Photo Credit: @weareivypark Instagram
When many imagine the rodeo, they may think of images of the “Old West” stereotype made popular in 1950s movies; but that’s due to change now that Beyonce has put her own brand on what cowboy/cowgirl life can really look like.
The songstress has taken up the saddle to bring a fresh look to the rodeo pen with her latest IVY PARK x Adidas collection — which she’s premiered in a video featuring her and other ultra-talented individuals modelling the looks from her latest line.
As the video branches its look and message far beyond any stale vision of cowboy life, it highlights the too often forgotten narrative of black cowboys and cowgirls (it is estimated by historians that 1 in 4 cowboys were black) and allows us to rethink what is activewear — and what it could look like.
There are still stretchy gym-ready looks in head-to-toe monochrome (playfully worn with matching cowboy hats on coordinating carousel horses), but there are also denim jackets and jeans embellished with signature Adidas stripes, alongside looks that take fringed trims off of kitschy cowboy gear, and put it on face masks. The looks as ask (and discover) where urban meets rodeo; and if it is possible to find new ways to light up the stables.
Beyonce collaborated with a layered variety of artists, activists, and sportspeople to convey style in the mini-film — from the breakout star musicians Snoh Aalegra and Monaleo, to skilled roper Emily Diana Alba and many more.
Two of the central figures in the video was celebrated black cowboy and actor, Glynn Turman (an Emmy-Award winner, known for his work on A Different World, and The Wire), and his cowgirl granddaughter, MelJulie Siegel.
“Around 12 years old, I became more interested in learning how to become a real cowgirl among the heavily male-dominated sport,” MelJulie says, adding that “Passing on the legacy of the American Black Cowboy is very important to me….I am blessed to represent a secret part of American history by being a modern-day Black cowgirl.”
Highly skilled roper Emily Diana Alba is also featured in the video.
“For me, learning to rope was like learning to ride a bike. You learned how to do it, used the skill to survive, and more importantly had fun with it.” But her interests go beyond the rope. “I love to ride horses and currently participate in an all-female riding team called the “Escarmuza Charra”, a drill team on horses that rides at full speed inside the arena, and is part of the larger Mexican rodeo event called “La Charrería,” she adds. “My love and passion for this sport is undeniable, as I am able to merge two cultures and represent them both with much pride.”
Joining these cowboys and cowgirls were celebrated musical artists. Monaleo, a 20-year-old rapper (and fellow Texan to Beyonce) is known for her recent songs “Beating Down Yo Block” and “Girls Outside” was also featured in the video, with IVY PARK noting her “versatility as a rapper, singer, and songwriter,” and her being “a role model and feminist hero”.
Joining her was the Texan musician powerhouse family of Tobe, Fat and Nell whom IVY PARK describes as an “enigma”, a “renaissance woman”, and as a “pioneer of music production”, respectively.
The short film also features the chart-topping and award-winning Iranian-Swedish singer/songwriter Snoh Aalegra, with the brand describing the “LOST YOU” singer as “one of the most exciting and critically acclaimed voices in music today”.
And looking towards the modelling world, the film also features British/American/Swiss plus-size model and body acceptance activist Paloma Elsesser modelling several looks from the fully-inclusive collection.
All of the styles— and personas — showcased by IVY PARK x Adidas may be the latest looks of the iconic line — but their spirit and energy are as timeless as that of the American western look that it honours.
The IVY PARK Rodeo collection will become available on 19th August at noon CEST.
Words by Victoria Arrington
