The Eras Tour | Speak Now | v6
Speak Now Section, Version 6
Worn On: 8/10/23 // Inglewood, California
the commentary
Besides debut having no section at all (as a debut stan, will I ever let this go? doubtful), I personally find it charming that the album with the shortest section as part of the Eras Tour setlist has the most amount of costume variations. A lot of people have asked me, “Why?”
It’s simple: It’s extra. It’s dramatic. It’s couture. It’s for the fun of it. For the costuming of it!
It’s a moment to deliver on frivolity and flights of ephemeral whimsy. For an album that’s all about clinging to those last vestiges of girlhood, of innocence, of believing in fairytales and happily ever afters … Why wouldn’t you want to hold on to spinning around in a giant ball gown and relive those times when you last believed in the good in the world - right before being dashed at the foot of an ivory tower? These gowns are an embodiment and a fulfillment of those remaining hopes in true love.
But back to this particular dress - the first on the final night of six in Los Angeles and also the final night of the U.S. leg of the Eras Tour (2023 Version). It was our first tip off that there was, indeed, a lot going on at the moment. And that makes sense to me because why not connect and segue her most recently released TV album with the next one set to be released. Creating a throughline for her projects through fashion? Yes - I am here for it. By doing this, it underlines the project while also reminding people of where she’s at in the journey to reclaim her first six albums. Three down, the fourth to come.I’m personally a sucker for a high, halter neckline like this and the crystal embellishments here? Swoon-worthy.
Based on the comet-like embellishments that light up across the gown I had guessed that this designer would be Zuhair Murad, who designed Version 2 of this dress which featured similar details, but no! The intricate beadwork and 3D floral embellishments here are bespoke Nicole + Felicia who now take the lead in creating gowns for this section of the show - having created half of the six (Versions 1, 5, and 6).
the clothes
* Not available for purchase