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Entertainment December 16, 2016
Solange Knowles sung a haunting medley with a feminist message on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Solange – joined by two backup singers – performed a hybrid of two hits from her latest album. The movement and vocals of the “Rise”/”Weary” medley was subtle, yet the red theme of her lighting, outfit and backdrop added a bang to the number.
Though her song lyrics scream of female empowerment, the connection between women was cemented by physical attachment. She dressed in a unique red dress with a train far longer than any red carpet look. All three women were linked by the ensemble as they moved seamlessly through the performance.
READ MORE: Solange Knowles Slays With New Album ‘A Seat at the Table’
This fashion choice for her “Tonight Show” debut echoes the visual storytelling of Solange’s “Cranes in the Sky” music video.
In one of the scenes in the video, the Grammy nominated singer appears on a mountain with a line of seven women strung together in a purple ensemble. She discussed this innovative fashion decision in a Vogue interview.
She told Vogue that she focused on how location, color and fashion could enhance the project with artistic director Carlota Guerrero.
While exploring the video’s concept, they wanted something that “showcased solidarity with the other women” and so “came up with this idea for a costume inspired by an Issey Miyake runway show from the ’90s.”
Who created the innovative ensemble? Turns out “good old mama Tina” saved the day. Solange’s mother, Tina Knowles, used her professional skills as a fashion designer to make the dress in two days, pulling all-nighters in the process.
Not only does Tina’s involvement contribute to the narrative of female collaboration, it also links Solange to her past.
“I thought it was so great to complete the chapter of my mother, as she was inspiration for this whole process,” Solange told Vogue.
This fashion decision, as well as others in the video, correlate with her album’s overall intent. She and her husband wanted to contribute to the black empowerment narrative and “represent black sisterhood, strength [and] pride.”
Solange has been nominated for a Grammy this year; her song “Cranes in the Sky” in the running for the Best R&B Performance. Her sister Beyoncé, a leading feminist figure in the entertainment world, is also up for nine nominations this year.
READ MORE: Beyoncé Parties ‘All Night’ At Her ‘Lemonade’-Themed Holiday Bash
