Renaissance Fashion World Tour: It's Not All About Silver

Exploring the Mesmerizing Color Palette of the RENAISSANCE World Tour Stage Costumes.

Jul 20, 2023

Welcome back to the RENAISSANCE Fashion World Tour series.

What a tour it’s been so far. It has left many people awe-inspired, from its mesmerizing visuals to Beyoncé's vocal prowess, the crowd's infectious energy, and of course, the show-stopping stage costumes. Huge shoutout to all the stylists and designers involved.

As the tour progresses, the stage costumes have only gotten better, and as we venture into the US leg of the journey, anticipation builds for the spectacles that await us.

But before we dive into everything, let's take a moment to explore the overarching themes behind this RENAISSANCE era as a whole.

What does the RENAISSANCE era’s fashion symbolize to you?

As a tribute to the timeless allure of the disco era, this tour has transported audiences worldwide to a wondrous celebration of silver, metallics, and sparkle, perfectly echoing the extravagant fashion of the disco era. Many tour-goers have mirrored this theme in their own outfits, with silver becoming a focal point. However, there is a rich tapestry of styles and colors to explore beyond the glimmering silver.

Amidst the array of costumes, it is crucial to recognize the tour's boundless sartorial artistry. Beyond silver lies a kaleidoscope of colors that have graced numerous stages, infusing each performance with vibrant life.

The disco era was a tapestry of flared pants, shimmering fabrics, crop tops, mini dresses, crystals, sequins, and a captivating palette of vivid hues interwoven with playful and psychedelic patterns, fringes, jumpsuits, and platform shoes.

As we explore the tour's colorful stage costumes, we uncover an artistic vision that transcends the confines of a singular theme. It’s become abundantly clear that "It's Not All About Silver."

So let’s explore the colorful and vibrant stage costumes we saw displayed all the way from London to Toronto and the talented designers and stylists behind them.

This is your fashion-forward front-row RENAISSANCE tour experience!

ROKSANDA Blue Gown

Beyoncé set the stage ablaze during her five-night London residency at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. She opened the first show with an unforgettable performance in which she paid tribute to the legendary Tina Turner, who recently passed, while wearing a bespoke blue gown by the Serbian design label ROKSANDA.

Completing the look, stylists Karen Langley and Tara Greville paired the outfit with chic Amina Muaddi shoes, adding an exquisite touch to the already mesmerizing outfit.

During the disco era, blue hues, especially darker shades, were frequently used in disco fashion to create a sense of allure and sophistication, as this outfit conveys. The color blue represented a harmonious blend of elegance, playfulness, and a touch of calmness, adding to the multifaceted charm and allure of disco fashion and culture.

Alexander McQueen Red Dress

Beyoncé opened the second day of her London residency in a custom-made burgundy Alexander Mcqueen slashed dress embroidered with red bugle beads on a red tulle base, accessorized with gloves and red metallic thigh-high boots.

Complementing the look were stylish gloves and red metallic thigh-high boots which elevated the entire look to new heights of glamour and flair.

The disco era was all about embracing bold and expressive fashion choices. Burgundy provides a striking alternative to more conventional colors and allowed disco-goers to stand out and make a statement with their outfits. This bold color helped individuals showcase their confidence and creativity on the dance floor.

Robert Wun “Black Blossom” Dress

For the finale of the London shows, Beyoncé hit the stage in a custom "Black Blossom" ensemble by the London-based eponymous fashion brand Robert Wun.

Styled by the talented Shiona Turini, Beyoncé's appearance exuded an exquisite blend of innovation and sophistication. Singing hits like “Dangerously in Love”, the Black Blossom creation by Hong-Kong born designer Robert Wun elevated this performance to extraordinary heights.

In the disco era, the color black held several significant meanings and played a crucial role in shaping the fashion and culture of the time. Two qualities it represented were versatility and timelessness. Black was a versatile color that could be easily mixed and matched with various other colors and patterns, allowing disco enthusiasts to create diverse and eye-catching outfits. Its timeless appeal also made it a staple choice, ensuring that black disco attire remained fashionable even beyond the disco era.

Mary Katrantzou Perfume Bottle Dress

“It should cost a billion to look this good.”

Beyoncé performed “PURE/HONEY” wearing a custom design by London-based fashion designer Mary Katrantzou.

Styled by Shiona Turini, Beyoncé graced the stage in a surrealist shiny perfume bottle dress, meticulously engineered to fit her body. The ensemble, inspired by the allure of Guerlain Shalimar perfume bottles, showcased Mary Katrantzou's artistic brilliance in collaboration with Stephen Jones Millinery. Accompanying this look was a bottle-top headpiece. The dress itself was a display of artistry, adorned with intricate metal mesh and sparkling crystal embroidery.

