Beyonce’s ‘Black is King’: Unpacking the creative styling of Zerina Akers… here’s every outfit and who designed them.

If you haven’t had a chance to see Black is King yet, we’re sure you will have seen or heard about some of the extravagant fashion that was showcased within Beyoncé’s passion project. A celebration of black women and culture, this musical masterpiece presents a 360-degree view that showcases the ancestry, tradition, fashion, lifestyle, music and dance that defines black culture.

“Black Is King” is a labor of love. It is my passion project that I have been filming, researching and editing day and night for the past year. I’ve given it my all and now it’s yours. It was originally filmed as a companion piece to “The Lion King: The Gift” soundtrack and meant to celebrate the breadth and beauty of Black ancestry. I could never have imagined that a year later, all the hard work that went into this production would serve a greater purpose. 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.” – Beyoncé

Black is King presents Beyoncé’s legacy. Featuring her family members, music collaborations, and a plot that loosely depicts the classic story of The Lion King, this powerful film presents a visualisation of ancestry and legacy. That being said, it wouldn’t be a Beyoncé visual album if it didn’t include an incredible selection of designer and custom-made outfits. In fact, we counted a total of 69 outfits which were all styled by Zerina Akers, and that’s not even counting the incredible styling of the hundreds of cast members.

We’ve broken down every outfit worn by Beyoncé in each song and the designers behind them, including some designers from the Middle East…

1/14

Song: Bigger

Beyoncé Outfits: 4

In an opening anthem that establishes the weight and depth of this film, the star outfit of this song was the sunning Wendy Nichol Dress (pictured above). Beyoncé sings “You’re part of something way bigger” while holding a young simba while wearing a custom silk gown inspired by water. This dress makes appearances throughout the movie including the final scene. In fact, Wendy Nicol’s herself, describes this dress as a ‘wave of silk layers’ inspired by the song ‘Nile’.

The striking blue dress above is a Timothy White custom dress. This hooded creation is paired with a Demode arm bracelet and Rokus earrings to emphasise the traditional African inspirations behind this film. Continually, this opening scene alludes to other outfits we might see again during the visual album including a Burberry cow print ensemble, and a red rope dress designed by Déviant La Vie (Pictured Below).

 

2/14

Song: Find Your Way Back

Beyoncé Outfits: 8

Described by stylist, Zerina Akers, as being like the “stars in the night sky”, the opener to the song is the D.Bleu.Dazzled catsuit and skirt. Styled with Area bracelets, a Gladys Tamez Millinery headband, a Laura DeWitt choker and A-Morir sunglasses, this outfit shines in the desert scenery. Along with an array of other dazzling numbers, including another D.Bleu.Dazzled catsuit, skirt and gloves number (pictured below). This glistening outfit is finalised with Area arm ties, necklace and a crystal headpiece, as well as a dazzling pair of A-Morir sunglasses and Alessandra Rich earrings.

 

Next, we saw the stunning Vrettos Vrettakos striped “Crystal Africa dress” made with 450,000 Swarovski crystals. The dress was paired with custom made boots by Tsakiris Mallas. Simply Stunning!

A song that just kept on giving, Lace by Tanaya made it rain with a silver dress that shines like the stars. Paired with Chanel earrings, this outfit was just another amazing addition to depict the starry sky. We’re not done yet! Did you catch the stunning poncho number in this song as well? Pictured below, this crocheted dreamcatcher style poncho was ‘All Area Everything’.

 

Beyoncé is dressed as the north star in Alessandra Rich. With stunning crystal brows by Area, this look is given its final touch by the turban created by Laurel DeWitt. We also saw an additional snapshot of a stunning Gold outfit that appears later in the album. Finally, the eighth wonder of this song was the body paint outfit that the world is talking about! The body makeup by Frances Catolot was awe-inspiring with Laurel DeWitt body jewellery and A-Morir Studio frames and earrings.

 

3/14

Song: Don’t Jealous Me

Beyoncé Outfits: 2

Lord Afrixana and Yemi Alade take the lead in this song which depicts the elephant graveyard from the Lion King. However, Beyoncé features spectacularly in in a sparkling silver dress while holding a large yellow python around her neck –  a symbol of wealth and danger.

“Transformed into art what gold earrings have symbolised in our African-American culture over time… good old ghetto gold” – Zerina Akers.

This amazing scene of Beyoncé spinning in a golden hoop can be found in multiple scenes in this film. Here, you can see an incredible style collaboration between Zerina Akers and Natalia Fedner. This golden headdress is worn with body jewellery by L’enchanteur to finalise an incredible outfit that will be remembered by time.

