It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for — Beyoncé’s new music is finally here! Queen Bey dropped her highly anticipated seventh studio album Renaissance at midnight on July 29 along with a collection of new album art imagery, featuring the most opulent and surrealist fashions from the industry’s top designers.
In the artistic photo shoot, Beyoncé adorns the likes of avant-garde fashion houses from Schiaparelli to Mugler and Alaïa in futuristic breastplates, a psychedelic Madonna-esque cone bra, and shimmering nipple pasties, courtesy of lead stylist and Renaissance costume designer Marni Senofonte, with the help of Rogelio Burgos, Damien Lloyd, and Vance Gamble.
She also changed up her beauty look, sporting her hair slicked back, in a choppy bob, and in long mermaid waves. And perhaps the best sartorial nod, the Queen Bey also rocked quite the impressive sky-high beehive hairstyle.
The superstar first dropped the dance anthem “Break My Soul,” lauding reinvention and The Great Resignation, on June 20. The album was later leaked before its set release date, prompting fans to urge others to hold off on listening until the official release. Beyoncé shared a message of gratitude to her Beyhive, writing on her website, “So, the album leaked, and you all actually waited until the proper release time so you all can enjoy it together. I’ve never seen anything like it. I can’t thank y’all enough for your love and protection. I appreciate you for calling out anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early. It means the world to me. Thank you for your unwavering support. Thank you for being patient. We are going to take our time and enjoy the music. I will continue to give my all and do my best to bring you joy. I love you deep.”
She continued, “The three-act project was recorded over three years during the pandemic. A time to be still, but also a time I found to be the most creative. Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgement, a place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking, a place to scream, release feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.”
The artist went on to thank her children, twins Rumi, and Sir, 5, and Blue, 10, for “allowing me the space, creativity, and inspiration,” and gave a special shoutout to her husband of 14 years, Jay-Z. “A special thanks to my beautiful husband and muse, who held me down during those late nights in the studio.”
Dedicating the new album to her late Uncle Jonny, who was gay, Beyoncé wrote, “A big thank you to my Uncle Jonny. He was my Godmother and the first person to expose me to a lot of the music and culture that serve as inspiration for this album. Thank you for all the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you.” The star went on to thank the producers involved, her mother and father, and her fans.
Following her 2016 award-winning record Lemonade, the forthcoming album includes “act i” in the title, set to follow up with “act ii” and “act iii.”
With four unique box sets available for pre-order on Beyoncé’s official website, the package comes complete with a T-shirt, CD, a mini poster, and a 28-page photo book. The box sets begin shipping out on July 29 in concert with the album’s release.
Renaissance marks Beyoncé’s first solo album in the last six years, with 16 tracks chock full of joyful and electrifying house music, paying homage to disco and queer club culture.
Always one to opt for a poignant and captivating visual display, the extensive shoot follows Beyoncé’s visual albums championing both established and up-and-coming designers.
2016’s Lemonade came with an epic visual album featuring standout style moments like the mustard ruffled Roberto Cavalli gown Beyoncé wore while smashing out car windows in the “Hold Up” video. The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack for the 2019 live-action Disney adaptation, came with a coordinating visual album Black Is King, where Beyoncé donned the rising designer Marine Serre’s moon print. With her influence, the style went on to be the most popular design of the year.
These images are sure to go down in pop culture history, too.
Nusi Quero Bodypiece
Beyoncé posed for her cover art wearing a futuristic silver 3-D printed Nusi Quero piece.
Alaïa Catsuit
Sporting the same knit strapless catsuit from Maison Alaïa’s Fall/Winter 2022 ready-to-wear collection that she wore on the cover of her single “Break My Soul” album cover, Beyoncé paired the piece with knee-high statement fluffy boots.
Schiaparelli Bustier
Evoking the same icon-status as Madonna in her conical busted Jean Paul Gaultier bustier, Beyoncé rocked a black molded leather cone busted corset from Schiaparelli’s Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2022, designed by Daniel Roseberry.
Mugler Dress
With a sky-high beehive and a drink in her hand, Beyoncé dons a futuristic metallic breastplate, continuing her relationship with the house of Mugler. A custom creation from creative director Casey Cadwallader, the silver metal bustier shined under a black gathered dress with silver forearm cuffs and black Jimmy Choo Anouk pointed-toe pumps.
Alaïa Gown
Beyoncé levitates in a green lace mermaid custom gown from Maison Alaïa, designed by creative director Pieter Mulier.
Sarah Sokol Millinery
Working with Beyoncé’s mother Tina, milliner Sarah Sokol designed the star’s headwear. Wearing Wolford’s Elle Tights and a sheer bodysuit covered by a black skirt, Beyoncé finished off her look with Jimmy Choo’s Max platform sandals.
Gucci Gown
Posing beneath a shimmering disco-ball in a matching shining silver gown and coordinating metallic silver lips, Beyoncé shines bright in a Gucci Love Parade gown by creative director Alessandro Michele, exposing half her chest, worn with Wolford’s Individual 10 Stay Ups tights.
Bethany Cordwell Bodysuit and Gloves
Beyoncé poses in a perfectly psychedelic shot wearing Bethany Cordwell’s black and white swirl bodysuit and earrings with matching leather gloves, sunglasses, and Wolford’s Neon 40 tights. Cordwell took to Instagram to say, “have no words just happy tears!”
Melissa Simon-Hartman Creation
A proper angel, Beyoncé posed in a golden bodysuit with an attached hovering halo, raining down gold shimmering discs by Melissa Simon-Hartman with matching thigh-high Philipp Plein 24k gold boots and a gold statement lip.
Bronx and Banco Bodysuit
Rocking a plunging Bronx and Banco bodysuit with feathered sleeves, Beyoncé exaggerated cowgirl hat came courtesy of milliner Sarah Sokol.
