On Saturday, Erykah Badu made waves online when she took to the stage at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony wearing a brown, curvaceous knit bodysuit to perform “Annie Don’t Wear No Panties.” The larger-than-life one-piece, dubbed the “Full Figure Form” by Badu and the “booty suit” by its designer on Instagram, featured a set of conical, exaggerated breasts and a rotund behind that seemed to move during her set with a life of its own. “This night is for us!” Badu told the crowd as she later accepted her trophy as the recipient of the event’s Icon Award. “It’s a night to celebrate the womb of the world, the womb of life, the womb-iverse of all things. The smartest creature on planet Earth. The wisest, the most invincible, sexiest, purest, finest. The woman.” She added: “I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be born a woman!” According to bodysuit’s designer Myah Hasbany, a Central Saint Martins fashion student, Badu’s look was almost entirely hand-knit and took nearly a year to make. Hasbany, who is non-binary, told CNN in a phone interview that they primarily used vintage mohair and yarns sourced from eBay to hand-crochet eight different pieces which they stitched together in the final silhouette – along with a pair of boots. They stuffed the curves with padding to give it shape, though Hasbany said they tried to keep it “relatively light” so as not to restrict Badu’s performance. The designer often experiments with form and the exaggerated shapes hand-made knits can take. But on social media, the musician’s outfit choice proved divisive — with some claiming Badu was mocking Brazilian Butt Lifts, a surgery that has exploded in popularity in the last decade. Others suspected there was more history to the bodacious look. Some commenters believed the crocheted silhouette was a homage to Sarah Baartman, whose image has become an emblem for colonial exploitation. Baartman was an African woman who spent years in European “freak shows” as an exhibited attraction for her large buttocks, and after her death, scientists used her remains to promote racist theories surrounding those of African ancestry. “I thought of Sarah Baartman the entire time,” commented singer Tanerélle on Badu’s Instagram post. “I’m so sad that so many (Black people) really don’t know their history,” wrote another user. Others drew comparisons to Venus of Willendorf, a voluptuous female figurine dating back to 28,000–25,000 BCE. Experts have long debated the meaning of the 4-inch sculpture, though it is widely regarded to have been seen as a symbol of attractiveness and fertility. “It’s Venus,” wrote one user on X. “Oh my god, please put art education back into the schools.” Though Badu shared a Venus-related theory on her Instagram Stories, Hasbany says it’s up to the singer to decide whether she wants to disclose the outfit’s meaning. The designer did reveal, however, that there were “a lot of different reference points.” In the end, they’re glad to see people making their own interpretations about what the look could be paying tribute to. “It’s amazing to see discourse around femininity and how people interpret feminine bodies, especially for Black women,” said Hasbany. “We should be talking about both historical context and current context.” The look held personal significance for the designer, too, as it was informed by their perspective and experiences as a non-binary person. “A lot of my work comes from working through my own gender dysphoria and creating bodies and figures outside of myself to kind of work through those feelings.” Hasbany first met Badu when the singer, an alumna of their high school, organized an annual performance there in 2020. Hasbany showed up to dance auditions in one of their early designs, which Badu ended up buying. Now, they plan to feature the “booty suit” in their graduate collection at Central Saint Martins. “It’s been so impactful for me as a young artist to have someone who really has my back,” they said. “I think we really have a kinship, and really similar world views and taste.”
Look of the Week: Was there a hidden message in Erykah Badu’s ‘booty’ bodysuit?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Erykah Badu's Bold Bodysuit Sparks Discussion on Body Image and Historical Context"
CNN
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Erykah Badu made a significant impression at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony by performing in a striking brown knit bodysuit, referred to by the designer as the 'booty suit.' This unique outfit, which Badu called the 'Full Figure Form,' featured exaggerated conical breasts and a curvaceous backside that seemed to have a life of its own during her performance of 'Annie Don’t Wear No Panties.' While accepting the Icon Award, Badu delivered an empowering message celebrating womanhood, stating, 'This night is for us!' and expressing gratitude for being born a woman. The bodysuit, designed by Central Saint Martins student Myah Hasbany, took nearly a year to create and was crafted using vintage mohair and yarns sourced from eBay. Hasbany, who identifies as non-binary, aimed to keep the suit relatively light despite its dramatic shapes to ensure Badu's comfort while performing.
