For her appearance on red carpet for Tidal’s 10/15 fundraiser, Beyoncé wore a custom Guillermo Gattoni black gown. In keeping for her appreciation for a body-revealing show stopper, the gown was semi-transparent and highlighted by embroidered overlay and black stones. Her accessories, including wood and diamond bangles, black diamond rings and earrings, were by Lorraine Schwartz.
Styled by Marni Senofonte, the sketch of the dress revealed the beading was inspired by scarification body art, as practiced for multiple reasons by tribes located throughout Africa. Design notes (below) read, “Gattioni x Beyonce, black transparent black tulle embroidered with black ‘jais’ stones not crystals! The necklace can be removed.”
Photographer Eric Lafforgue has a series of images covering the practice in Africa, including photos of tribes whose scarification style is similar to the one that inspired Beyonce’s dress.
Given the inspiration of the dress, it’s a funny coincidence that during Beyoncé’s performance her swinging braid latched onto an earring and pulled it out, drawing some blood. Perhaps the ancient spirits of Africa were watching and it was their little way to give her a shout out.
