Unsurprisingly, everyone is talking about Beyoncé’s jaw-dropping visual album, “Black Is King.” Dropped recently on Disney+, the film set to tracks from the “The Lion King: the Gift” soundtrack she released last year is an homage to “the breadth and beauty of Black ancestry.” While the celebration of Black culture, African traditions and women includes numerous collaborations, Queen Bey is the director of the project, and her powerful message packs a seriously creative punch. The 85-minute spectacle and history lesson features scenes of gorgeous African landscapes, a monologue by James Earl Jones, dancers from around the world and appearances by Kelly Rowland, Lupita Nyong’o, Naomi Campbell, Adut Akech, Aweng Ade-Chuol and daughter Blue Ivy, to name a few. And as if that isn’t enough, the superstar gave the world sartorial gold by including a striking fashion statement in every single film frame.
While bringing her best fashion game via the countless vibrant looks, Beyoncé, who was styled by long-time stylist Zerina Akers, wore a stunning creation by Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi. He was behind the black feathered number seen on the 24-time Grammy Award-winning artist. The hand-made embroidered piece took 70 hours of work, according to the Beirut-based brand’s Instagram posts. The exotic bird feathers were placed one by one on the bodice for the look created for the powerful project, described as a “labour of love.”
This isn’t the first time the mother of three rocks an elaborate look by the designer who launched his label, Ashi Studio, in 2007. Beyoncé wore a custom-made version of a sculptured, frothy fuchsia gown during a Nelson Mandela event in South Africa. The designer, known for his sculpturesque, intricate cutting techniques and dreamy pieces, has also dressed A-listers like Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Demi Lovato, Sonam Kapoor and Camila Alves.
The Other Must-See Style Moments
The serious costume changes for the visual accompaniment to Beyoncé’s 2019 musical release incorporated ready-to-wear runway looks and custom Haute Couture pieces, whether from major luxury labels or Black established or up-and-coming designers.
From industry heavyweights, some of our favourites include Balmain’s yellow off-the-shoulder draped top, Alessandra Rich’s shimmering long dress and Molly Goddard’s “Daria” pink gown with tulle ruffles and hem. Standout custom pieces included Valentino’s billowing embroidered leopard cape and jumpsuit with paillettes, Burberry’s cow-print corset top and matching wool mini skirt, a noticeable shoulder-padded blazer from Ivorian Loza Maléombho and Jerome Lamaar’s embellished aquamarine trench and headdress.
