When Beyoncé descended upon Bushwick in a fleet of sleek black cars and silver cowboy attire, Brooklyn stood still. The gentrified Brooklyn neighborhood, home to many a Manhattan transplant, could previously only boast famous frequenters of the White House nepo baby variety — Ella Emhoff was once dubbed “the first daughter of Bushwick” by Vogue in 2021.
But Beyoncé? In Bushwick? Here’s why the superstar singer graced us regular folk (as regular as NYFW attendees can get) with a surprise appearance.
What is Luar?
Luar is an exciting menswear brand by designer Raul Lopez. But who is the Luar designer, you might ask? Raul Lopez has been making waves amongst the fashion crowd for a few years. He was named the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) accessory designer of the year in 2022 and was a finalist for the 2023 LVMH Prize for young designers. British Vogue even likened his shows to those of early Alexander McQueen.
His A/W 2024 collection, titled “Deceptionista,” was credited for bringing back “the metrosexual.” Many have heralded this era as the heyday for “babygirl men.” Think: Jacob Elordi in soft wings in Saltburn. Think Barry Keoghan in his vests. Think: queer men leading the way blurring the lines between gender and gender expression. And Luar can safely take the crown for bringing that energy to New York Fashion Week 2024.
“There are different generations of the metrosexual, and now we are in the era of the stray (aka straight gay),” said Lopez to Vogue Business.
While this collection — full of Elizabethian-inspired attire and his signature Laur accessories like the Laur bag and the Laur sunglasses — was on the radar for an IYKYK crowd of fashion insiders, thanks to Beyoncé, everyone is talking about Laur.
Where was the Luar show?
The Luar show was in a warehouse venue in Bushwick, Brooklyn called 154 Scott. Despite showing on the penultimate night of Fashion Week, the Luar celebrity guest list was the talk of the season.
Beyoncé emerged from her Black SUV to a flurry of disbelief and excitement — showgoers barely believing their eyes. Unlike the giant shows attended by Anna Wintour, Kim Kardashian, and other fashion-adjacent celebrities, Luar is an indie emerging designer. They don’t have the budget to pay for front-row seats. So if Beyoncé makes the trek to deep Brooklyn to see a show, you best believe the designer is about to blow up.
Who attended the Luar 2024 show?
Beyoncé attended the Laur 2024, a feat for any designer, but this is not the only time Luar’s guestlist has caused chaos at Fashion Week. In 2023, Luar had another viral moment: someone leaked their guest list. Suddenly, hundreds of hopefuls crowded their venue, hoping to sneak a peek at the fashion fans inside — or even sneak inside themselves.
This year, with Beyoncé sitting front row, even Luar designer Raul Lopez was surprised at the celebrity attendees. The Knowles family showed out, with Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles also in attendance alongside Solange Knowles. Why did Beyoncé and the Knowles family go to Luar? Because Solange’s son Julez Smith Jr. was making his runway debut in the show. Another nepo baby star is born.
Other stars at the show were model Paloma Elsesser, designer Christopher John Rogers, and more. And if you look at their Instagram, you’ll spot familiar faces like Keke Palmer, Julia Fox, SZA, Ice Spice, and more in Luar pieces.
What did Beyoncé wear to the Luar show?
Beyoncé, of course, wore a Luar Ana bag to the Luar 2024 show. I still love Telfar … but is there a new Bushwick Berkin in the house?
After announcing Renaissance: Act II at Super Bowl 58 on that fateful Sunday, February 11th, Beyoncé dropped two new songs. Beyoncé’s new songs “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold Em,” planted her firmly in her country era. Beyoncé is a Southern girlie, and she’s always used country influence in her work, but this new era is converting many of us to country music stans.
So it makes sense that Beyoncé used her rare Fashion Week public appearance to show off a country look. Easily identifiable in shimmering silver, Queen Bey donned a cowboy hat, mirrored sunglasses, and an iridescent version of the cult-favorite oversized Luar Ana bag.
What’s next for Luar?
After pulling off the show of all shows right in front of Beyoncé, Luar is number one with a bullet. This fashion week moment is the season’s Bella Hadid Coperni dress. You’ll probably soon see Luar on your favorite retail sites like Moda Operandi, Net-a-Porter, Farfetch, SSENSE, and more.
Lopez also announced an upcoming line of (semi) affordable “Luar Basics,” including tees, hoodies, sweatpants, and leggings, which will retail for under $500.
Hopefully, we’ll see more stars in Luar at the 2024 Met Gala.
