Rousteing told French Vogue that the idea to collaborate came about when he was sketching while listening to the new album on repeat after its July 2022 release, and was inspired by the lyrics and music. He contacted Beyonce and her stylist, Marni Senofonte, and said he would like to create a couture collection together as co-designers. He had many sketches inspired by the album but managed to whittle it down to just one per song, two of which Beyonce already wore to the Grammys and BRIT awards before the collaboration was officially released. The looks incorporate historic elements of Balmain and celebrate Beyoncé’s heritage, bringing to life the powerful emotions encapsulated in her music.

Rousteing and Beyoncé have worked together many times over the years, from perfecting outfits for her 2018 Coachella headline to opening his 10-year anniversary show for Balmain in 2021.

She says he is a “dream collaborator and a constantly innovating and evolving creative”, with whom she knew she “would want to work on a collection from their very first meeting”.

Renaissance is Beyoncé’s 7th studio album, created during the COVID-19 pandemic with the intention of inspiring happiness and an escape from isolation to listeners, and to celebrate the liberation of marginalised people through dance. It won a Grammy for best dance and electronic album and was nominated for album of the year.

Now, let’s look at some of the 16 outfits it inspired:

Cozy; comfortable in my skin (cozy, cozy)

^{Image Credit: Balmain}

A ‘feu d’artifice’ firework-inspired dress made of black velvet and pink feathers with a matching black velvet turban. The look represents self-love and visualises being surrounded by explosions of fireworks.

Break My Soul; I’m buildin’ my own foundation, yeah

^{Image Credit: “Church Girl” from Renaissance Couture – BeyoncéxBalmain. Photography by Louie Banks, courtesy of Balmain}

Draping shiny black velvet to create a hooded dress, cinched with a black chrome electroplated bustier. Designed to project power and confidence onto the wearer, creating the illusion of a naked torso by 3D printing the bustier.

Thique; Baby, that’s that thique

^{Image Credit: Balmain}

Hammered brass bustier adorned in crystal pendants over a black velvet bodysuit, with matching crystal earrings and velvet turban. Inspired by Parisian chandeliers and traditional ballroom design.

Church Girl; nobody can judge me but me, I was born free

^{Image Credit: Balmain}

Black velvet cape with red interior, metallic belt, and silver chrome bustier. The hat is inspired by records. The outfit represents success, self-confidence, and not apologising for enjoying yourself.

Pure/Honey; It should cost a billion to look this good

^{Image Credit: Balmain}

Mixing sequins, metals, and feathers with harlequin, zebra, and psychedelic patterns to create this bodysuit. As seen on Beyoncé at the BRITs, it aims to pay homage to and channel the energy and joy of the ballroom community.

Virgo’s Groove; I want it right here, right now

^{Image Credit: Balmain}

Pink velvet gown and ‘second skin’ with metallic décolleté by sculptor Elie Hirsch and a reinterpreted vintage Balmain hat. Beyonce and Olivier are both virgos, and the look represents disco, funk, and intensity.

Energy (01); Oh, la, la, la
That’s the way them boys sound when I walk through the block-block-block

^{Image Credit: Balmain}

Black-dyed pheasant feathers grab your attention, embroidered onto a macramé gown. Crafted from black silk, velvet, rayon, and patent-leather threads, this was one of the most complicated designs in the collection, designed with the intention of creating something sensual and alluring that commanded power.

Energy (02); You know that I’m gon’ be extra when that camera go pop-pop-pop-pop-pop-pop

^{Image Credit: Balmain}

Gown, hat, and earrings created with a pattern inspired by traditional African hair-braiding. Taking over a month to complete its creation; the gown began as a series of sketches of African motifs before transforming into this powerful silhouette.

America Has a Problem; Boy, you can’t get no higher than this No, ‘cause love don’t get no higher than this no, no

^{Image Credit: Balmain}

Jumpsuit with draped red velvet and gold chrome bustier. It reflects the song’s confidence and attracts attention through its similarity to the red carpet.

Summer Renaissance; It’s so good, it’s so good, it’s so good, it’s so good, it’s so good

^{Image Credit: Balmain}

Wig, cape, and dress embroidered with fringes, crystals, and rhinestones.The final track on the album inspires outright extravagance and maximalism. Beginning her world tour in May 2023, we can only hope to see more of these looks on Queen B, perhaps she will wear one to the upcoming Met Gala…

_{Words by Lucy Walshe}

^{Header Image by Mia Washbrook}

The post Balmain And Beyoncé Produce First Wearable Album appeared first on Voir Fashion.

This exhibition is so defining as it’s challenging gender constructs, and ultimately making us ask questions like, if a man is in a dress does it make him any less of a man? (the answer is obviously no). By asking these questions we are allowing the images to show us a deeper and better understanding of contemporary society and what it means to be masculine.

Whether you’re a truck driver who likes to wear a sequin dress in his spare time, or an electrician who enjoys dancing to Toxic by Britney Spears, you are what you define yourself to be. And, don’t worry honey, we love you all the same.

Thank you for engaging with Voir Fashion Digital.

It is important that we communicate a unique brand of fashion, beauty, trends and lifestyle to you on a regular basis, all we ask is that you share our content, and subscribe to receive even more exciting updates and competitions directly to your inbox.

#2018

The post All That Man Is appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Source: Vogue.com

Autumn Winter ’18 is tipped to be a fashion frenzy and Vogue has set us off on the right foot. With the covers of both American Vogue and British Vogue having been released last week, social media has gone into a frenzy over Queen Bey and the one and only Bad Gal hitting up the respective covers.

The September Issue of Vogue is arguably the most influential in the fashion calendar: september signalling the start of the fashion season and showcasing all the forthcoming collections and trends. So these ‘fronts’ to mainstream fashion signal tremendous progress, inclusion and acknowledgment to women of colour the world over.

Not only was Beyoncé chosen to star on the cover of American Vogue, she was given full unprecedented control. From the clothing to the layout of the cover, Queen Bey could be exactly what she wanted. As the first African American to be featured on the cover of the September Issue, it was fitting that Beyoncé chose an African American photographer to shoot it.

At just a tender 23 years of age, Tyler Mitchell is the first black photographer to shoot the September cover, as well as one of the youngest. His work focuses on the intersection of youth culture and racical identity, something Beyoncé is not far from herself.

Bey expressed the importance of working with young artists of colour allowing creative doors to open and the world to see their potential. Chatting to Vogue Beyoncé enlightened us that in this day and age, it’s so important for people all over the world to see people who look like themselves in positions of power, in books, and in films. To not feel intimidated or limited by the colour of their skin. This can be seen in her music and films.

And not forgetting this side of the pond, Rhianna took a different approach to British Vogue, staying in keeping with the flower headdress theme. Who knew flowers could look so good?

Bringing her Fenty Beauty to the shoot, the undisputed BadGal brought ombre lips and skinny brows back from the dead and we’re totally in love with her look.

Mrs. Wintour and Enninful we salute you. Here’s to a colourful AW’18.

Thank you for engaging with Voir Fashion Digital.

It is important that we communicate a unique brand of fashion, beauty, trends and lifestyle to you on a regular basis, all we ask is that you share our content, and subscribe to receive even more exciting updates and competitions directly to your inbox.

The post New Season, New Vogue. appeared first on Voir Fashion.