Just around a month after Beyoncé donned a fierce lioness-themed costume by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika, the singing sensation has given another nod to a fashion designer who has roots in the Middle Eastern fashion hub. During her recently released music video for Spirit, the superstar, who has been supporting accessory and fashion designers from the region for a long time, appears in a dress by Lebanese-American designer Norma Kamali.
As she spins her magic amidst a series of desert landscapes for the clip of one of The Lion King tracks, Queen Bey wears a stretchy electric yellow dress with parachute-like detail by the New York-born designer. Her backing dancers wear the same sexy creation, which was described as “an embodiment of Kamali's eternal vision” by Christene Barberich, the Co-Founder of Refinery 29. Styled by Zerina Akers, Beyoncé, who serves not one, not two, but 11 spectacular high- fashion looks in the visual feast, accessorises her gown with gold earrings and cuffs by Lynn Ban.
Kamali took to Instagram to share her excitement about dressing Beyoncé, who plays Nala in the movie, and thank her team for working on the project. “So happy to be a part of the visuals so beautiful thank you. And to my team Marissa Katia Mario and jimmy for getting it done!!!,” the fashion veteran wrote.
Kamali, who started off as a boutique owner in 1967, has dressed generations of stars ranging from Rihanna and the Kardashians to Bette Midler and Bianca Jagger. The designer is famous for iconic concepts like the sleeping bag coat, the high-heeled trainer and using parachute silk in dresses and separates. In the 1980s, the innovator came up with the Sweats collection, with her designer fashion meets athletic wear making her the original athleisure goddess. She is also credited with making shoulder pads popular that same decade and dressed supermodels like Linda Evangelista in them. Plus, Kamali is renowned for her skills as a swimwear pattern cutter and is even behind that famous red swimsuit worn by Farrah Fawcett in the poster that has adorned a million teenager’s bedroom walls.
Additionally, the award-winning designer has been embracing wellness long before it became a thing. Looking amazing at 74, it’s not surprising she is finally getting into the beauty game. Recently launched in London’s Selfridge’s and in New York, the NormaKamalife range has wellness and lifestyle products as well as those relating to skincare.
