Moda Madison: Beyoncé Formation Guide

BEYONCÉ SLAYIN’ MUSIC & FASHION

A Style Guide to the ‘Formation’ Music Video by Ashley Ng Celebration in Formation by Francisco Velazquez

“I might just be a black Bill Gates in the making, cause I slay.”

-Beyoncé Cover spread form Fashionbombdaily.com Photo from Fashionbombdaily.com

Beyoncé wearing Gucci silk printed shirt and pleated skirt, Photo from Fashionbombdaily.com

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eyoncé is no stranger to standing up for what she believes in, and she proves just that in her newly released ‘Formation’ music video. As a tribute to the singer’s heritage, ‘Formation’ encompasses the soulful character of New Orleans and strikes a chord with many as it portrays two headlining movements: feminism and Black Lives Matter. Not to mention, the fashion in ‘Formation’ is just as impressive as its context. Clearly, Beyoncé knows how to make a statement.

Celebration in Formation

by Francisco Velazquez It’s been two years since Queen Bee instilled the “Digital Drop,” and we’ve wondered what she’s been up to since then. At the height of her power, Beyoncé effortlessly returns to the top of the music and political scene with her new single and music video, “Formation.” Two years ago we saw the 7/11 bonus release give us a new look into Beyoncé’s artsy and experimental musical form that we have grown to love. However, in her move to reclaim her independence as a young, educated black woman, Beyoncé strategically chooses the statements and outfits in “Formation” for their political and cultural weight, and act as reminder to her fans to embrace themselves.

“I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros, I like my negro nose with Jackson 5 nostrils,” she proclaims in the half-rapped/half-sung cadence. The lyrics alone are a radical form of protest, but when partnered with the natural and braided hairstyles that are prominently featured in the video, it becomes a cultural statement. Members of the black community are constantly devalued for their physical features, like their hair and nose, because it reinforces the racist racial hierarchy that places value on whiteness and white features. In proudly proclaiming her love for these features, Beyoncé glorifies the beauty of her community, and refuses to conform to the set agenda that society has constructed. “Formation” is first and foremost a black power anthem. It places at center stage black body acceptance, and ensures the appreciation of the physical features and styles that have been stigmatized in our society today. It brings to light the beauty that the media will not focus on, the idea that beauty thrives in the black community.

“Formation” is radical self-love; it’s global self-love; love for your roots and ancestors. The video opens with Beyoncé crouched over a New Orleans police car, half-submerged in a flood, and then proceeds to close the video with her being engulfed by the the same flood.

This particular scene alludes to Hurricane Katrina, and how at that particular moment, police failed the local people of the community. In order to bring this home, the song opens with the voice of New Orleans native, Messy Mya, who was tragically murdered back in 2010. As a prominent Youtube personality, Messy became a powerful figure and voice for his community. In featuring his voice, Beyoncé not only rebels against the violence that took his life and continues to plague New Orleans in the wake of Katrina, but ensures that his legacy will be lifted up and remembered.

One of the most powerful scenes in the video is a shot of a child dancing in front of a row of police, who then proceed to raise their hands in response to his dance moves. Before the camera cuts into another scene, the graffiti on a wall reads “Stop shooting us.” This is a potent and direct address of the police brutality that disproportionately affects the black community. Many people, including police officers, around the country and particularly in the south, have grown furious at the fact that Beyoncé addresses the white elephant in the room. However, it is important to note that this video is not anti-police, but instead calls for the protection of the black community who suffer greatly at the hands of the few officers who forget their duty to “protect and serve.”

Beyoncé’s “Formation” also recognizes members of the queer community, in the form of Big Freedia, a New Orleans native and bounce rapper. Big Freedia is often recognized as one of the forces behind the popularization of New Orleans bounce music, but she is also an outspoken advocate and member of the LGBT community. The featuring of Big Freedia not only offers another nod to the Louisiana community, but quite literally gives a voice to the LGBT individuals often left out of conversations about race, poverty, and other issues. In a society that often erases LGBT individuals, especially when they are people of color, the voice of Big Freedia demonstrates their stake and claim in their community and defends it as legitimate.

