Last night, Beyoncé dropped Black Is King, the highly anticipated film companion to her album The Lion King: The Gift. And for most of the internet, it’s basically been on repeat ever since. The superstar wrote, directed, and executive produced the film (now streaming on Disney+), which is an adaptation of The Lion King tale we’ve come to know and love. But her take provides a deeper dive into the story’s African heritage, and in true Beyoncé form, the fashion in the film is truly next level.
“With this visual album, I wanted to present elements of Black history and African tradition, with a modern twist and a universal message, and what it truly means to find your self-identity and build a legacy,” she wrote on Instagram ahead of the film’s premiere. “I spent a lot of time exploring and absorbing the lessons of past generations and the rich history of different African customs. While working on this film, there were moments where I’ve felt overwhelmed, like many others on my creative team, but it was important to create a film that instills pride and knowledge.”
Considering the global nature of the project — scenes were shot in the UK, the U.S., and several yet-to-be-named countries in Southern and Western Africa — it’s no surprise that the film features a diverse set of designers from all corners of the globe. In partnership with her longtime stylist and personal wardrobe curator Zerina Akers, Beyoncé curated a fashion tour de force that you can’t help but be completely hypnotized by.
Amid the string of costume changes are some of Queen Bey’s sartorial staples, including several appearances from high-fashion fixtures like Balmain, Burberry, and Valentino. But she also placed special emphasis on highlighting designers from Africa and the diaspora. Below, we recap the stunning style moments from the film.
1Loza Maléombho
With exaggerated shoulders and Bey's signature bodysuit silhouette, this black-and-white number is a true head-turner. Gold hardware and accessories complete the look.
2Tongoro
This black-and-white houndstooth gown boasts a plunging neckline and a cascading train, creating a romantic yet slightly edgy look.
35:31 Jérôme
The designer used a range of materials, including Nigerian lace and silk, to create this hand beaded trench-jumper hybrid.
4Lace by Tanaya
Bey is literally dripped in crystals in this hypnotizing fringe ensemble, accessorized with oversized teardrop earrings.
5Duckie Confetti
File this look under things we need immediately: a 100-dollar print robe complete with Benjamin Franklin's face emblazoned on the front (and there are matching pants, too!).
6Levenity
This Dallas-based designer created a custom velvet floral bodysuit, which was topped off with a bespoke jacket.
7Déviant La Vie
The duo behind this LA-based brand has worked with Beyoncé before — they designed a custom red dress for her "Spirit" music video last year.
8d.bleu.dazzled
Bey looks radiant in this bodysuit and skirt, drenched in glittery crystals that are so mesmerizing, we can't look away. She's also wearing sunglasses by A-Morir.
9Beads Byaree
Jewelry designer Areeayl Goodwin was tapped to create several whimsical pieces for the film, including earrings worn by herself and a choker worn by her daughter Blue Ivy.
10Ashi Studio
This piece took 70 (!!) hours of work to finish, with each feather being expertly placed one by one.
11Mia Vesper
This shimmery gown evokes Impressionist-inspired watercolor vibes. When paired with the matching mask, it's impossible to look away.
12Timothy White
Channeling all the regal goddess vibes in this custom black tulle piece by Timothy White.
13Alejandro Collection
Here she stuns in a sweeping royal blue gown with a train for miles. A larger-than-life black hat by Jo Miller completes the dramatic look.
14Wendy Nichol
This ethereal gown created an ultra dreamy moment on the beach for the film's opening scene. Nichol is a Bey favorite: She previously designed the dress worn in the "Drunk In Love" music video.
15Burberry
This graffiti-inspired 'fit by Burberry — complete with a matching top, pants, and hooded jacket — is truly something that only she could pull off. And for that, we are incredibly grateful.
16Burberry
Burberry is also responsible for this custom cow-print ensemble, which is accessorized with heels by Christian Louboutin.
17Valentino Haute Couture
Here she wears an iridescent leopard-print catsuit by Valentino Haute Couture, stilettos by Christian Louboutin, and blinged-out sunglasses by A-Morir.
18Marine Serre
This mocha bodysuit by the French designer Marine Serre features a mesmerizing head-to-toe crescent moon print.
19Vrettos Vrettakos
This dazzling look by Vrettos Vrettakos includes a custom crystal dress and boots (which used 450,000 Swarovski crystals!), as well as a necklace by Laurel Dewitt.
20Area
On a Beyoncé project, there's no such thing as too many crystals. Here, she wears a multicolored crystal crochet poncho, hairpiece, and earrings by Area.
21Balmain
Oh you know, just a casual quarantine look. We love the plush suiting topped off with gold hardware and bold accessories.
22Mary Katrantzou
Bey stuns in this ultra frilly, off-the-shoulder number from the designer's AW19 collection.
23Erdem
The ultimate garden party ensemble is this floral-print tiered gown by Erdem. Earrings by Anabela Chan add the finishing touch.
24Molly Goddard
This all-pink look features Bey in a chiffon gown from the designer's AW19 collection, in addition to a complementary headwrap and oversized earrings.
25Mugler
Bey is a kaleidoscope of color in this custom jersey dress and matching leggings by the French design house.
