The New York Times dissected Beyonce's latest sartorial choices for her album "4," which, as Jessica Michault writes, "features a fold-out cover that looks more like a glossy fashion magazine spread than a record sleeve," displaying the wares of mainly unknown talents from upstart Maxime Simoens to F.I.T. student Leah Rae.
On the front? Miss B. in a vibrant fur stole by under-the-radar, French designer Alexandre Vauthier, whose label is all of two years old. According to his website, Vauthier used to be part of Thierry Mugler's crew, before moving on to serve as an assistant to Jean Paul Gaultier. Vaulthier told the Times, "I dress women who have something to say."
And this isn't a one-off job. Michault notes that Beyonce picked a gold Vauthier mini-dress to headline Glastonbury last month:
Worn with a wide belt and a pair of black hot pants, that outfit helped generate a lot of interest in Mr. Vauthier -- a fact that was apparent at his fall-winter haute couture show this month, where leading fashion critics and buyers braved four flights of stairs and an overheated room to view his latest collection.
However, "4" isn't the first time that Beyonce has combined the medium, message and la mode. The songstress recently sat down with W magazine's "Music Issue" to name the seven looks that shaped her career. Among them, her "Crazy In Love" white tank top and jean shorts ("I wanted to be a female version of James Dean"), her "Deja Vu" bustier meant to reference Brigitte Bardot and Josephine Baker and her "Single Lady" bodysuit, put together by her mom.
Take a look at Vauthier's creations below. And read more about Beyonce's new go-to couturiers at NYTimes.com.
