There’s no arguing that Beyoncé delivers the most unforgettable looks, especially during her 2016 Formation World Tour, but her epic style moments don’t appear out of nowhere. Meet designer, Brea Stinson, who played a huge part in the Queen’s wardrobe while she was on the road last year.
“Beyoncé has an amazing and collaborative team, and it’s been an honor to work with them,” she told Billboard Style. “While designing for Beyoncé, it’s important to keep in mind that this lady puts on a show. When I pull a look together for her, I keep her tasteful, yet seductive and edgy image in mind. I also have to think big and iconic because she doesn’t hold anything back when performing, which means her costumes have to match that energy, all while remaining functional and comfortable.”
It’s a lot of moving parts to think about, but the star deserves only the best. “My favorite look I designed for Beyoncé would have to be the gold quilted parka,” Stinson says. “I made that jacket in less than 24 hours and I was on the edge of my seat watching Instagram to see if it made the cut. Then, what do you know? She actually wore it.”
If you think Stinson woke up designing for one of the world’s biggest superstars, think again. “I made clothes as a way to pay for books and pizza,” she explained of her undergrad years at Clark Atlanta University. “One of my classmates liked my designs and introduced me to her boss, a prominent wardrobe stylist in the area, who later hired me as an on-set seamstress. I had no idea that it could become my career.”
Since then, she’s built an A-list clientele, which beyond Beyoncé includes TLC, Rita Ora and more. When she’s not designing, Stinson collaborates with Tampax — which advocates for minority women — and its Always Radiant Collection. “I learned that four out of five African-American women avoid dancing and wearing certain types of clothes during that time of the month in fear of leakage,” she revealed of the brand’s latest survey. “Learning so many women are feeling this level of discomfort was alarming because I’m always encouraging my clients to wear what they want with confidence.”
To prove women can dress how they please at all times, Stinson is currently heading the #RadiantDanceOff competition, in which one lucky HBCU dance team will win custom uniforms designed by her. The one-of-a-kind looks will undoubtedly be glam with Beyoncé-approved star quality that will allow them to shine even when they’re on their period. “I embrace the theme of ‘comfort equals confidence’ within my designs and I hope to showcase that in everything I do,” Stinson says.