The artistry of Beyoncé aims at uplifting her community and representing her roots. Her seventh studio album ‘Renaissance’ was no exception! The album led to a culture reset evoking nostalgia and taking us to the ’90s ballrooms. The songstress celebrated the queer community by presenting its diverse culture and sounds. Beyoncé swept major awards at the Grammys creating history. Beyoncé’s loyal fan base, Beyhive, was disappointed with Queen Bey for not releasing any visuals for the album.
The ‘Formation’ singer released a visual titled ‘Summer Renaissance’ in collaboration with Tiffany & Co. and left the fans on tenterhooks for visuals. Nevertheless, when she released the dates for the ‘Renaissance’ tour, the fans were nothing but excited for more. Now, she has donned the hat of a co-designer collaborating with the Parisian fashion house Balmain. The creative director Olivier Rousteing created a ‘Renaissance’ couture collection inspired by the songs in the album. Let’s get to know how the creative partnership was forged.
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The Origin Of Beyoncé X Balmain ‘Renaissance’ Couture Collection
Beyoncé’s latest album ‘Renaissance’ had every ingredient to emerge as a successful one! It was sonically and vocally enhanced with superior production. All of the 16 songs were charting on the Billboard 100 list when it was released in 2022. While she was absorbing all the praise, Olivier Rousteing was preparing for his pre-collection without any idea of creating a collection dedicated to the album.
Beyoncé is on the cover of Vogue France’s April 2023 edition. During the issue interview with Olivier Rousteing, he talked about the origin of the idea for the creative partnership. He narrated, “I think that the album is incredible. As soon as it came out, I would play it on repeat. At that time, I was working on my pre-collection. I was sketching while listening to Beyoncé’s songs. In the evening, at home, I just kept on listening! I soon realized that I was building a collection that was purely inspired by her songs.”
When the eureka moment occurred, Olivier got in touch with Beyoncé’s stylist, Marni Senofonte. He continued, “So, I decided to contact Marni, her stylist. This was at two o’clock in the morning in Paris, so in the afternoon in Los Angeles. I told her that I had a couture collection for Beyoncé. “She’s gonna love the idea!”
Olivier said, “Later, I talked Beyoncé through the journey behind this collection made for her, whom I admire so much, and for this album, with its music that blew me away. “Go for it!” she said, and so this incredible experience began.”
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Olivier Discussed The Creative Process Of Working With The Artist
This is not the first time that Olivier Rousteing collaborated with Beyoncé. The fashion house, along with Olivier, has collaborated with her on tours like ‘On the Run II’ and ‘Beychella.’ But, the two fashion tour de force collaborated as designers for the first time. During the Vogue interview, the creative powerhouse of Balmain talked about the process of working with the global icon.
Olivier Rousteing said, “I really wanted us to create this collection together. She said to me, “before we work together, I want you to express the vision that you have of me, of these songs. Take inspiration from the songs, from my voice.” It’s a beautiful thing, the act of sketching, guided only by rhythm, music, and lyrics… just by ear.”
As per Olivier’s admission, he created 40 designs inspired by the songs on the album. Later, the two chose 20 designs and then condensed them to 16, one for each song. Rousteing continued, “From November [2022] onwards, our full process fell into place. We had zoom meetings every three weeks. She would suggest colors, discuss maybe adding wings to an outfit, and pay particular attention to the accessories. She corrected me on lengths, and on volumes.”
He continued, “She added hats and accessories and gave input on the right kind of earrings and shoes. She had so many ideas when it came to embroidery. Which embroidery for which song… And then we finalized it all together, a few weeks ago in Los Angeles.” Finally, the two completed the project. Beyoncé told him that “this is a museum, couture pieces…This will stay forever.” Despite past collaborations, Olivier was scared of the outcome, but the collection was a big success.
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