Rihanna Explains Strict Dress Code At Beginning Of Career (PHOTOS)

And so it begins.

None other than Rihanna covers Glamour's September "Friend" issue . Inside, the 23-year-old songstress talks Chris Brown, her self-reinvention and relationships with Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, while posing in names like Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs YSL and Vionnet.

Some snippets from the interview...

On hating drama...and perfection:

"I hate drama. But at the same time, nothing bothers me more than when life's perfect. And that's the sick part. I just love a challenge, whether it's a relationship, my career, clothing..."

On her attention-getting sense of style:

"Getting dressed, I want to pick the most bizarre pair of shorts so I can figure out how to make it look right, or work an outfit that will make people go, "What the hell is she wearing?"

On being a role model for young girls:

"In the beginning of my career, it was really strict for me. I couldn't wear pink or red lipstick; it was just bizarre. We had a young fan base, and they were trying to keep me fresh. But I just really wanted to be myself. I wanted to be sassy, the attitude, all these things that I am."

Take a look at a few photos below and head over to Glamour.com for the rest . Also, check out a Facebook video here . The issue hits stands August 9.

All photographs by Ellen von Unwerth, courtesy of Glamour .