Last week, the indisputable queen of the music world made history with the release of her visual album, Lemonade. Beyoncé’s latest work has had the Internet buzzing about the album’s raw emotion, interspersed with girl-power moments, as well as debates over the notorious identity of “Becky with the good hair.” While lemon emojis and Beyoncé’s sharp lyrics will likely remain permanent fixtures in our Instagram feeds, the fashion of Lemonade represents a defining cultural moment. Always one for bold fashion choices, Beyoncé tells a story through her couture looks ranging from Gucci to Yeezy, each one crucial to the beautiful visual impact of the film. Here are some of the most important fashion moments in Lemonade.
To accompany the unforgiving swag of the song “Don’t Hurt Yourself,” Beyoncé’s stylist Marni Senofante chose a Yeezy croptop and leggings set, along with a Hood by Air fur coat. The result is a striking look that exudes bad-ass confidence. Evoking the perfect balance between masculine and feminine, this outfit adheres to the workout clothes meets fashion trend that can be seen on models and celebrities everywhere.
This lace bodysuit, made by Senofante herself, embodies the Victorian influences that dominate the entire film. Drawing inspiration from the antebellum South and vintage New Orleans aesthetics, the fashion throughout Lemonade foreshadows a major trend defined by lace and brocade prints juxtaposed against edgy silhouettes. Once again, Beyoncé establishes her signature look as one that seamlessly blends the feminine with the fierce.
Beyoncé first made her mark on the fashion world with her now-legendary leotard from the “Single Ladies” music video. This Swarovski crystal studded bodysuit by Yousef Al Jasmi is an updated version, complete with dramatic balloon sleeves. Surrounded by a squad of empowered women, including Serena Williams, Bey rocks this look with an “all eyes on me” attitude.
Amidst the show-stopping outfits of Lemonade, the accessories themselves are a testament to the attention to detail that solidifies the film as a visual masterpiece. The above House of Malakai headpiece and collar necklace represents the regal African aesthetics underlying the overt Victorian theme.
The ruffled yellow chiffon of this Roberto Cavalli gown, paired with impossibly high Saint Laurent platforms, perfectly compliments the carefree reggae mood of the song “Hold Up.” With a baseball bat as her accessory of choice, Beyoncé stomps through the streets, smashing cars and questioning, “What’s worse, being jealous or crazy?” The defining look of the album, this gown captures the brashness and individuality that defines Beyoncé’s reign.