By Tyler Martin
A well-dressed celebrity is incomplete without their trusted stylist.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by Beyoncé’s wardrobe and daring style choices. Her Renaissance tour appeared to be a culmination of all her diverse influences and inspirations, forming a stunning lineup of outfits – from top designers like Balmain, LaQuan Smith, and Jacquemus – that celebrated the theme of the tour: self-expression. While Beyoncé rightfully receives praise for these looks, it’s essential to acknowledge the creative minds behind the magic.
K.J. Moody serves as Beyoncé’s creative manager and stylist, responsible for curating many of the looks showcased during her Renaissance tour. Recently, Moody spoke on campus sharing insights into his career journey, explaining the stories behind his many achievements, and offering invaluable advice for students aspiring to break into the business. Following his powerful talk, I was eager to learn more about the mastermind behind Beyoncé’s captivating style, so when the opportunity to delve deeper into Moody’s world arose, I could not decline.
In my first ever column, I discussed the magic of Beyonce’s Renaissance tour fashion, so to talk with K.J. Moody a few months later was a surreal, full-circle moment. Here are some highlights from his talk and from our conversation after the event:
The Dallas fashion scene:
While Moody is currently based out of Los Angeles, he is originally from Dallas. Moody says Dallas is like a fashion capital of the world. Moody loves the “glamor of Dallas: the fur coats, the earrings, and the Highland Park women.”
On-set style:
Moody says he usually wears black when he’s working with a client. “I try not to be seen. When I wear all-black, I’m a blank canvas so that the creative juices and focus is on the designer and the person I’m dressing, not so much me.”
Fav Look:
The Zigman mesh wings look was Moody’s favorite. “I loved the way the wings flapped.”
When describing his approach to creating the Renaissance looks, he considers the following: “How can we stay on trend but be new at the same time? You can’t reinvent the wheel, so you have to try and be new in your own way. How can we do something different? It’s the materials, it’s the movement, it’s keeping it new and fresh.”
World of styling:
Every day’s a grind, he says, but he appreciates the glamorous moments.
Moody highlighted his recent trip to Milan where he styled the Dolce and Gabbana Men’s Couture Collection. He spent two weeks there and says it was “an incredible experience.”
Calling to styling:
“Definitely the first time I styled Beyonce,” said Moody. Moody recalled a moment on tour where he was looking out into the crowd of 70,000 people. To him, the crowd personified the influence he had on this huge fanbase. “Wow, I’m really a part of history and it’s insane, it really is insane.”
What he loves about styling:
“When you get love from the media, when designers fly you out somewhere and they trust you,” Moody said. He also said he loves attending fashion weeks: “It’s like the Super Bowl for people in fashion.”
One of the main things that inspired me about Moody was his unbelievable hustle. Moody interned for a celebrity stylist, worked at a department store as a stylist, and built his book up in six months to where it looked like he had been styling for years (with tests he did that were all unpaid). Even being Beyoncé’s cousin and having that family connection, it took nine months of him flying all over the country (at his own expense) to get her attention before gaining her trust – and getting the job.
Most importantly though, my biggest takeaway from Moody was his genuine, kind spirit. After the talk, a line formed of students eager to talk to him, including me. Moody took the time to talk to every single person, was so down-to-earth, and radiated such humble energy.
Listening to Moody speak was such an important reminder that kindness and hard work are invaluable qualities. His all-encompassing passion, dedication and talent has earned him his elite status in the industry. Fortunately for us, we all live in a better fashion world because of him.
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Cover artwork by Staff Member Athena Mamatas