Angelique Archive

Last July ’23 I saw Beyoncé live at her Renaissance world tour. This was my first time seeing her perform live so as you can imagine, I was very excited. I must say it was genuinely one of the most inspiring experiences of my life so far. I was supposed to be going on my family’s bi-annual summer cruise trip, but decided to opt out so I could see THE Queen B! It was the best decision I could have ever made. She was coming to New Jersey at the end of July, which is also my birthday month and I had to beg my father to gift me the money for tickets. Luckily my mom gave me a little extra too so I could get decent seats. The tickets were $600. That’s the most I’ve ever spent on concert tickets but I knew for Beyoncé it was only right and it would be money well spent. The renaissance album was a different sound for Beyoncé (Dance & Disco) and it highlighted black and queer ballroom culture. Being someone that grew up watching ‘Rupaul’s drag race’, FX’s ‘Pose’, the newer ballroom reality show ‘Legendary’, and even having a friend that is apart of this scene; I was absolutely in love with this album and could understand its inspiration very well. I’ve always been a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, movement, and culture so this album was a great experience not just musically. The elements of the ballroom scene culture that were incorporated into it made it so much fun to listen and dance to. It also felt like being recognized and seen.

The outfit theme for the tour that most fans were going for was “Alien superstar” or “Chrome Cowboy”. There was a lot of silver and cowboy attire wearing; Which is funny to think about now, because her new album “Cowboy Carter” that just came out was her version of country music. I went to the show with my childhood friend Qamar and one of her friends. We pre gamed at her house by dancing, drinking, and taking pictures.

My pre game outfit was a black mesh button down (from Garage, that I was and am still currently obsessed with), a heart cut out micro mini faux leather skirt (from Shein), black cowboy boots (from Amazon, that I had ordered months before the tour because I could see the western trend beginning to start), and of course my black and chrome rhinestone fringe cowboy hat (from Party City, who’s collection came about after the announcement of her tour).

The outfit I wore for the actual concert was a shiny black mini dress (CouCoo dupe from Shein), my black cowboy boots, the same cowboy hat, and my beloved Vivienne Westwood Saturn pendant necklace.

The visuals from the tour were amazing. Every detail was well thought out. And no matter where you were sitting in the crowd she had big screens so everyone would be able to see her. I loved that she also included dancers on her tour that were actually a part of the ballroom scene. Honey Balenciaga was someone I had been following since the ‘Legendary’ show came out. She’s an amazing voguer. Darius Hickman is a dancer that I had been following for about 2 years on TikTok before the renaissance tour and it was amazing to see him on stage and get his flowers and recognition.

One of the artists you could tell she drew inspiration from for some of the Renaissance tour art visuals was Hajime Sorayama. I had found some of his artwork scrolling on Pinterest one day and it didn’t occur to me that his art was the inspiration until I saw a post on twitter that someone made to explain the connection. I love Hajime’s art and have included some of it in my personal mood boards for my lingerie clothing line development.

Beyoncé’s robot suit is also Mugler Inspired.

After the tour ended Beyoncé released a tour movie that was an AMC exclusive and only had viewings for a limited amount of time. I watched that as well regardless of the fact that I had seen it in person too. Each show she had different beautiful outfits that made the tour even more exciting. I couldn’t wait to see her next look.

Overall I can say the Renaissance tour concert and culture impacted my life positively and in the most inspiring way possible. Hearing about all of the time it took (2+ yrs) and effort to put the show together was eye opening. It took a team and an extensive amount of people to have a production that big. It was beautiful to see it all come together. I’m definitely not new to seeing the amount of people and effort that it takes to put together a Beyonce production because of viewing the ‘Lemonade’ Coachella movie as well; but no matter what, I am always still amazed by Beyoncé’s dedication and work ethic. With that being said I can say that ever since seeing Renaissance in person and on screen I have found a new motivation for pursuing my own creative projects. I understand I don’t have her budget or connections but she also started from humble beginnings. She is a true testament to staying the course, dedication, mastery, and pursuing your dreams. I hope to carry this motivation and drive with me as well throughout the rest of my life with all of my goals and no matter what I decide to pursue next.