Beyonce has just about every title under the sun. International star. Actress. Pop icon. Business mogul. But, the one title that isn’t necessarily associated with Bey, The New York Times points out, is fashion icon. The publication argued that, while Beyonce’s accomplishments speak volumes on her success, she does not have much success in the fashion department as, say Rihanna, another superstar whose career literally took off after a bad gal style change. “She doesn’t wear things and spark a million trends, like Madonna once did with her jeweled crosses and lace minis, not to mention her bullet bra corsets,” said writer Vanessa Friedman. “She doesn’t cause items to sell out overnight, like wee Prince George” (or, we’d add, like First Lady Michelle Obama).
Friedman mentions Queen Bey’s lackluster stab at fashion with her own House of Dereon clothing line, but also mentions how close in proximity Beyonce’s greatness is to, well, fashion greatness. She’s made several appearances at Met Gala Balls, documenting many of those moments on Instagram and even landing the cover of a special edition Vogue after the Met Gala. Her recent “On The Run” tour features the singer rocking custom-made pieces by Versace, Michael Costello and Givenchy, from the looks of her Instagram, she has her eye on floral trends, color blocking and summer brights. So, why can’t Beyonce dominate fashion as much as she dominates just about anything else?
It’s safe to say that Beyonce is very much aware of the power she possesses in entertainment, business and pop culture. Instead of focusing on an area that she doesn’t really need to occupy to begin with, she might as well stick to what she knows, especially since it’s working for her. Many artists now depend on their fashion to groom their career, a la bad gal Rih Rih, but Beyonce occupies a different space — one that’s only dependent on her talent. When Beyonce first stepped on the scene as a lead vocalist of Destiny’s Child, girl groups of the ’90s were expected to sound, act and look like they were in a group, meaning all-denim coordinated outfits and neon ensembles galore. Givenchy, Versace and Alexander Wang weren’t used back in the day as tools to prove superstardom or influence.
As much as I like artists like Rihanna, Iggy, and heck, even Solange (who Bey has seemingly taken fashion cues from in recent years) my adoration for them is fueled by what they wear. My adoration for Beyonce is further fueled by her talent. And, while there’s nothing wrong with stars using fashion as a platform, I don’t think Beyonce needs to follow the wave — she already proved that by dropping that surprise album last year that she’s a trailblazer in the music industry and isn’t that what she’s here for in the first place?
But what do you think, beauties? Do you think Beyonce is a fashion icon…and does she even really need to be?
Is Beyonce Everything…But A Style Icon? [POLL] was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
