Interpreting Inspiration With Beyoncé
Interpreting Inspiration With Beyoncé
From editorial to everyday.
That uh-oh girl sure does know how to stop the world with fashion, huh? Just a day before dropping her highly-anticipated Renaissance (part i), Beyoncé posted a whopping 30 photos’ worth of album art of her in never-before-seen but soon-to-be-iconic looks styled by Marni Senofonte. Along with her editorial in British Vogue, where she served another handful of gorgeous and unique ensembles in an all-around delicious and disco-inspired feast for the eyes.
For those of us who can’t afford custom Mugler or Aläia, I wanted to talk about how to interpret even the most highest of fashion to your own wardrobe, using our Queen, the one, the only: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter.
When choosing editorial looks for inspiration, you want to look at the details rather than just the garments. For example:
This look can be broken down into four elements: the green, the tulle of the headdress, the fishnet veil, and the bedazzled cigarette. What I see is asymmetry, sculptural texture, and a touch of glitz, which is what I brought to the look on the right. I put all the drama of the headdress into the skirt, but kept the top simple, choosing to bring a bit of fishnet to the shoes. I added some jewelry that I think Bey would approve of, and I recommend a red lip just like hers.
Oh, believe me, if I could wear nothing but heavy metal Mugler corsets everyday, I would. But, it’s simply not practical. This deep plunge corset isn’t too practical, either, but it nearly mimic’s the neckline on Bey’s bodice, just in a more regular-person-friendly way. I opted for a drapey, and, again asymmetrical skirt and, if you notice the silver arm jewelry Bey has layered over her long sleeves, you’ll understand the massive stack of bracelets. I would add even more for an extreme edge that matches those amazing ankle boots.
Very few people can dream of pulling off a full length chartreuse lace gown with fur trim like this, so, again, I grabbed the most basic elements and remixed them a bit. Head-to-toe-lace became this lace top with lace skirt, monochromatic green begged a statement coat, and the fur has been turned into feathers, featured on the shoes and the purse.
Occasionally, when interpreting inspiration, you want to veer away from the super obvious. For instance, I don’t think it would be difficult to find a polka dot mesh bodysuit and tights and layer them under a black miniskirt, but that’s a Beyoncé-costume, and we’re going for Beyoncé-inspired. I took the polka dots and, instead, played with the same sort of sheer layers by putting it underneath a sheer top, with some added sheer tiers on the skirt. To keep with the black-on-black, I grabbed this sick matte black bracelet and added a fun shaped bag with a shoe that, again, as sheer/clear detailing. You can add a beret, if you like.
It is possible to make an editorial look casual, you know. Or, as casual as a completely metallic outfit can be. For our final interpretation, I was excited to see pleating and asymmetry on this absolutely gorgeous silver gown. To make it more relaxed (yes, really!), I chose both a T-shirt and pleated skirt with asymmetrical detailing. It seemed fitting to add this Gucci loafer as the look Beyoncé is wearing is Gucci, as well, and, to carry through the pop of gold from the shoe, I picked this bag by one of Bey’s favorite designers, Judith Lieber, and a gold earring that’s sleek with just enough drama.