4/14

Song: Scar

Beyoncé Outfits: 0

As the movie continues with a transitional song, Scar takes the throne in a thrilling montage that represents the stampede from the Lion King. Full of symbolism, Canadian artist, Jessie Reyez takes the spotlight in a spooky performance to set the tone for what comes next…

5/14

Song: Nile 

Outfits: 3

Beyoncé leads ‘Mufasa’s’ funeral procession in an all-white lace and rope dress. A collaboration between Déviant la Vie and Alani Taylor, this stunning dress is finished with lace gloves, a white hat and A-morir Sunglasses.

Next, we see Queen Béy sat on a boat of flowers in a ruffled jacket by Alon Livné. Continually, once again we see the stunning Wendy Nichol Dress from the opening scene, this time with a long silk veil.

6/14 

Song: Mood 4 Eva

Outfits: 13

A depiction of wealth and extravagance, Mood 4 Eva is a representation of luxury. The first of Beyoncé’s 13 outfits in this song includes a Timothy White Custom mood eye mask. Worn in bed with a stunning diamond necklace and pink corset – this outfit sets the ‘mood’ for the rest of this song.

 

Above, you can see Beyoncé in a Zerina Akers custom robe in tweed. This is contrasted with the lace & sequin embellished CUSTOM jumpsuit by Valentino Haute Couture (WOW!). This stunning leopard print with hand-sewn sequins, was an incredible ensemble and the first in a range of big-cat-themed looks. In a cheetah print dress & hat by Kuita & Meri, Beyoncé wore Poppy Lissiman x Puppets and Puppets glasses (pictured below).

 

As the song continues, we see Beyoncé styling a Duckie Confetti money-print shirt. Mood4Eva is a song that represents the fun of wealth and luxury lifestyle. Therefore, Zerina Akers made sure that she styled Beyoncé in only the best that high fashion has to offer, including the below black and white Versacé dress with a Zebra print jacket.

To continue the parade of fashion, we were not surprised to see another couture dress. The blue gown (pictured below) showcases an Alejandro Collection Dress with a Lorraine Schwartz Diamond Necklace, the incredibly extravagant hat by Jo Miller and Marta Jakubowski and Ana Belachan earrings finish this opulent look.

 

Another moment to be illuminated is when Beyoncé wore an Ancient Congolese Mangbetu crown from Twig Gallery. Worn with a vintage Dolce & Gabbana suit, this look was finished with Beyoncé’s green moon-glass and Asante gold pendant. Beyoncé also styled a fuchsia pant suit during this song!

The garden scenes outside of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s mansion include a stunning floral dress by Erdem worn with Poppy Lissiman sunglasses. Featuring Kelly Rowland, Mummy Bey and more, this scene depicts family traditions and luxury lifestyle. Continually, Beyoncé styles a Solace London swimsuit full of sparkle in pink and red in a pool of synchronised swimmers representing the excited of Nala and Simba in an “I just can’t wait to be king” style performance.

 

Finally, a gift that keeps on giving, we also find Beyoncé wearing custom Balmain in a white tweed outfit, followed by a literal chessboard of incredible outfits including Alon Livné’s remarkably detailed dress.

7/14

Song: Ja Ara E

Outfits: 1

As the story continues, Beyoncé’s role in Ja Ara E is sitting in the back of a limo. With knee-high boots and a dazzling back outfit made by Delia Alleyne, Beyoncé’s presence in the scene keeps all eyes on the screen!

 

8/14

Song: Already

Outfits: 8

Body paint makes another appearance in this song as Beyoncé becomes one with Mother Nature. She is painted with aqua coloured body paint and styled La Perla earrings. Shifting between nature and urban settings, Beyoncé’s moon-print Marine Serre catsuit sets the stage for this afro-beats track.

 

Next, we finally see the Burberry cow print corset that was revealed in the opening song. This outfit is completed with a matching mini-skirt designed by Riccardo Tisci. Animal print was worked in many of the looks throughout the song, not only to tie in with the theme of the Lion King but to show the traditions and history of native African designs. The contrasting scenes in this song included Beyoncé in an iridescent jacket by Ayyamram, worn on a motorbike, representing the urban city scape.

Côte-d’ivoire designer, Loza Maléombho, created a custom playsuit in black and white with gold broaches to create iconic scenes that are definitely in the most talked about outfits of Black is King (pictured below). The captivated audience also had another chance to see the stunning golden headdress revealed in earlier songs.

 

Following this, Samantha Garvey’s floral catsuit was paired with a Designer Venny Etienne’s, Levenity trench coat to contrast against the traditional Nigerian-inspired 5:31 Jérôme teal dress with headdress. Intricately designed, all of these outfits were made to impress.

9/14

Song: Water

Outfits: 11

Once again, we see the floating Wendy Nichol silk dress before Molly Goddard’s fushia masterwork is presented. In a song that is representing the tradition and heritage of African women, Beyoncé holds a large water pot on her head in her next outfit, while sporting a Venus Latex Leotard. With thigh-high boots, she is covered by an Alon Livné red ruffled jacket which was also featured in the song Nile.

