Beyoncé's Global Citizen Festival 2018 Looks Were Full of Hidden Details

Beyoncé's Global Citizen Festival 2018 Looks Were Full of Hidden Details - Glamour

Posted: 03 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST

When you watch a Beyoncé performance, you know every last detail has been carefully considered: the set list, the lighting, and especially the costumes. Sometimes, you have to look a little closer—maybe even wait to zoom in on the high-res images once they pop up on the Internet—to truly appreciate the thought that goes into them. In the case of the six outfits Beyoncé wore to perform at the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg over the weekend, they definitely warrant a second look.

Styled by Zerina Akers and Jenke Ahmed Tailly, Beyoncé wore a different ensemble to accompany each segment of her set with Jay-Z. The most show-stopping—and symbolic—of them was arguably an embroidered cape-and-bodysuit combo by British designer Mary Katrantzou.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 02: Beyonce performs during the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 at FNB Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100)Kevin Mazur

The top half of the outfit featured Katrantzou's signature graphic patterns, which according to the designer are meant to reflect each country in Africa. The bottom was embroidered with a map of the continent's 54 sovereign states.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 02: Beyonce and Jay-Z perform during the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 at FNB Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100)Kevin Mazur

"We wanted the outfit to represent both Beyoncé's energy and grace on stage, while celebrating the diversity of Africa," Katrantzou told Vogue UK. "We first mapped out the continent on her, creating a floral patchwork that was printed on a sequin base and then hand-embroidered it with Swarovski crystals."