The reception of Badu's outfit was mixed, with some social media users interpreting it as a critique of Brazilian Butt Lifts, a popular cosmetic procedure. Others saw deeper historical connections, particularly to Sarah Baartman, an African woman who was exploited in Europe due to her body. Commenters noted the bodysuit's resemblance to the Venus of Willendorf, a prehistoric figurine symbolizing fertility and femininity. Although Hasbany acknowledged that there were various influences behind the design, they emphasized the importance of personal interpretation and dialogue surrounding femininity, particularly for Black women. Hasbany shared that their work often reflects their experiences as a non-binary individual, and they expressed gratitude for Badu's support in their artistic journey. The bodysuit is expected to be featured in Hasbany's graduate collection, marking a pivotal moment in their career as a designer.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent coverage of Erykah Badu's performance and her striking bodysuit at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony opens up a dialogue about fashion, body image, and cultural representation. The article highlights Badu’s unique choice of attire, sparking various interpretations and discussions online.
Cultural Commentary and Representation
Badu's bodysuit, described as a "booty suit," not only serves as a fashion statement but also ignites conversations about societal views on body shapes, specifically referencing contemporary beauty standards influenced by procedures like Brazilian Butt Lifts. Some interpretations suggest that the outfit could be a critique or satire of these trends, while others connect it to historical figures like Sarah Baartman, symbolizing the exploitation of Black women's bodies. This duality in interpretation indicates that the article aims to encourage a broader discourse about how women's bodies are perceived and represented in society.
Public Reaction and Social Media Dynamics
The divisive reactions on social media indicate that Badu's outfit resonates with various groups, reflecting the ongoing cultural tensions surrounding body image. While some celebrate Badu's boldness and artistic expression, others view the outfit as potentially mocking serious issues related to body modification. This polarization suggests the article’s intention to highlight the complexities of public perception and the impact of celebrity culture on social issues.
Potential Underlying Objectives
The article may be designed not only to inform but also to provoke thought among readers regarding fashion as a form of expression and activism. By discussing the historical and cultural implications of Badu’s bodysuit, the piece subtly encourages readers to consider the narratives behind fashion choices, particularly for women of color. This focus on empowerment and identity aligns with Badu’s own message during the ceremony, celebrating womanhood.
Trustworthiness of the Article
In terms of reliability, the article provides factual details about the event and includes quotes from Badu and her designer, adding credibility to the narrative. However, the subjective interpretations of Badu's outfit could introduce bias, depending on the reader's perspectives. The varying interpretations could also suggest a level of sensationalism aimed at generating engagement.
Influence on Broader Contexts
While the article primarily focuses on a cultural event, its implications could ripple into wider discussions about body politics, feminism, and representation in media. The visibility of such topics can influence public opinion, potentially affecting social movements related to body image and women's rights.
Target Audience Engagement
The coverage seems to appeal to a diverse audience, including those interested in fashion, cultural criticism, and social justice. By addressing complex themes in an accessible format, it engages readers who may not typically consider these issues, thereby broadening the conversation.
Economic and Market Implications
While the immediate economic impact of this article may be limited, discussions around body image and fashion trends can influence consumer behavior, particularly in the fashion industry. Brands that embrace diverse representations may find new opportunities for engagement and sales, especially among younger demographics.
Global Power Dynamics
Though the article does not delve deeply into international relations, the themes it addresses reflect broader societal shifts that resonate globally. The discussions surrounding body image and representation are not confined to a single culture, suggesting a universal relevance in today’s media landscape.
AI Influence in Reporting
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in drafting the article, particularly in structuring the narrative and analyzing social media sentiments. Such tools could have shaped the presentation of Badu's outfit and the surrounding discussions, aiming to enhance reader engagement.
The article encapsulates a moment in pop culture while inviting readers to reflect on deeper societal issues, making it a complex piece of reporting that balances entertainment with critical commentary.