With “Formation,” Beyoncé cements herself as powerful advocate in the brown and black community, both musically and politically. However, she hasn’t always been this way since she’s come into the spotlight, and it brings into question whether she is personally motivated to advocate for her community, or if she’s simply capitalizing on the new wave of activism and protest making its way through the country. There is also the issue of exploitation when it comes to the suffering of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, a story which many believe is not hers to tell. The impact the video has had and its ability to open up a conversation about topics like police brutality and constructions of beauty cannot be ignored, but if it comes at the cost of exploiting the black community and victims of Katrina, at the cost of speaking out over their voices, there might be a bigger discussion to be had.

Beyoncé is celebrating what it means to be black in America. She takes a very bold step with her lyrics and visual presentation to give the black community a way to speak in a country only willing to pay attention when they die by the hands of the police. “Formation” is about being proud to still exist today as a brown or black person, when decades of violence and racism sought to silence their ancestors. This video matters because the black community matters. It isn't about sex appeal or the next #1 single, it’s about supporting and uplifting a community that has been shunned from social, educational, and political spaces for much too long. This is the final stretch, the rallying cry, and it’s time to get in formation.

The Inspiration: Throwing it back to 1800s, Beyoncé juxtaposes a modern vibe with a sweet southern charm in this vintage lace dress. She looks dignified in the high neck, while the bodice leaves an extra daring impression.

Prior to the video’s release, the dress made its debut on the runway as a part of the Zimmermann Spring 2016 collection. Though it’s the last thing we would expect Beyoncé to wear, she totally owns the look, resembling a Louisiana queen.

Photos from Fashionbombdaily.com

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Vintage looks aren’t always easy to replicate. If done right, you can look as polished and graceful as Beyoncé. However, one poor decision can make you look like you shopped in your grandmother’s closet. This white Marc Jacobs dress ($1,800) exudes sophistication through its delicate floral lace pattern, and opting for a fitted cut transports this dress into the 2000s. For accessories, the Chanel quilted brief case ($2,005) and Victorian heels complement the vintage vibe of this look. Adding the Lulu Frost pearl and diamond necklace ($520) maintains a balance that keeps you from looking ancient.

The Inspiration: Now there’s the fierce Beyoncé we’re all familiar with. This burgundy bodysuit has attitude written all over it. It does an exceptional job of showing off Beyoncé’s signature curves, especially with the chunky belt. Even if you eliminated Beyoncé’s fiery moves from this scene, this look would still be hot with its deep v-cut and booty hugging bottom. The exquisite Chanel prefall white necklace worn remind us of the royalty that is Mrs. Carter.

Completing the look with a crown braid and thigh-high black tights makes a compelling statement of recklessness and femininity.

Photo from Fashionbombdaily.com

“My daddy Alabama, Momma Louisiana. You mix that negro with the Creole make a Texas bama” -Beyoncé

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When, where, and why you would ever get the opportunity to wear just a bodysuit beats me. But if you do, this look can do you no wrong. The warm, burgundy palette and deep v-cut of this bodysuit from Glamorous ($31) deliver undeniable confidence. Replacing the fishnet tights with these suede Yonis over-the-knee boots ($43) creates a greater contrast to the burgundy bodysuit.

Finally, wouldn’t we all love to top off our look with an Alexander McQueen belt ($717)?

Photos from Justjared.com

The Inspiration: This is probably one of the most powerful looks from the video.

Beyoncé appears in an all-black dress to pay her respects to lives lost after Hurricane Katrina and due to police shootings across the country. The black hat conceals her face throughout the entire scene, which further affirms her mourning. Angrily flipping the social justice system off, she displays her edgy Fallon and Dylanlex jewelry.

Get This Look:

Looking irreverently fierce in a black, dress has never been easier. While we chose to swap Beyoncé’s long dress for this River Island mini ($58), this dress definitely won’t sell you short. The off-shoulder straps provide more space for layering silver necklaces like this one from H&M ($18)…and there’s no such thing as too much silver, so go crazy with other edgy accessories by Michael Kors, BaubleBar, and Stella & Dot ($29-125).

“Okay ladies, now let’s get in formation, cause I slay.”

