The Cowboy Carter tour comes to a detailed on Saturday, July 26, and as we mirror on the previous few months of exhibits, one factor is turning into crystal clear: Blue Ivy Carter was destined for the highlight.

First stepping onto the stage throughout Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour in 2023, Blue’s emergence as a performer was met with all the pieces from awe to critique (despite the fact that she continues to be only a little one). She danced with measured poise and a quiet dedication, incomes her applause not for who she is, however for a way she excelled on the stage — even with immense on-line chatter about her dance ability stage. What began as a shock cameo shortly turned one of the crucial anticipated moments of the present.

And that was no completely different this summer season throughout Cowboy Carter. Now, it looks like Blue Ivy desires to show herself, not simply because the daughter of music royalty, however as a trend muse, magnificence trendsetter, and performer in her personal proper. The place Renaissance was futurism and chrome, Cowboy Carter is denim, mud, and lineage. And Blue Ivy, together with her commanding presence and classy boho knotless braids, has develop into the right visible bridge between custom and the way forward for the Knowles-Carter legacy. (Queue “16 Carriages!)”

Blue Ivy’s presence on stage has develop into one of the crucial talked about elements of this present tour — together with her little sister Rumi taking that second spot proper behind her. Throughout Beyoncé’s Netflix Christmas NFL half-time efficiency, we bought to see Blue Ivy dance throughout the sphere for nearly the complete time, so many followers have been excited to see how her presence throughout this summer season tour expanded. And what we noticed was the direct reflection of non-public development: her actions turned extra fluid, her confidence and silliness shone by, and her eyes held a brand new sense of realizing. Blue Ivy is not simply performing alongside Beyoncé; she’s commanding house. And each time she walks out on stage with blonde braids cascading down her again, wrapped in rhinestone-fringed Western corsets and pants or customized boots, it’s clear: she just isn’t enjoying dress-up. She is a younger trend maven to know.

BACKGRID

BACKGRID

Her braids are necessary. They’re by no means simply hair — they’re storytelling. Through the Cowboy Carter tour, Blue has worn waist-length field braids, performed by hairstylist “Mecca Did Them,” a method that’s not solely good for a summer-long efficiency on stage but in addition a nod to each African heritage and Black Southern magnificence. There’s a quiet reclaiming occurring with each twist and half: these kinds are armor, artwork, and archive. It’s additionally develop into a staple a part of her picture, which is one thing we anticipate to see younger women asking for when getting their back-to-school hairstyles collectively.

Style-wise, her evolution mirrors her development as a performer. Through the Renaissance tour, she usually wore shimmering silvers and metallic bodysuits, echoing the intergalactic glam of the tour. However within the Cowboy Carter period, her wardrobe feels extra grounded, textured, and reflective of a younger Black woman raised on each Houston and heritage. From matching Burberry outfits together with her mom to the customized seems from rising African designers and outsized denim moments, we’re seeing simply how a lot enjoyable Blue is having on stage, and the style is just elevating that.