With her formidable music empire, Beyoncé definitely does. And as of April this year, she has conquered the fashion world, too. Within hours of its release, her label Ivy Park ‘broke the internet’, and sold out on both Topshop’s and Nordstrom’s online stores respectively. And in real life, Topshop’s flagship store on Oxford Street was also overwhelmed, as fans queued for hours along the major fashion thoroughfare. Between the brand’s on- trend colour palette (think cool toned blues and mint greens with coral accents), svelte lines, and effortlessly cool logo, it’s not hard to see why there was a downright fashion frenzy.
Six months on, Ivy Park is still topping sales, and Beyoncé has just launched the brand’s AW16 collection. Retaining many of its staples, including sports bras and leggings, the new collection offers seasonal updates, and boasts a few standout statement pieces, such a silver puffer jacket.
The line of ‘athleisure’ wear appeals to the current love for all things ‘sports luxe’, and merges Beyoncé’s signature edgy style with comfort and practicality. This makes the pieces perfect for both work and play; when asked by ELLE magazine what she was looking for in active wear, one fan replied,
‘When I’m sourcing my workout wardrobe, I want something that, yes, will help me do my runs and stuff, but also looks really good for the post workout out Instagram selfie situation.’
Another fan even stated she would wear Ivy Park ‘to lunch with friends, or even out at night, if you put heels on.’ This is just what style icons the Quann sisters did — the pair were recently spotted wearing pieces from the AW16 collection to a Formation show in New Jersey. TK wore a Grey Camo Parka, while Cipriana Quann was spotted in the cut-out mid impact sports bra, spotlighting howsports wear can be transformed into fashion statements.
The brand’s ethos incorporates Beyoncé’s feminist message too, as it reminds women that their bodies’ can ‘bend without breaking.’ And Karen Langley, Beyoncé’s stylist, says Ivy Park has a,
‘Democratic notion of fashion, it’s inclusive…[it’s] really about finding that place that women can feel strong and powerful in her sportswear.’
Fans will find this concept reflected throughout the collection, and especially in the signature body suit. The line’s most famous piece combines structure and wearability with style in order to give women’s bodies the support required during a workout, while ensuring they feel confident and look strong. However, Langley’s personal favourite is the circular knitwear range, which comes in a perforated mesh, making it perfect for the Australian summer.
For more on the sports luxe trend, check out FIB’s web-doco on Milan fashion week below.
