Beyoncé's Global Citizen Festival Looks Are More Than Just A Fashion Statement
When Beyoncé says “world stop”, we turn and look until she instructs us to carry on. But someone, please tell me how to get back to scheduled programming when Queen Bey just took our breath away with look after lewk at the 2018 Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100.
If you’re familiar with the way that Beyoncé tours, you know that there is nothing mundane about her show looks. Since the days of Destiny’s Child when Mama Tina Knowles’ eclectic designs first made us celebrate being Bootylicous, Beyoncé’s performance outfits have always been proud, on-theme, and unmistakably custom. Bey Hive or not, these looks can unanimously draw appreciation from anyone’s eye, and with a closer look, the detail and intention behind the ensembles aren’t just interesting, but powerful.
See, Beyoncé’s growth over the years has ignited a fire for the woman to flaunt her womanness and for the black girl to divulge her blackness. For Nelson Mandela’s centenary, she appropriately kept that same energy in South Africa and expressed African pride through every wardrobe change.
Her Mary Kantrantzou number appears to be another leotard and cape combo that we’ve come to love and expect from Beyoncé, but a closer look at the back reveals a beautifully embroidered map of the 52 countries of Africa with a special Swarovski crystal detail to celebrate the diversity of each nation. The intention behind this look alone is noteworthy.
Beyoncé was also clad in a custom look featuring Olivier Rousteing’s signature Balmain silhouette, but the Egyptian hieroglyphics are what really made the statement. A beautiful reminder of all that has and will thrive on the continent of Africa.
Esteban Cortázar’s look was truly a labor of love. Thousands of beads in the colors of South Africa’s flag came together to create a stunning mini dress with a Dinka corset fashioned after Nala’s costume in the Lion King Broaday musical. Speaking of which, OMG OMG OMG. My grown behind WILL be front and center July 2019 for the new film. The look was finished off with gold jewelry in the likeness of traditional Ndebele neck rings.
Beyoncé’s fuchsia Ashi Studio gown was perfect for her ballads. And though it is not distinct in it’s homage to Africa, this flowing, dramatic piece is such a reflection of The Mother Continent.
This emerald Quiteria & George cape dress look was fit for a Queen, and Jay did his thing as well in one of his go-to Calvin Klein suits.
Finally, we were left to muse over the colorful array of Versace catsuits and matching wide brimmed hats that closed the show. I can’t unsee it, wouldn’t want to.
Stylists Zerina Ackers, Jenke Ahmed Tailly, and June Ambrose did an exceptional job bringing these looks to life. Each ensemble is fun to ooh and ahh over for the detail and perfect fit, but these looks really represent so much more. Ahead of the Global Citizen Festival, Beyoncé shared her desire to honor Mandela’s legacy on her website:
“As we celebrate the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, honoring your centennial year, I promise you that we have made your dreams our own. Your work and your sacrifices were not in vain. I will cherish every moment shared in your presence and use the lessons learned from you as fuel to stir positive ideas and solutions.”
Beyoncé is no political martyr, but she is using her platform to highlight injustice, empower women, and move our people forward in the ways that she can. I feel grateful that she has stirred the pot and caused countless public conversations surrounding black pride, and now, homage to Africa. So let us continue to carry Mandela’s torch and make a difference in our own small ways, even if it starts with a lewk.