American singer Beyonce and French luxury fashion house have collaborated on a couture collection.
Titled 'Renaissance Couture by Beyonce x Balmain' the limited edition collaboration was inspired by songs from Beyonce's seventh solo album 'Renaissance' which was released in July 2022.
Comprising of 16 outfits, that honor both the house's history and the artist's musical heritage, the capsule made its debut in Vogue Paris' April 2023 issue. The looks from the collection are presented in a campaign/editorial lensed by Louie Banks and featuring Fashion Labeija, Ebony Riley, Amber Later, Hanne Gaby Odiele, Kerolyn Soares, Xue Huizi, Memphis Murphy, Shanelle Nyasiase, Dominique Silver, Akuol Deng Atem, Mamuor Awak, and Jesus Maria.
Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing listened to the album on a loop when he was away on summer vacation in July 2022. Combining music and fashion, he worked closely with Beyonce herself and her longtime stylist Marni Senofonte over the course of five months to create the high-fashion looks for the collection. According to the label, each ensemble on the couture collection is a one-of-a-kind and won't be for sale.
'Beyonce advocates for freedom above all else, for freedom in today's world. This is a powerful voice that resonates. She speaks of diversity, of every kind of diversity, and pays tribute to the queer community, honoring house music, ballroom, and voguing balls,' Rousteing said in a statement.
'Olivier is a dream partner and a constantly innovating and evolving designer. Everything he did as a Black seamstress to break down and open doors was inspirational. From our very first meeting and with the designs he has made over the years for my shows and appearances, I knew that one day I would be working with him on a collection. I am very proud of what we have created and of the synergy that has been created between our teams,' Beyonce added.
The 16 looks are as follows:
#1 "I'm That Girl"
Look: Bustier in hammered metal by sculptor Elie Hirsch. Matching spiked bracelets. Pareo skirt and gloves in black nappa lamb leather.
#2 "Cozy"
Look: Feu d'artifice (fireworks) dress, in black velvet embroidered with pink feathers. Black velvet turban and boots.
#3 "Alien Superstar"
Look: 3D structured gown embroidered with crystals
#4 "Cuff It"
Look: Macrame gown crafted from a mix of multiple black silk, velvet, rayon and patent-leather threads. Bodice embroidered with black-dyed pheasant feathers.
#5 "Energy"
Look: Embroidered gown with pattern inspired by traditional African hair-braiding, created with yarn braiding techniques
#6 "Break My Soul"
Look: Hooded dress, draped relying on shiny black velvet and paired with a 3D-printed bustier that gives the illusion of a naked torso, electroplated in black chrome.
#7 "Church Girl"
Look: Black-and-red velvet cape coat; metallic belt. 3D-printed electroplated chest bustier in silver chrome. Record-inspired, two-tone, flat, circular hat.
#8 "Plastic Off The Sofa"
Look: Bustier dress built around a pink chrome inverted bow
#9 "Virgo's Groove"
Look: Corolla gown and second skin in dusty pink velvet. Metallic decollete by Elie Hirsch. Vintage Balmain hat, reinterpreted in hammered metal.
#10 "Move"
Look: Draped dress in thermo-strass bleu-gitane jersey. Matching thermo-strass hat, corne headdress
#11 "Heated"
Look: Gown and Balmain vintage hat ensemble set in thermoformed black velvet, set with crystals.
#12 "Thique"
Look: Metal and crystal reversed-chandelier illusion skirt. Black-velvet bodysuit; black-velvet turban. Tassel chandelier earrings.
#13 "All Up In Your Mind"
Look: Feather-embroidered fan paired with black velvet and satin jumpsuit and gloves.
#14 "America Has A Problem"
Look: Crimson velvet draped jumpsuit 3D-printed bustier electroplated in gold chrome
#15 "Pure/Honey"
Look: Graphic ensemble embroidered with sequins and feathers, draped earrings in metallic mesh and black jersey turban
#16 "Summer-Renaissance"
Look: Wig, cape and short strapless dress-all embroidered with lurex fringes, crystals and rhinestones
See every look from the Renaissance Couture by Beyonce x Balmain collection here.
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