Rihanna channels her inner Marilyn Monroe for the cover of Vogue U.K’s October 2011 edition.

In the issue, Rih Rih reveals that the wigs, the hair color changes, the wild antics in videos [like her topless romp during her “We Found Love” video shoot that it angered an Irish farmer]? is just all an act she puts on for her fans.

“That’s not me. That’s a part I play. You know, like it’s a piece of art, with all these toys and textures to play with,” she tells the magazine.

“See, people … they want me to be a role model just because of the life I lead. The things I say in my songs, they expect it of me, and [being a role model] became more of my job than I wanted it to be. But no, I just want to make music. That’s it.”

More photos from Rihanna’s UK Vogue shoot below:

Rihanna also spoke about her dysfunctional childhood that included a father who reportedly struggled with substance abuse and the brutal assault she suffered at the hands of former boyfriend Chris Brown.

Despite it all, she says feels stronger now than ever and doesn’t feel that her experiences make her any different from the millions of others who have dealt with broken homes and domestic abuse.

“I saw too much. I was way too mature for my age,” she says.

“Look, God doesn’t give any more than you can handle. I had to get through a lot of ups and downs ? big downs ? and a lot of trial and error to get where I am now.”

What do you think of Rihanna as a bleached blond?

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