Beyoncé's back: Superstar stuns fans in unrecognisable Vogue shoot
Watch: Beyoncé covers British Vogue's July issue
“New music is coming - a thrilling abundance of it,” announces British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful as he discusses Beyoncé’s Renaissance in the July issue of the fashion bible.
Not only has the superstar announced new music for the first time in six years - teasing fans towing the modern musician party line by deleting her Instagram information and profile picture to make room for the announcement – but she has also graced the cover of the magazine’s July issue.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, known of course by her mononym moniker of Beyoncé since her breakout days as one third of Destiny’s Child, announced her first album since the 2016 Lemonade to her 293 million Instagram followers on Thursday.
The multi-hyphenate mother-of-three wrote “act i RENAISSANCE 7.29” in her Instagram bio, and has starred in the July 2022 issue of British Vogue to mark the announcement.
Shot by fashion photographer Rafael Pavarotti, and styled by Edward Enninful, for the July issue of the fashion bible, the superstar stuns in the “fashion fantasia”-inspired spread.
The red-hued cover shot sees the superstar atop a horse in an all-black ensemble with a large headdress featuring offshoots with feather tips.
Another image see’s the singer in a gilded Schiaparelli Haute Couture coat embroidered with sequins, crystal-mesh, vintage jewels and Swarovski rhinestones, with a short, choppy fringe.
Read more: Beyoncé sends fans into frenzy with nearly-naked dress photo
“The creation [for the album] has been a long process, she explains, with the pandemic giving her far longer to spend thinking and re-thinking every decision. Just the way she likes it,” writes Edward Enninful about meeting and styling Beyoncé for the latest issue.
“Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, a writer of excellent and lengthy texts, had taken to messaging me as we brainstormed the direction of her Vogue shoot together. A fashion fantasia spun from the tropes of club life during the last century’s final quarter.
“[on set] it was a magical mood and soon B was walking around feeling easy and free to be herself. Her husband and kids came to surprise her on set. It was a family day out - albeit a slightly surreal one.”
Whilst Beyoncé hasn’t released an independent album since the 2016 hit Lemonade, she was heavily involved in the production of the soundtrack for the 2019 live-action remake of The Lion King.
Either way, fans will be thrilled to hear the highly anticipated new album from her, and a playful cover shoot experimenting with new looks is the perfect way to celebrate.
"A real Queen," wrote one fan under her Instagram post from the fashion shoot. "I honestly need an inhaler. Asap," wrote another.
"BEYONCÉ!!??!!" questioned another fan, whilst other users commented on the superstar's resemblance to her mum, Tina Knowles, in one of the images: "Ms. Tina, is that you??"
See the full feature in the July issue of British Vogue available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday 21st June.
