Beyoncé, known for surprising audiences and shifting culture, has collaborated with renowned French designer Olivier Rousteing on a Renaissance-inspired couture collection for Balmain. Although visuals from the singer’s new album have not yet been released, the couture collection has generated great anticipation.
This unique collection, co-created with Rousteing and Beyoncé’s stylist, Marni Senofonte, began when the French designer sketched a series of designs while listening to the album in June 2022. The resulting 17 exclusive looks were crafted over five months, with 16 of them corresponding to songs from the “Renaissance” album, ranging from the confident “I’m That Girl” to the liberating “Summer Renaissance”. The collection celebrates the legacy of queer culture and house music while maintaining Balmain’s signature house codes.
The collection stands out for its wide reach, featuring pieces from a metal bustier by sculptor Elie Hirsch to a silk, rayon, velvet, and patent-leather dress by French artist Laurentine Périlhou. It aptly mirrors the themes of community, camaraderie, and collaboration present in “Renaissance“. Undoubtedly, each look is show-stopping in its own right – suitable for various settings, even in their coveted couture nature. A particular highlight of the collection is the “Summer Renaissance” look, an elaborate short silver