Meet the artist behind Beyonce’s incredible metal crown
Remember Beyonce’s floral crown from her "Hymn For The Weekend” video? How could you forget? The incredible headpiece was created by Laurel DeWitt, a Brooklyn-based artist and metal worker.
“I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t an artist,” DeWitt says.
“I didn’t have video games or anything when I was growing up. It was like here’s some art supplies or here’s some clay or a scrap of something to make into something so my parents gave me everything I needed to grow.”
A graduate of the Pratt Institute, DeWitt has worked with brands like Kenneth Cole Reaction, Juicy Couture, Macy’s, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Oscar de la Renta Intimate Apparel, collaborating on handbags and accessories. For her solo work, she creates a metal-mesh open weave and transforms that into accessories and clothing, including tops, bibs and even full-length dresses.
Beyonce wearing DeWitt’s crown in her “Hymn for the Weekend” music video.
Beyonce wearing DeWitt’s crown in her “Hymn for the Weekend” music video.
“I’m very inspired by global regalia,” DeWitt says.
“I get a lot of comments now – now that my crowns are being worn by more famous people – about cultural appropriation and stuff but I don’t think about a certain culture when I’m making things. For me it’s more about what else can I do with metal, how can I take this material and make it new and fresh.”
Apart from Beyonce, DeWitt’s designs have been worn by celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Milla Jovovich, Khloe Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj.
Nicki Minaj wearing a top by DeWitt in her “Anaconda” music video.
For Beyonce’s crown, DeWitt created a series of options, texting pictures back and forth with the singer.
“We created a piece and I sent it to her.”
“I had chills, I was crying, it was amazing.”
DeWitt credits hard work to her recent successes.
“I think if you focus on your product being good, everything else will come. I focus so much on evolving and making these one of a kind pieces that if right people see it, then they’ll love it.”
What do you think of DeWitt’s metal designs? Let us know your thought by tweeting to @YahooStyleCA.