-Beyoncé

The Inspiration:

Photo from Fashionbombdaily.com

Bey and her ladies look courageous as ever in their skin-tight suits. At first glance, these clothes may seem a bit simple, but a closer look will reveal the detailed silver pattern and red accents that make these custom Gucci outfits anything but boring.

Once again, Beyoncé’s best accessory in this look is her fierceness. The strength she displays is symbolic of her eternal style.

Get This Look:

Photo from Just Jared

BeyoncÊ’s two piece makes getting in formation look effortless. The tight fitted body suit allows her to move fluently in style. Instead of a body suit, this Top Shop bralette ($20) and grey runner shorts (New Look $10) are a more modern choice with the rising popularity of althleisure. They pair especially great with this Madewell flannel shirt ($45) and Moschino high top quilted sneakers ($560). Adding gold Ray-Ban aviators ($160) and this Lucky Brand chain bracelet ($28) gives this look an extra pop.

The Inspiration: Beyoncé switches it up in this vibrant gown from the Gucci Spring 2016 collection. Straying from her usual blacks and whites, she adopts sheer pastels and ruffles that give her an angelic glow. This look features the familiar purple lip she has worn in previous videos like “No Angel.” Her tiara and chic make us question, what can’t Beyoncé pull off?

Photos from Fashionbombdaily.com & Just jared.com

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Let’s be honest, wearing a see-through dress is simply not practical. Instead, these Chicwish skirts ($40-42) are a trendy, functional alternative, especially when paired with this shimmery purple YSL blouse ($287). Solid, color block accessories can be worn to accompany the mint green and purple palette (StyleMoi necklace $16, One Kings Lane $235). Finish with a classy pair of nude heels (Lipsy $56).

Photo from Photos Fashionbombdaily.com from Fashion Bomb Daily

The Inspiration: This may be no Givenchy dress, but Beyoncé still rocks this number.

Similar to the first white lace look, this dress depicts a more lady-like ambience reflective of the time period.

The details in this Alessandra Rich Spring 2016 masterpiece are absolutely impeccable. Of course, Beyoncé adds some extra flair to the look with a flat brim hat from the Chanel Spring 2016 collection.

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Get This Look:

It’s really easy to go wrong with lace. To make this look more youthful, swap the maxi dress for this shorter, white layered dress by Blugirl ($995). The sheer factor creates a modern look in comparison to the lace sleeves featured in ‘Formation.’ To tone it down, add Gionvito Rossi grey heels ($305) and this grey fedora by Rag & Bone ($295). Finally, use gold jewelry to bring this outfit back to its vintage roots (Lulu Frost earrings $175, Oscar de la Renta necklace $725).

Photo from Fashionbombdaily.com

The Inspiration: In ‘Formation,’ Beyoncé goes out of her way to show that she’s proud of her southern roots and she emphasizes her love for cornbread, collard greens, and hot sauce to prove this. She also takes pride in her black heritage and embraces many of its connotations, including afros, braids, and the memorable reference to “Jackson five nostrils.” In this scene, Beyoncé whips her cornrows, flashing her Fendi fur coat and Rosie Assoulin bodysuit.

Even if you can’t relate to her lyrics, there’s no denying the respect for a singer who can pull off gaudy silver cuffs and still be stylin’.

“Earned all this money but they never take the country out of me.”

-Beyoncé

Get This Look:

Photo from Fashion Bomb Daily

You can dress to kill like Beyoncé in this nude cowl neck body suit by WearAll ($17). Our favorite part of this look is the fur coat. This plush Chloé oversized fur coat ($3,495) makes any outfit dramatically stylish. To make this look edgier, these YSL studded leather ankle boots ($1,170) and etched bracelets by Sole Society ($24) get the job done. Don’t forget to apply luminous pink eye shadow to achieve Beyoncé’s fresh look in the video.

If you’re still not satisfied…

You’re in luck because Beyoncé has released a ‘Formation Collection.’ With prices ranging from $25 to $60, these items are worth every penny. These tops can be paired with black jeans, or even joggers, for a comfier look. Top off the look with the Hot Sauce hat and your favorite neutral sneakers. To dress the tees up, a black leather skirt takes any look from day to night in an instant. No matter how you choose to style these pieces, you’ll be slayin’ in these graphics that feature some of her best lyrics.