 

With Cascading blue and pink ruffles, the Mary Katrantzou dress steals the show. Yet, the blue Timothy White tassle dress and large hat also makes a statement! Pictured below in bright yellow, Selam Fessahaye created a dress to complement the scenes of feminine styles that are depicted in this song. Meanwhile, Keama official created a layered one-shoulder dress that also made a dramatic appearance in this song!

 

 

As the song continues, you can see a Mia Vesper original where once more, Beyoncé carries a basket on her head with matching beaded hair braids (pictured below). Speaking of hair, Beyoncé’s hair styles and accessories have been equally incredible throughout!

Next, the incredibly bright pink dresses from For the Stars Fashion House is just stunning. Worn with Lorraine West earrings, Queen Bey carried a basket of flowers representing the beauty of African traditions and maternal femininity.

The final outfit from this song is a Michaela Stark denim halter and pants. Worn with red gloves and Chanel accessories, you can see Beyoncé and her Rapunzel style hair below…

10/14

Song: Brown Skin-Girl

Outfits: 8

An ode to Black Women, Beyoncé’s Daughter, Blue Ivy is featured singing in this song. In matching floral outfits, the Knowles woman shine in Zimmerman floral dresses. Pictured below, Beyoncé wears a stunning yellow Adama Paris dress.

 

Full of showstopping dresses, the Timothy White custom black layered dress is a stunning, iconic dress inspired by Queen Nefertiti herself. Continually, worn with Mona Assemi Earrings, Beyoncé looks radiant in a Black and White Tongoro Studio dress.

 

Monsoori designed these stunning dresses worn by Beyoncé and Naomi Campbell. Pictured alongside Blue Ivy and Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé wears white in an off-shoulder white jumpsuit. Next, an Alessandra Rich lace jumpsuit and a cowrie headpiece by La Falaise Dionn adds another skintight outfit to leave viewers awestruck.

 

11/14

Song: Key to the Kingdom:

Outfits: 0

A song in which the characters of Nala and Simba get married, Tiwa Savage and Mr Eazy bring the Island vibes for a change of pace in the music. Though the fashion is brilliant, Beyoncé does not appear within this song.

12/14

Song: Otherside

Outfits: 2

The story of Moses ties into the sacrificial imagery of this song. In a glorious dusty rose coloured hooded dress, Beyoncé plays the maternal role once more. The second outfit is a Custom made Alon Livné. This white dress is dreamlike with angel’s wings and a head piece to match. A breathtaking outfit that is the symbol of new life as a part of the storyline of the film.

13/14

Song: My Power

Outfits: 6

Female Power is the theme of this song and the outfits were made to match. Beginning with a striking red power suit, Beyoncé and her fellow female artists suit up in Oppo suits. Next, we see Blue Ivy and Beyonce dazzling in matching Mugler rainbow dresses.

 

Timothy White steals the show once more with a custom red glitter dress and stunning red crop-tops and skirts which play a focal role in this song. We also get another look at the red Déviant La Vie rope dresses we saw in the first song – Bigger.

Finally, Ashi Studio produced the Black feathered outfit with Lillian Shalom Rings (pictured below). An outfit that took 70 hours to make, Beirut based, Ashi Studio placed feathers one by one on the bodice. On that note, you can see our previous article to find out how to help fashion designers affected by the Beirut explosion.

14/14

Song: Spirit

Outfits: 13

For the final song, Beyoncé’s legacy is solidified with a yellow Balmain off-shoulder dress that was showcase in Olivier Rousteing’s Spring 2020 collection.

 

Beyoncé also looked radiant in a Black and White dress from Tongoro Studio Bamako suit with matching durag. Her facepiece and earrings for this look are by Cairo. Also pictured above, you can see her georgous Lilac Valentine Haute Couture dress. Where below, Beyoncé danced in the desert in a tassled silky white suit.

 

Continually, Laurel DeWitt created a blue tassel jumpsuit to dazzle the viewers, while Solace London’s chiffon pleated dress brought elegant tones into the wardrobe.

 

Three outfits from the previous songs reappeared in this final song, along with another addition of a Lime dress with wings by Lebanese designer – Norma Kamali. Beyoncé also styled another yellow dress along with a Shahar Avenet pink gown that stood out in the desert scenes (pictured below).

 

The final outfit of Spirit is a custom Alex Navarro Designs and Laurel De Witt ensemble. The intricate detailing of the veil made from shells is astounding. Yet, it is the overall scene of the ancestry tree that is the symbol that defines what this visual album has been about – A circle of life and legacy that is dedicated to her son – Sir Carter. This is a true work of art.

Experience the story, and dive into the beauty and creativity of this movie which now available on Disney+.