She’s widely considered a generation-defining performer, and as Beyoncé kicked off her first Renaissance World Tour tour last night in Stockholm we were all reminded why.
Her first tour in over seven years (bar a one-off controversial $25million Dubai show in January), the artist pulled out all the stops across her three-hour performance. From a glitter-encrusted horse which she rode over the crowd on to the monstrous 36-song set list, the blockbuster stadium concert truly pushed the boundaries of live entertainment.
In honour of her seventh album’s disco-heavy sound, Beyoncé transported attendees to futuristic dance floors via her daring fashion choices. Opening with a metallic Alexander McQueen catsuit featuring a sci-fi silhouette straight from outer space, the star looked every inch the alien superstar as she began the show.
However the stand-out look was perhaps her shimmering, handsy Loewe bodysuit. Designed by the Spanish brand’s creative director Jonathan Anderson – who was also behind Rihanna’s viral Super Bowl halftime show – the sultrily placed hand motifs first appeared in the label’s Fall-Winter 2022 collection on a sleeveless dress. Reimagined as a club-ready catsuit, Instagram fashion commentator Diet Prada declared that the custom Loewe look “single-handedly ended the Mugler bodysuit era”.
It wasn’t the only Loewe look — Anderson also designed another silver bodysuit coated in Swarovski crystals, stating that his two creations played on "sculptural forms, trompe l’oeil and illusion” and were inspired by the "escapist joy" of Beyoncé’s latest album.
Japanese label Anrealage also had a moment with its white bell-sleeved gown that transformed into a multicoloured, holographic triumph when two mechanical arms exposed it to UV light. So did Balmain, with stylist Julia Sarr-Jamois dressing the artist in a pearl-embellished black bodysuit and impossibly high patent leather boots. As for the most camp look of the night? That goes to Mugler’s custom yellow-and-black striped look complete with metal antennae that paid homage to Queen Bey’s Queen Bee status.
The tour wardrobe also nodded to the who’s who of luxury fashion’s next-gen designers, such as London-based David Koma who provided an iridescent custom dress with a structured jacket inspired by his Spring-Summer 2023 collection. As well as Coperni, who dressed Beyoncé in a silver gleaming bodysuit with a matching, billowing cape for their first collaboration together.
Many are calling the Renaissance World Tour better than fashion week, and with 56 shows to go it’s likely Beyoncé will have a museum-worthy collection of look by the time the tour wraps in September.