Not only did Beyoncé shine on stage, but her dancers were also dressed in custom outfits by Mary Katrantzou, drawing inspiration from the designer's Spring Summer 2019 collection. The dancers' ensembles infused the performance with a cohesive and visually captivating aesthetic, reflecting Mary Katrantzou's attention to detail.

And of course, the gold, silver, and black color palette served as yet another signature "Bee" look Beyoncé has been captivating audiences with throughout her tour.

Off-White Red

Performing hits like “Formation” and “MY POWER”, Beyoncé, her daughter Blue Ivy, and the ensemble of dancers adorned bespoke Off-White designs, drawing inspiration from the brand’s Fall Winter 2023 collection.

Styled by Shiona Turini once again, and designed by Off-White’s creative director Ib Kamara, Beyoncé showcased a show-stopping encrusted bustier-style bodysuit, magnificently adorned with an astounding 40,000 red hotfix crystals.

During the disco era, the color red epitomized an array of powerful qualities, from passion and energy to confidence and boldness, all of which were showcased on stage. During this era, this fiery hue perfectly complemented the high-energy and electrifying atmosphere of disco clubs and dance floors. Red outfits exuded a sense of excitement, creating an ambiance that encouraged people to dance, celebrate, and express themselves freely.

It is also a very bold and assertive color. Disco fashion was all about making a statement, and wearing red outfits allowed individuals to stand out and showcase their boldness and self-assuredness on the dance floor.

Vivienne Westwood, Pierre Cardin, and More

Beyoncé in Vivienne Westwood (left), Pierre Cardin (middle), and (who’s the designer on the right?)

During the majority of past shows, it’s clear that black was the new silver.

Styled by Karen Langley, Beyoncé wore a custom Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood creation on the opening night of her London shows (as seen in the picture on the left). The look boasted a striking mini corset dress crafted from sleek black latex, accentuated by structured spiral sleeves. Completing the look were Wolford tights, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. This design was meticulously handcrafted in Vivienne Westwood's esteemed London atelier, a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of the brand.

For the grand finale of her London residency, Shiona Turini styled Beyoncé in a custom Pierre Cardin dress, accompanied by Giuseppe Zanotti heels (as seen in the picture in the middle).

Beyoncé performed “Flaws and All” wearing yet another short black latex dress during her Frankfurt show. If anyone knows who the designer was behind this outfit, feel free to comment!

Continuing with the symbolism of black during the disco era, these mesmerizing outfits embodied the color's qualities of sophistication, elegance, and allure to perfection.

Fendi Catsuit

Moving on to the Barcelona show, Beyoncé hit the stage in a custom Fendi leather catsuit and boots, beautifully showcasing Maison's impeccable intarsia craftsmanship. The ensemble was further accentuated by a captivating cape adorned with a ribbon motif drawn from the revival illustrations of the legendary Antonio Lopez for Fendi's Spring Summer 2022 collection.

This exquisite collaboration with the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos epitomized the seamless fusion of fashion and art. As always, the talented stylist Karen Langley ensured that every detail of the look was flawlessly curated.

Alberta Ferretti Leotard & Mini Skirt

In Marseille, Beyoncé wore a custom design by Italian fashion designer Alberta Ferretti. This breathtaking outfit featured a crushed crystal and gold sequin embroidered leotard and a gold-draped mini skirt adorned with a waterfall train that added a touch of dramatic flair. The look was completed with matching boots.

Styled by the talented British Vogue stylist Julia Sarr-Jamois, with assistance from stylists Chrissi Smith and Hadya Tuofiq, Beyoncé's golden ensemble showcased the perfect fusion of creativity and artistry that the disco era was known for.

Juneteenth Spotlight: Ivy Park, Balmain, Ferragamo, Off-White

The Rennaisance tour in Amsterdam was a momentous celebration of Juneteenth, with an inspiring spotlight on Black designers. Showcasing an exclusive lineup of looks designed by Black designers, we saw designs from Balmain, Ferragamo, & Off-White. What made the occasion even more extraordinary was Beyoncé's inclusion of one of her own Ivy Park designs, epitomizing her boundless creativity. Talk about talent.

Beyoncé debuted her latest Ivy Park collection on tour, introducing custom swimwear ensembles for herself and her talented dancers. The designs beautifully reimagined the glamour of Studio 54, the artistry of fashion designer and costumier Bob Mackie, and the vibrant spirit of the disco eras, all infused with the iconic Ivy Park neon signature. Disco took on a beach-ready twist.

Beyoncé looked nothing short of an Ivy Park Barbie and the timing couldn't have been more perfect, coinciding with the release of the much-anticipated Barbie movie this weekend!

Next in the spotlight, Beyoncé stunned in a custom Balmain ensemble designed by Olivier Rousteing. The bespoke look boasted an exquisite black and yellow embroidered bodysuit and was paired with a matching hat. The dancers complemented her presence, donning sleek black bodysuits accentuated by long thigh-high black boots, creating a powerful visual display that aligns perfectly with the performed song "AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM."

The red gown was a custom Ferragamo gown crafted by the brand’s creative director Maximilian Davis. The dress was adorned with intricate hand embroidery of crystals and red beads, elegantly enhanced with a daring high slit at the side. The style maestro, Shiona, masterfully put this look together.

In yet another dazzling display by Off-White, Shiona styled Beyoncé in a red bodysuit also designed by Ib Kamara. This look was similar to the one worn in London but lacked crystal embroidering. The bodysuit was paired with a bold red jacket and fierce thigh-high boots.

The dancers followed suit, clad in a combination of Off-White bodysuits, tank tops, and baggy pants, each accompanied by eye-catching red boots.

Ivy Paradise

Venturing to Hamburg for her Germany show, Beyoncé once again hit the stage with a custom Ivy Park creation, a highlight from her latest collection, Ivy Paradise. The ensemble exuded a perfect blend of style and comfort.

Completing her look, the outfit was accessorized with her signature Ruslan Baginskiy silver hat, a staple that added a touch of glamour and allure.

Carolina Herrera Red Dress

In Hamburg, Beyoncé caught the attention of the audience with an enchanting rendition of a Little Red Riding Hood-inspired look, custom-crafted by Carolina Herrera's creative director, Wes Gordon.

It featured a red stretch crepe mini-dress, perfectly complemented by a silk taffeta hood and elegant gloves. Styled by Julia Sarr-Jamois, Jimmy Choo's iconic Bing pump red heels and Wolford's Satin Touch 20 sheer tights in Barbados Cherry were added as final touches.

Del Core Green Bodysuit & Cape

For the grand finale of the Warsaw show, Beyoncé took center stage in a custom Del Core ensemble. Styled by KJ Moody and Vance Gamble, the design showcased a corseted bodysuit adorned with shimmering metallic sequins. To add an extra touch of drama and artistry, Bey donned an exquisitely embroidered harness and a sculptural cape, creating a captivating visual spectacle. The look was completed with statement boots.

Daily Paper Looks

Let's talk about the Daily Paper looks that were seen on Beyoncé, her dancers, AND the crew members in Warsaw. Yes, we’re shifting focus from the silver looks in this article, BUT the exceptional execution of the Daily Paper designs deserves special recognition.

Beyoncé wore a custom ensemble by the Amsterdam-based brand Daily Paper which showcased a two-piece underwear and top look and was brilliantly accentuated by a floor-length matching jacket. Her style was flawlessly completed with the iconic silver Ruslan Baginskiy hat.

Not only did Beyoncé's outfit impress, but Daily Paper also went above and beyond to exclusively design and create "Crew" tracksuits and jumpsuits for the dedicated crew and dance members. These hardworking individuals play a pivotal role in bringing us the most memorable shows throughout the tour.

The design featured detachable body components adorned in custom silver reflective nylon, drawing inspiration from the brand's Spring Summer 2023 collection. The entire look was masterfully curated by Shiona Turini, ensuring that all who played a part in the RENAISSANCE tour’s production were celebrated.

Richard Quinn Looks

Also in Warsaw, dazzling bespoke Richard Quinn looks were showcased, exquisitely styled by Karen Langley and Tara Greville.

Bey’s black & silver look was complemented by a striking hat from HOOD London, a luxury accessories label founded by Adèle Mildred and Gabrielle Djanogly in 2019. The impeccable boots were a result of the brand’s collaboration with Gina Shoes Couture. The dancers were dressed in black catsuits with an enlarged red polka dot textile, also designed by the brand.

Ivy Army

Lastly, as Beyoncé took the stage in Toronto performing the hit song "Diva," she once again showcased yet another custom Ivy Park design from the new Park Trail collection. The sheer brilliance of Beyoncé wearing her own clothing line while headlining her own tour is nothing short of legendary behavior, setting her apart as a true trailblazer in the world of fashion and music.

Throughout the tour, the performances and stage costumes have been a testament to the remarkable synergy that emerges when the worlds of fashion and music converge in perfect harmony. Beyoncé's boundless creativity and her collaboration with talented designers and stylists have birthed a captivating visual spectacle that transcends mere entertainment, becoming a celebration of artistry and expression.

With each show and every custom creation, Beyoncé has woven an enchanting narrative that speaks to her innate sense of style, creativity, and empowerment. The RENAISSANCE tour only showcases her multifaceted talent but also underscores the profound impact of fashion as a medium for storytelling and self-expression.

This tour stands as a shining example of the limitless possibilities that unfold when creativity and collaboration converge in a harmonious celebration of music and fashion.

What does the RENAISSANCE era fashion mean to you?