2020’s only redemption: Beyonce’s Black is King finally aired on OSN over the weekend, and it is everything we could have dreamed of; stunning imagery, the best The Lion King songs, and some killer fashion.
A stand-out look from the incredible ensembles, was created by Saudi couturier Mohamed Ashi, of the Beirut-based Ashi Studio. The insane black feathered creation consists of black bustier bodysuit and exotic black feathers, and took 70 hours to create.
The designer said of the look, “I was honoured to create this elaborate hand-made embroidered piece which took 70 hours of work that was featured in the Black is King film released by Disney and direction by Beyonce yesterday in the states…the look incorporated exotic bird feathers, placed one by one on the bodice for this film that has a powerful impact in the world”.
Bey has worked with Ashi on previous occasions before. Remember that fuchsia extravaganza she wore to the Mandela at 100 event? That hot pink couture showstopper was also courtesy of Ashi.
The collection of Black is King looks, styled by longtime stylist to Beyonce Zerina Akers, also featured a pretty spectacular look from Valentino; a Valentino Haute Couture leopard jumpsuit (catsuit might be more appropriate) bedazzled with sequins and rhinestones. The look is the accompanied by a pretty regal leopard print cape, which brings *a lot* of drama to the look. The look was finished with A-Morir’s PEBBLES crystal-encrusted oversized sunglasses.
The next look is a dramatic black tulle look created by Timothy White Custom. The look pays homage to the Egyptian queen Nefertiti with her stunning braided crown.
The next look came courtesy of LA based Destiney Bleu’s d.bleu.dazzled®. Dazzled doesn’t even come to close to the amount of sparkle going on here! The shimmering bodysuit was embellished with individual crystals and was teamed with a skirt made up of strips of the stones in a fringe effect. The shimmer-fest was accessorised to the max with another pair of A-Morir sunnies and a necklace by Area.
Next up: Burberry. Riccardo Tisci created a custom cow-print two-piece consisting of a corset top and matching mini skirt, which was styled with some silver strappy Louboutin heels, a Ram horn headdress and a horse, naturally. The look was then topped off with a matching cow-print trench coat and tall faux leather boots.
Wendy Nichol’s stunning cream gown was next in the fashion reel. Styled with effortless hair, dewy make up and no accessories, this deconstructed flowing dress showcased Bey’s natural beauty, giving us serious goddess vibes. She then takes to the water in the gown and the light tulle creates all sorts of gorgeous fluid shapes. Stunning.
“I asked @lacebytanaya for rain and she gave me DRIP” stylist Zerina captioned an image of the stunning silver embellished cape/dress which was designed by LA crystal queen Lace by Tanaya. The dress was created back in August last year and was created form shimmering strips of crystals and silver embellishments. The look was completed with some teardrop shaped Chanel earrings.
Styled against a pink silk sheet (a homage to lockdown Instagram photoshoots, maybe?), the cascade of colourful ruffles created by Mary Katrantzou was a real stand-out piece. The off-the-shoulder gown was teamed with an up-do to the let the dress do the talking and featured ruffled tulle and delicate feathers in a rainbow whirlwind of colour.
More sparkle comes in the form of Area’s Crystal Crochet Poncho, hairpiece and earrings. Styled with slicked back hair, this look embodies delicate and twinkling sparkle and was originally seen on Area’s Fall 2019 catwalk.
London-born Molly Goddard launched her label in 2014 and has been creating frothy, fairy-tale inspired tulle drama ever since. Including this stunning Daria dress from her AW19 collection. Pink perfection.
Ivorian American fashion designer Loza Maleombho is a “fusion between traditional cultures/sub-cultures and contemporary fashion” and is responsible for this killer belted blazer and suspender number. The gold hard ware, the over-exaggerated shoulders, the matching jewellery, this look gets a gold star in our book.
An oversized hat is always a yes from us, and when you combine it with a stunning custom Alejandro off-the-shoulder gown it is a definite YES. This Jo Miller x Marta Jakubowski lace hat is the perfect accessory to off-set the serious drama in this dress designed by Alejandro (who also designed Kelly Rowland’s white voluminous dress).
Stylist Zerina even designed a look for Queen Bey! Well, kind of. She created this towel/head wrap look which we see teamed with Magda Butrym heels and illesteva shades. Bath time chic.
ALONLIVINE created not one, not two, but THREE custom looks The Queen, which all give us major heart-eyes. An off-the-shoulder white embroidered gown, a scarlet red bodysuit-boot-and-coat-combo and a cream mini dress and headpiece which is pleated ruffle perfection.
British label Solace London were responsible for this ruffled Insta-worthy pool moment, whilst Venus Prototype Latex were on swimming cap duty.
Simon-Hartman London turned Beyonce into the “black Queen chess piece” with some SERIOUS ruffles and stunning craftsmanship. The look was finished with an incredible headpiece, and MOOD sunglasses, which are…well, a mood.
For a mother and daughter high tea, Bey wore a floral Erdem tiered gown and Anabela Chan Fuchsia Waterfall Earrings (you’ll notice AC’s dramatic earrings popping up in a lot of the Black is King stylings).
Sustainable Senegal based Adama Paris created this sunshine-yellow wrap top and shorts look, with matching headpiece. We seriously want this outfit for our next pool day.
Beyonce wore African label Tongoro’s NGOR dress and BIRMA dress in BROWN SKIN GIRL. Both the flowing gowns featured an contrasting prints and major trains.
More crystal goodness came from Luxury Ready-To-Wear brand Alessandra Rich with the Crystal Net Dress and Crystal Cascade Earrings. We are also *really* into this crystal eyebrow art.
This next look isn’t even courtesy of a designer, its courtesy of a make-up artist. Yep, the talented Francesca Tolot painted this look straight onto Bey’s skin, no fabric necessary! However, crystals are always necessary and these came in the form of Laurel DeWitt custom body jewellery (you’ll also see a lot of her work in the album) and A-Morir frames and earrings.
Marine Serre has quickly become the brand of the moment (special thanks to Kylie Jenner), and Bey donned their Fall 2019 catsuit covered in their hallmark crescent moon print. Adele also wore the look whilst watching the visual album at home, writing on Instagram “Thank you Queen for always making us all feel so loved through your art”.
Phew, that’s a lot of wardrobe changes!