B Ready: Beyoncé Is Poised For Her Next Evolution

And she was so easy. Our one previous time working together had come at the end of 2020, when circumstances dictated that Zoom be our conduit on the shoot days: me in Berlin, B in the Hamptons. As the world opened up again, we ran into one another at a party thrown by a mutual friend, where naturally, after some appropriate small talk, I asked when we might make some more pictures together. Enigmatic as ever, she replied: “I think we could do something for July” and breezed off into the night.

She remained true to her word, though. On a bright morning in early April this year – a few days after her performance at the Oscars (and first nomination) – she arrived fresh from the school run and ready to shoot. White T-shirt, skinny jeans, a Louboutin heel, hair in a ponytail: this was B in relaxed collaborator mode. As is Raf’s way, he began the shoot day by gathering everyone into a circle for a shared moment of prayer. It was a magical mood and soon B was walking around feeling easy and free to be herself. Her husband and kids came to surprise her on set. It was a family day out – albeit a slightly surreal one.

And now, two days on, I find myself truly en famille, sitting at Beyoncé’s dinner table on a Sunday night. I’m a little stunned at how relaxed it all is. Sure, the house is impressively minimalist, with acres of white walls, gleaming glass and beautiful art. As a scrumptious dinner of ribs, cream corn, peas, and mashed potatoes is served, I’m not sure the mood could be any cosier.

I’m so struck by how tranquil our hostess is. At this point, her ironclad devotion to professionalism and privacy is legendary and yet here she is at home with her hair loose, not a stitch of make-up on, wearing a hoodie, just being herself. Her armour is so lowered, her laughter so infectious, her skin so glowy, she honestly looks like a teenager.

Silk corset, sequined leggings, and silk train, Harris Reed. Boots embellished with lace, Harris Reed & Roker. Feather headpiece, Harris Reed & Vivienne Lake. Reimagined platinum and diamond necklace, Tiffany. 

Rafael Pavarotti