Beyoncé has made an indelible mark on the world of fashion. With each new album the star has embraced a new chapter in her fashion saga — from the glitzy, extra-terrestrial world of Renaissance to the fierce Y2K wearing Sasha Fierce alter ego.
As an expert in sartorial world building, it’s no surprise then that her eighth studio album Cowboy Carter, had a huge impact on trends. Her first foray into country music saw eager fans dusting off our cowboy boots and donning denim to embrace the spirit of the American West. With the album artwork itself a masterclass in cowboy couture, where the powerhouse perfectly fused country chic with her signature glamour.
It’s a far cry from her late 1990s when Destiny's Child burst onto the music scene. Beyoncé, along with fellow members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, quickly became known for their matching ensembles, whether that be chrome mini skirts, fur-trimmed jackets or lacey black dresses. With mother Tina Knowles on hand to help stitch broken zips and customise hemlines.
However as the 2000s dawned, Beyoncé stepped into her solo spotlight and her fashion sense exploded alongside her chart-topping career. She traded in the group's matching ensembles for form-fitting gowns, dripping in glamour and exuding her diva sensibilities. From red carpets to concert stages, Beyoncé became synonymous with elegance and poise, with designers globally scrambling to dress the flourishing pop star.
With each album release and tour, Beyoncé used fashion as a means of storytelling, seamlessly intertwining her personal narrative with her music. In her ground-breaking visual album “Black is King” custom-designed garments, statement accessories, and nods to African heritage adorned her every frame. While last summer’s era-defining Renaissance Tour was a spectacle unlike any other. With Beyoncé at the helm, the near three hour extravaganza was a whiplash of sparkly custom Loewe suits, sci-fi silhouettes by Alexander McQueen and robot bee ensembles inspired by archival Mugler.
Beyoncé has equally wowed on the red carpet and awards show circuit, whether it's custom-made couture by Balmain (with its creative director Olivier Rousteing inviting the star to co-design a collection last year before she embarked on her world tour. Or her famous sheer Givenchy gown adorned with intricate beadwork and feathers for the Met Gala 2015 which practically kicked off the never ending naked dressing trend. Or when, dressed in a radiant gold gown by Peter Dundas for Roberto Cavalli, she showcased her baby bump in an iconic pregnancy announcement at the 2017 Grammy Awards.
As Beyoncé turns 43 in the same year as launching the chart-topping Cowboy Carter and breaking the internet with her new beauty brand Cécred (ever the overachiever), we look back at all the show-stopping ensembles from the star over the years.
Here are Beyoncé’s most memorable looks:
