Beyoncé and Balmain Partner for Renaissance Couture

When you think of couture, you think of the most luxurious, regal pieces that can be found in the world. You think of the most delicate fabrics and intricate layers and gowns that bear your figure with grace.

And now, thanks to Olivier Rousteing and his friends at Balmain, you can also think of Beyoncé's latest album, Renaissance.

The creative director teamed up with Queen Bey herself to create a special collaborative couture collection inspired by her new music.

The Renaissance collection is a tribute to the artistry and diversity of Black American music. The lookbook is a celebration of the rich history of Black music and culture, and it pays homage to the past while offering a fresh take on it.

The collection comprises sixteen looks, each of which correspond directly to one of the sixteen songs from the album. As the title Renaissance may suggest, the album makes use of modern production techniques while repurposing a plethora of samples drawn from the annals of Black American music, paying tribute to this history while alchemically transforming it into a contemporary dance mix that is at once eclectic and seamless.

At Balmain, the couture collection is always a labour of love.

But this season, the designers took a particularly creative approach. They spent six months developing the collection, looking to historical couture trends and a heritage of high craftsmanship while creating looks that push boundaries. The dress that stands for the song “Energy 02” is painstakingly composed of braided threads that were created with traditional African hair-braiding techniques and united in a silhouette that distinctly echoes Rousteing’s continual vision of feminine power. Other looks, like “Church Girl,” use cutting-edge 3D printing techniques; the team also worked with sculptor Elie Hirsch, who created hammered metal pieces for a few of the looks.

The collection was celebrated with an editorial shot by photographer Louis Banks, and also
highlighted on the brand’s website, where you can find an in-depth reflection from Olivier
Rousteing on the creative process behind each look.

INTRODUCING RENAISSANCE COUTURE by @beyonce x Balmain

The first-ever couture collection created in collaboration with and exclusively for a Balmain muse. Inspired by @beyonce's international sensation RENAISSANCE, featuring 16 iconic designs corresponding to the hit album’s track list.

Balmain Creative Director - Olivier Rousteing

Parkwood Creative Team Photographer - Louie Banks

Lead Stylist - Marni Senofonte Principle Hair Stylist - Neal Farinah Principle Makeup Artist - Rokael Lizama

Hair Stylist - Jawara Wauchope Makeup Artist - Holly Silius Manicurist - Yoko Sakakura Casting - Anita Bitton

TALENT Fashion Labeija Ebony Riley Amber Later Hanne Gaby Odiele Kerolyn Soares Xue Huizi Memphis Murphy Shanelle Nyasiase Dominique Silver Akuol Deng Atem Mamuor Awak Jesus Maria