11 hours ago
Cowboy, but make it fashion: Beyonce's tour looks blend country and couture
The singer's Cowboy Carter Tour looks balance between avant-garde and high fashion. Photo: Instagram/Schiaparelli
Beyonce has done it again. Her Cowboy Carter Tour is a feast for the eyes, with costumes that redefine country glam.
From rhinestone-studded Western wear to high-fashion fringe and custom couture, each performance is a visual spectacle. Her wardrobe proves, once again, her unmatched ability to turn the stage into a runway.
The creations are nothing short of elaborate too.
Ralph Lauren, for example, crafted a look handmade in Italy by five specialised artisans.
'The full-length silhouette is embellished with 19,000 tonal Swarovski crystals, embroidered chains and crystalline fringe pieces that took more than 25 hours to complete,' the label revealed on Instagram.
Loewe described its contribution as a 'futuristic, cowboy- infused ensemble'.
A cowboy outfit can be much more than the usual denim. Photo: Instagram/Loewe According to the statement released, Beyonce wore the Jacron Draped Trousers and a shirt inspired by the silhouette of a traditional denim jacket, emblazoned with gold and silver foil.
Read more: Music you can 'see'? Rhythm and beats are now visible through fashion
The look was completed with crystal-adorned opera gloves, slouchy boots entirely covered in crystals, and a trompe l'oeil- printed bodysuit featuring custom flame and star artwork.
Her couture Schiaparelli ensemble had a mesh corset decorated with satin, paired with black velvet bootcut pants and a dramatic black feather stole.
Other notable brands that have dressed Beyonce so far include Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Off-White, Coperni, Mugler, Roberto Cavalli, Diesel, Moschino and Dsquared2.
The Cowboy Carter Tour kicked off on April 28 and runs through July 28, with stops across cities in the US and Europe.
A true fashion icon
That said, Beyonce has always been a fashion icon.
Whatever she wears – on stage or off – quickly becomes a pop culture moment, setting trends and dominating headlines.
She even has her own fashion label, Ivy Park, offering sportswear designed for modern lifestyle.
Her Renaissance World Tour in 2023 was a fashion spectacle in its own right (she wore around 148 different looks), with major luxury labels lining up to dress her in custom creations for each stop.
In 2016, Beyonce was honoured with the 'Fashion Icon Award' by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
Her impact on fashion extended to the screen as well. The 2020 visual album Black Is King – which she co-wrote, produced, directed and starred in – featured more than 60 outfits.
Even a two-minute teaser for her 2022 song I'm That Girl showcased over a dozen ensembles.
Burberry created a head-turning coat with an eagle emblazoned on the back. Photo: Instagram/Beyonce The country western roots are evident, but dressed up with glittering embellishments. Photo: Instagram/Dolce & Gabbana
Read more: Was Bob Mackie misunderstood? The fashion designer has dressed icons like Cher
When designer Diane Von Furstenberg took to the stage to introduce Beyonce for the CFDA award, she said that 'the image of a woman being in charge has never looked more glamorous and more desirable'.
'She is everything all women want to be and after listening to her, no woman should ever feel belittled or insecure again. Talent, heart, strength and courage,' Von Furstenberg noted.
'That is what true style is about and all of that is what Beyonce is the best example of.'
In her acceptance speech, Beyonce reflected on the deeper meaning of fashion in her life.
'It's a tool for finding your own identity, expression and strength. It transcends style and is a time capsule of our greatest milestones,' she said.
