Beyonce in Ivy Park
In an interview with Elle, which is out now, Beyoncé finally reveals what she really meant in the unwittingly controversial “Formation” video about the black identity. Beyoncé also talks about how the first Destiny’s Child really empowered her, and why she approached Topshop boss to release her sportswear line Ivy Park which is available from 14 April.
Here’s more from the interview
On “Formation”
“I’m an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood. But anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken. I have so much admiration and respect for officers and the families of officers who sacrifice themselves to keep us safe. But let’s be clear: I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things. If celebrating my roots and culture during Black History Month made anyone uncomfortable, those feelings were there long before a video and long before me. I’m proud of what we created and I’m proud to be part of a conversation that is pushing things forward in a positive way.”
On Destiny’s Child
“I’d say I discovered my power after the first Destiny’s Child album. The label didn’t really believe we were pop stars. They underestimated us, and because of that, they allowed us to write our own songs and write our own video treatments. It ended up being the best thing, because that’s when I became an artist and took control.”
On Childbirth
“Everyone experiences pain, but sometimes you need to be uncomfortable to transform. Pain is not pretty – but I wasn’t able to hold my daughter in my arms until I experienced the pain of childbirth.”
On Feminism
“I don’t want calling myself a feminist to make it feel like that’s my one priority over racism or sexism or anything else. […] If you believe in equal rights, the same way society allows a man to express his darkness, to express his pain, to express his sexuality, to express his opinion — I feel that women have the same rights.”
On Perfectionism and Mental Health
“It’s really about changing the conversation. It’s not about perfection. It’s about purpose. We have to care about our bodies and what we put in them. Women have to take the time to focus on our mental health—take time for self, for the spiritual, without feeling guilty or selfish. The world will see you the way you see yourself, and treat you the way you treat yourself.”