In 2024, you’d suppose we’d have moved previous the necessity to pit two highly effective girls towards one another, however one way or the other, right here we’re. Final Friday, Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé made an look at a Houston rally for Vice President Kamala Harris. Standing facet by facet, every introduced her personal aptitude to the occasion: Rowland in a pointy Concern of God swimsuit and Beyoncé in a classy, blazer-inspired costume.
As an alternative of celebrating the unity and energy these two icons confirmed in supporting a trigger they care about, some X (previously Twitter) customers determined that the true story was about their style selections. And as common, they couldn’t resist reigniting the drained trope of competitors between Rowland and Beyoncé. This time, nevertheless, there’s an added twist. Some argued that Rowland’s determination to put on a swimsuit—standing subsequent to Beyoncé in a costume—was an instance of colorism, suggesting that Rowland, as a dark-skinned lady, her mild had been “dimmed” by sporting a extra masculine silhouette.
However let’s be actual; this narrative has spiraled into absurdity. Sure, colorism is actual. We see its impacts day by day throughout a number of aspects of life, from illustration in media to alternatives within the office. However to say that Rowland selecting a swimsuit to put on to a rally—one thing she’s achieved numerous occasions at high-fashion occasions like Louis Vuitton exhibits and crimson carpets—is a case of colorism is a attain of epic proportions. When Rowland opts for fits on these events, nobody bats an eye fixed. Does she seem “too masculine” then? Why do these critics immediately select to wield the colorism argument now, conveniently ignoring Rowland’s lengthy historical past of difficult style norms? Maybe the true concern right here isn’t colorism however quite society’s relentless need to pit girls of coloration towards each other.
Let’s as a substitute take a second to acknowledge the facility of two girls standing facet by facet, selecting completely different expressions of energy and femininity. Rowland’s swimsuit wasn’t a dimming of her mild; it was an illustration of her confidence, her style and her individuality. When she rocks a swimsuit, it’s her embracing her distinctive model, exhibiting the world that girls don’t have to adapt to at least one mould. We needs to be celebrating their shared second of assist for a trigger that issues, not dissecting their wardrobe selections as a type of coded criticism.
Rowland’s style has been on level since her Future’s Little one days, whether or not she’s rocking customized creations by Mama Tina, turning heads in street-style seems to be or lighting up the crimson carpet with easy glam. And let’s be clear, that swimsuit? It’s Met Gala 2025 worthy—she ought to completely preserve it in rotation. As for these critiquing her matches, right here’s the reality: model isn’t about squeezing right into a “tighter” silhouette to appease the lots. Those who perceive true style get it; those who don’t will proceed their critiques from behind screens, doubtless sporting their very own uninspired outfits.
Rowland is aware of precisely what she’s doing, and he or she’s excelling on her personal phrases, as beautiful and unbothered as ever. Rowland’s have a look at the rally gave off severe Dwelling Single Maxine Shaw power. Very like Ericka Alexander’s iconic character, who at all times entered the room with plain confidence and a pointy swimsuit to match, Rowland’s outfit channeled that very same unapologetic energy.
And to the Beyoncé critics—your motives are crystal clear. You’re free to dislike her if you happen to select, however utilizing Rowland to gas your narratives? That’s a drained transfer. Time to increase your perspective, sis.
