15 years since ‘The Writings On The Wall’ was released, we take a lesson on how to dress from Destiny’s Child. Can you handle this?

Take a trip back to ’91. Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LaToya Luckett and Latavia Robertson aka. Destiny’s Child released their second album ‘The writings on the Wall’, fifteen years to the day. By the time the group released the track three from the album ‘Say My Name’, the bands line up had gone through several do overs. ‘The writings on the Wall’ became their breakout album launching the eventual threesome on the way to global success. Despite the ever evolving line up, thanks to one Mrs Tina Knowles, Destiny’s Child remained consistent with their style, albeit bold. Here we take a look at seven of their most defining fashion moments:

CRIMP THAT HAIR

The girls always had intricate hairstyles, no doubt in thanks to  hairstylist Tina, but the crimped hair style that Beyoncé rocked in the ‘Bills Bills Bills’ video, and then a more extreme version in the ‘Jumpin Jumpin’ video were ones that we could try and home in an attempt to emulate the girls. The result? Questionable.

BRA TOPS

During their early career Destiny’s child really championed the bikini top as a wardrobe staple. In nearly every public appearance at least one of the girls would be rocking those triangles, but we can’t help but wonder of Tina ran out of fabric…

COLOUR IT BOLD

The video for ‘Say My Name’ not only introduced two new members, but also became an iconic moment in colour match history. The outfits (each and every item) and the hair. Never ones to shy away, it was during this time that the boldness of colour really played a part in the girls fashion identity.

A FETISH FOR COWBOY HATS

For reasons that cannot be explained, the girls, and Beyoncé in particular fronted a fetish for cowboy hats. Always wearing them in promo photos, live performances, and most notably in the ‘Bug a Boo’ video (think a red studded number matching her jeans and top). Joined by her bandmates in this video, they sported gold editions for the dance sequence. Thank god she grew out of this phase pretty quickly.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE CO-ORD

Like an R’n’B version of the Von Trapp family, Destiny’s Child really took the co-ordinated look to the extreme, all designed by Tina Knowles, of course. Although not necessarily the most fashion forward outfits, they helped create an image for the band, of a united group (despitethe line-up changes).

LEATHER LUNGES

During the dance sequence of the ‘Say My Name’ video, the girls all wore leather trousers equipped with matching leather orange bra top. It was only fitting of course, that when they collected the VMA in 2000 for best R’n’B video, they all wore black studded leather outfits.

‘BILLS BILLS BILLS’ 

This video for the debut song of the album had it all (save for the cowboy hats). Directed by Darren Grant, who later went on to shoot the ‘Survivor’ music video, and set in a hair salon as a tribute to Tina. Pink leather, royal blue satin sets, bra tops and Beys crimped hair meant that it wasn’t just the song that grabbed people’s attention. Let’s not forget the extras (which included future member Michelle) throwing shade wearing fluffy kitten heels.

Words: Siobhan Frew