Art

A Look Back at Solange's Coolest Drops

From making Black history to (literally) preserving it, take a deep dive into the artist’s most iconic moments.

396

Cultural mogul and GRAMMY Award winner, Solange Knowles is your favorite’s favorite. From her coming-of-age music for Black women (cue her hits “Crush” and “Losing You“) to her simple, yet luxurious style that translates into top-tier home decor, her creative signature is beloved by everyone from fashion to music.

As seen in her 2018 MET Gala look, she always remains true to her roots making references to iconic Black culture — cue the durag that supported her crown. The moment was beloved by fans for another reason, too. Why? Because they selected it for her via Twitter after she posted: “Dead ass about to let y’all pick my MET Gala look cause I can’t handle the anxiety rn… which saint shall I draw energy from and pull up to the function as?” she tweeted at the time.

Solange Knowles music albums when I get home a seat at the table art saint heron New York City ballet

That same playful, yet fly energy is also the foundation of her creative agency, Saint Heron. Founded in 2013, the agency began as a digital hub for conversations and later evolved into a collective.​ ”I needed to find my community,” she told ArtNews at the time of Saint Heron’s expansion, so she created a safe space of her own.

Most recently, rapper on the rise, Doechii gave a nod to Solange’s “When I Get Home” for inspiring her viral choreography for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, sending many down a rabbit hole of her impact.

Notable projects include Saint Heron’s debut album featuring singles by Jhené Aiko, Kendrick Lamar, Sampha, Cassie, and Solange, as well as the Saint Heron Archive preserving Black creative history from greats like The Sun Ra Arkestra, a Community Library and more.

Ultimately, Solange’s impact already spans generations, highlighting the greats of Black culture to emerging talent. Continue reading for our favorite moments from the mogul.

She’s the first Black Woman to compose for the New York City Ballet

Solange Knowles music albums when I get home a seat at the table art saint heron New York City ballet

Not just the first Black woman — but only the second woman of color — to compose a score for the New York City Ballet, Solange merged the worlds of dance and fashion by tapping designers Raf Simons, Giles Deacon and Alejandro Gómez Palomo to craft performer’s costumes.

“Don’t Touch My Hair”

Remember when Simone Biles’ had to defend her hair as she literally represented her country? The experience is shared among every Black woman, leading to the virality of the Houston-bred singer’s “Don’t Touch My Hair.”

A Seat at the Table

You know those visuals Doechii went viral for? Well, take a look at the “Cranes In the Sky” music video. A Seat at the Table is an album Black culture will reference for generations as it gives a voice to the voiceless by celebrating Black people directly. The album’s visuals are deeply emotive and meditative, not only offering soothing sounds, but soothing our hearts, too. As witnessed through Doechii’s praise for Solange, the album and its subsequent cultural moments will never be forgotten.

When I Get Home 

An album and short film, When I Get Home is a cultural relic for Black culture. Featuring hit songs “Down With The Clique” and “Binz,” the project furthered her empowering message and genre-defying sound.

At the 58th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, Knowles closed the event with a performance art piece. Here, she remained true to her “saint” roots and explored themes of protection, transformation and spiritual expedition, through choreography, dance and sound. Those seeking a deeper dive into the mind of Knowles can enjoy her book, In Past Pupils and Smiles.

While you’re here, take a look at the best — and worst — advice these female creatives have received. Elsewhere, Bad Bunny fronts Calvin Klein’s Spring 2025 campaign.

Read Full Article
Text By
Share this article

What to Read Next

Kosas Adds Two Products to Its Cult-Favorite "Cloud Set" Collection
Beauty

Kosas Adds Two Products to Its Cult-Favorite "Cloud Set" Collection

The brand’s new mist and loose powder are “makeup setting for skincare freaks.”

Your Definitive Guide to Luxury Fashion's Game of Creative Director Musical Chairs
Fashion

Your Definitive Guide to Luxury Fashion's Game of Creative Director Musical Chairs

From Balenciaga to Blazy, here’s everything you need to know.

Nadia Lee Cohen Captures Rachel Sennott for Balenciaga Summer 2025
Fashion

Nadia Lee Cohen Captures Rachel Sennott for Balenciaga Summer 2025

Recreating “Old Hollywood” screen tests.

How To Do Amsterdam in Style
Culture

How To Do Amsterdam in Style

From cozy hotels to must-visit vintage, here’s the Local Hype.

With Jéan's New Lounge Collection Is "Essentially Needed"
Fashion

With Jéan's New Lounge Collection Is "Essentially Needed"

The new drop features cropped sweats, basketball-inspired shorts and more.

Prada Promotes Ocean Literacy With National Geographic
Fashion

Prada Promotes Ocean Literacy With National Geographic

Exploring the origins of its Re-Nylon collection through four documentary films, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Sadie Sink.

Bad Bunny Fronts Calvin Klein's Spring Campaign
Fashion

Bad Bunny Fronts Calvin Klein's Spring Campaign

This is not a drill.

Aries Personality Traits: Everything You Need To Know About the Zodiac Sign
Culture

Aries Personality Traits: Everything You Need To Know About the Zodiac Sign

An astrologer breaks down their biggest strengths, challenges and compatibility with other signs.

ASICS and Nanushka's New Sneaker Is an Ode To Mindful Movement
Footwear

ASICS and Nanushka's New Sneaker Is an Ode To Mindful Movement

Marking their first-ever collaboration.

PUMA and SAYSKY's Debut Collaboration Embraces the Highs and Lows of Running
Sports

PUMA and SAYSKY's Debut Collaboration Embraces the Highs and Lows of Running

The collection includes a nod to the Japanese painting, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” symbolizing the power of pushing past personal limits.

More ▾
 

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.