Renaissance Couture by BEYONCÉ x BALMAIN

Renaissance Couture by BEYONCÉ x BALMAIN

By: Abby Fulmar

Following the massive success of Beyoncé’s 2022 album RENAISSANCE, Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing was feeling inspired. The unique, colorful tracks seemed built to be interpreted through fashion, and as a long-time friend and admirer of Queen Bey, Rousteing was eager to collaborate with the pop star. The two artists worked closely together for more than six months to co-create 16 looks, all meticulously constructed to portray each of the tracks’ unique moods. Ironically, when the King of Balmain and the Queen of Pop collaborated, the result was nothing short of an artistic Renaissance.   

I’M THAT GIRL

The first look at the collection consists of a hammered metal bustier with large, sharp protruding spikes, as well as gloves and a skirt made of black lamb leather. A reflection on the lyric, “it's not the diamond, it's not the pearls,” look number one is a witty commentary on the fact that you can be “that girl” while also being strong and dangerous.

COZY

This look embodies the message Beyoncé sends in her second track of being comfortable in your own skin. Also called the “firework” dress by Rousteing, this look is made entirely of black velvet with pink feathers exploding from every part of the dress. A nod to lyrics from the track, Beyoncé and Rousteing were able to “paint the world pink” while creating a look to help women feel comfortable in their skin.

ALIEN SUPERSTAR

The look inspired by the futuristic track “ALIEN SUPERSTAR” portrays reaching for the stars and dreaming big. Taking inspiration from the lyric, “kicking vintage crystal off the bar,” this floor-length gown focuses on silhouette, including 3D shoulder and hip extensions that are hand-embellished with thousands of crystals which cover the entire dress.

ENERGY

One of the most complex and challenging looks to achieve, the fourth look in the lineup consists of various black threads, silks, rayons, and velvets woven together. The gown’s bodice includes black-dyed pheasant feathers which line the entirety of the neckline. The intense, dark feminine energy radiating off of this gown is no mistake. Beyoncé and Rousteing wanted to create a sensual, alluring dress that commands attention, and there is no denying this look brings that vision to life. 

ENERGY 2

The dynamic look for the track “ENERGY” pays homage to the heritage of both Beyoncé and the featured artist on the song, singer and rapper BEAM. The gown incorporates traditional African shapes, designs, and braided yarn to imitate classic African braiding techniques. For a finishing touch, they added large, matching hoop earrings constructed of the same braided yarn as the gown.

BREAK MY SOUL

For this look to accurately represent the song, its creators wanted it to be electrifying. Unlike other looks which originate from specific lyrics, this gown represents the larger-than-life genre of 1990s house music as well as the acclaimed songwriters responsible for the track, Jay-Z and Beyoncé themselves. To achieve this vision, black metallic fabric was draped from head to toe, connecting an intricately crafted turban and floor-length gown to elbow-high gloves. The silhouette is enhanced by a shiny, black chrome corset and exaggerated shoulder pads.

CHURCH GIRL

Made of many moving parts, this ensemble begins with a 3D-printed, chrome silver chest bustier. It is then enveloped in a black and red velvet cape held together by a matching chrome belt. To pay homage to Beyoncé, it is accessorized by a hat resembling a record. The song “CHURCH GIRL” is an anthem for all those who are living unapologetically and without restraint, which is perfectly represented by the elegant and unconfined robe. 

PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA

Taking inspiration directly from the title, look nine was fabricated with pink imitation plastic material. Tying in Balmain’s signature bows, the dress itself is a large upside-down bow with caging around the hips. The unique shade of pink chrome fabric beautifully depicts the disco track.

VIRGO’S GROOVE

For “VIRGO’S GROOVE,” a track that coincidentally represents both Beyoncé and Rousteing’s astrological sign, the two wanted to create a sensual but intense look. The outer part of the gown, opera gloves, and stockings are all constructed of dusty pink velvet. A gold hammered metal corset peeks out of the luxurious velvet, and a matching, reimagined vintage Balmain hat ties the look together. 

MOVE

A recurring theme throughout the collection is the use of unique silhouettes and colors, both of which are the most prevalent in the look for “MOVE.” The large headpiece commands space, as the lyric, “move out the way, I’m with my girls and we all need space,” suggests. The ensemble is in Beyoncé’s favorite color, bleu-gitane, and is made of thermo-strass jersey.

HEATED

This look is especially important to Beyoncé, taking inspiration from the lyric, “Uncle Johnny made my dress.” This line is what inspired Rousteing to reach out to the pop star, hoping that she would want to further that family history by creating a collection together. The rich black velvet and large gems convey the song’s message of knowing your own worth while the classic Balmain hat pays tribute to the rich history of the brand. 

THIQUE

While it might look simple, the construction of this dress took countless engineers and mathematicians. A black midi dress and matching turban work in harmony with the bizarre but glamorous chandelier used to create a “thique” ballroom dress silhouette. 

ALL UP IN YOUR MIND

A tribute to the New York ballroom scene, this dress really is all up in your mind. The black velvet romper is encased with long feathers which, with the help of structured boning, are arranged pointing upward to imitate a folding fan. The interesting textures are elevated with satin gloves and a chunky diamond necklace and headpiece. 

AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM

Inspired by poise and self-confidence, the look for “AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM” is nothing short of striking. A version of the chrome bustier seen earlier in the collection is back, cleverly used to cinch the waist and create an almost regal silhouette. The rest of the jumpsuit, which is made of deep crimson velvet, drapes in all of the right places to project an aura of supreme confidence.

PURE/HONEY

With a song described as “infectious club pop,” the designers knew the look had to be bold and dynamic. Focusing less on silhouette, the jumpsuit has a mix of different black and white patterns, from checkered prints to stripes. The striped fur sleeves add to the distinct textures shown through the glossy white corset and jersey turban. 

SUMMER RENAISSANCE

For the disco-inspired final track of the album, Beyoncé and Rousteing wanted extravagance. The grand finale includes a wig, cape, and short strapless dress, all of which are covered in lurex fringe, crystals, and rhinestones. The perfect finishing look for an extravagant collection, this outfit is enough to start a modern Renaissance. 

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