINKAGE: Wicked Halo

Banksy – Little is known about the elusive graffiti artist (who till this day hasn’t been officially identified) and his criminal nature is what has drawn so much attention to his work. A modern day anarchist, Banksy’s subjects covers a multitude of daily vices drawing inspiration from pollution, African poverty, governmental influence, the war on terror, and adultery.  A true artistic renegade, Banksy’s work and history will one day resonate as the true start of the modern anti-art movement. Recently, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt put down $400,000 to own a Bansky piece a sign that this artists work will only appreciate in value. Suddenly makes you want to rip down some of his wheat pasting that line the Lower East Side, eh?

Terry Richardson – The photographer which questions the sexual depravity of todays youth, Terry Richardson’s kick to the balls style has garnered attention from mainstreamers looking to connect to indies everywhere. Often the subject of his own work, Terry explores the dirty little things that turn us on, the celebrity figures that influence our popular culture, and takes fashion photography to new heights with a gritty perversion that blurs the line between art and pornography.  A rebel without a cause, Terry’s own addiction level involvement with sex and his own phallus has given us some of the most controversial pieces every developed from a cheap little Sure Shot. 

David LaChappelle – One of the most visually engaging artists of today, David LaChappelle is a true voyeur of celebrity culture.  Transcending photography his feature film Rise was a stunning orgasm for the eyes and his continued shoots and fashion spreads have changed society’s perception of Hollywood. And how can you not love the man that put Amanda Lepore on the map.

Shepard Fairey - Andre the Giant has a Posse may remain the defining piece for this artist, but his more recent work focussed around Barack Obama is what will cement Shepard as a true creative for indies everywhere.  The founding father and mastermind behind OBEY, Shepard has taken the merger of art and commerce to a new level by forgoing the galleries for the runway with a collection of graphic tees that have allowed thousands to wear their art on their sleeves. 

Takashi Murakami – While it’s his collaboration with Louis Vuitton that has garnered this artist the most statewide praise, it’s his years as a contemporary craftsmen in Japan that will deserve this indie his memory.  Exploring themes in anime and sex, Takashi’s work has created a tailspin of interest in Japan’s hypervisual culture.  With a new collection on the horizon with Marc Jacobs and a highly successful exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, Murakami will most likely become a major influencer on style and the art scene.