Beyoncé Goes Banjee Bettie Page
A little slow on the uptake here, but WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME OF THE EXCELLENCE OF THE ‘VIDEO PHONE’ VIDEO??
Beyoncé dropped this joint in November off her I Am…Yours album. The video features a cameo by Lady Gaga and the Midas touch of auteur director Hype Williams.
Gaga intentionally toned it down to let Beyoncé’s styling and choreography sing, and sing she does–in, like, 12 different outfit changes/personas. New York Magazine briefly breaks down each style in a slideshow here.
Amidst the futuristic vinyl bustiers, metallic lipstick and superhero getups, two retro looks stand out to capture the true diva’s requisite coupling of hotness and swagga.
Holy crap. I’m not usually feelin’ the Bettie Page pin-up vibe, but, just…holy crap. That red lipstick, the fringe bangs–Beyonce serves face in this look.
This throwback look is awesome and I’m obsessed with it. Beyoncé’s stylists channeled that 90s TLC/Salt N’ Pepa/oversized Looney Tunes shirt/Cross Colors thing and mixed it up with Chola badass femininity.
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You can cop the sequined alien dress as part of Gerlan Jeans‘ debut collection, Peace and Love, Inc., pictured above, from F/W 09.
Although ironic 90s hip-hop revival is nothing new (check the selection of Taz/alien/skull t-shirts my dude DJ Kingdom has had in his rotation for years, or the snap-back Starter caps favored by the younger urban set) it’s gratifying and exciting to see Beyoncé dipped in it for her ‘Video Phone’ video. Props to whoever styled the shoot, and the hair and makeup genius who laced Beyoncé with such a fierce look.
A TAG TEAM BONUS ROUND:
I call it BANJEE BETTIE PAGE.
Oh maan, found this through your equally great digest of the set design from A Single Man. Chola girls- what’s not to love?:) I heart them big-time. Almost enough to sit through the film ‘Mi Vida Loca’ in its entirety.
Also you’re right, its rare Beyonce nails the ‘fashwan’ look a la Gwen or Gaga. But here is a wonderful example.