Joy and Murray texted back and forth about building her look. “I’m glad for the openness. That’s something I’m working on myself—being able to recognize and say confidently what I like and don’t like,” says Joy. When she saw the dark leafy green, draped dress fastened with Ling’s trademark aluminium pins, Joy fell in love instantly. “I think I’m a modest girl, but I understand that accentuating and highlighting curves is what makes a look. I like being able to dress a certain way without showing too much.” The fitting process with Ling and her team was engaging and clarifying, giving Joy a sense of excitement for this major new journey into fashion.
Murray, too, wants to foster a full fashion moment for a fuller-figured young Black woman. The industry, she says, tends to cater to a very specific kind of celebrity who they want to dress. “While I don’t want to make it solely about race, the reality is that some designers still refuse to dress Black women in the industry. They’ll cast Black models in their shows, but that’s where their inclusivity ends.”
“Samara, as a Black woman with a fuller figure, doesn’t fit into their outdated standards—but that shouldn’t mean she’s excluded,” she says. “I firmly believe in fashion’s transformative power and its ability to uplift and empower. I wanted Samara to experience the joy of wearing a beautifully crafted dress that not only fits her well but also makes her feel seen and celebrated.”
“What I love about the look is that it’s simple, but it sends a message,” Joy says. “I think that's what this year’s Grammys is about. I’ve been on the road the last couple of years so I haven’t taken the time to present myself as my best.” For Joy, tour life has meant dresses that fit easily in a suitcase and don’t require too much thought…Or ironing. But Ling’s power for the subtle and striking details and confident simplicity have enraptured Joy, and propelled her onto new fashion terrain. “I’ve never worn anything like this before, so I’m looking forward to surprising people. ‘Oh, she decided to really step out, give some effort, remind people she can do this too,’” she says.
And Joy’s fashion evolution parallels her own personal arc: “When I was starting out performing and touring I had no idea how to dress myself for gigs. I was shy, inward. That came across in my fashion—I thrifted most things. I don’t even like going into fitting rooms when I buy stuff! I find things that are easy and fit and hope for the best.” Now, she can confidently express her evolving aesthetic: “Elegant but still youthful; fun while still being modest and mature.”
Going forward—whether in her forthcoming international tour, a sold out Carnegie Hall show in April, or more red carpet moments–Joy hopes to keep authentically articulating her sense of self through her style. Expect continued collaboration with Murray, and custom looks with assured, forward-thinking designers that share their vision. “I’m going to continue to show up as myself. I won’t let my view of what others do with fashion change me,” says Joy. “I hope to have more fun, more fittings, try new things, and continue to learn about myself through fashion.”
Below, Samara and Amanda invite Vogue into her Grammys glam room.
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