Solange returns to the music scene today—after a four-year hiatus—with the release of the single, and video for, "Losing You," an infectious track which Solange describes as "eclectic with '80s references and African percussion influences." Directed by Melina Matsoukas and shot in Capetown, South Africa, the pleasing at-once-modern-and-retro visuals and relaxed party ambience make the entire project captivating from beginning to end, adequately conveying the song's supremely hip pedigree (it was produced by Dev Hynes and put out by Terrible Records, a lable co-run by a guy from Grizzly Bear) without being cloying about it.
The fashion plays a leading a role in the video and the looks are bound to be influential. Lots of mixed bold patterns—Kenzo, J. Crew, and a late '90s vintage Moschino "brick wall" pantsuit—with looks inspired by the work of Brooklyn artist Mickalene Thomas.
More exciting, though, is the inclusion of Les Sapeurs (Society of Tastemakers and Elegant People), chic men of the Congo whose flamboyant style and handmade suits are based on "French dandies." Solange enlisted Italian photographer Daniele Tamagni—who documented the La SAPE subculture in his book Gentleman of Bacongo—to help her out, telling Pitchfork:
When Melina and I decided to film 'Losing You' in South Africa, we really didn't have a real firm concept in place. It was sort of a grab a camera and let's go moment. I knew I wanted to capture a couple things: the vibe of our friendship and all of the crazy escapades we've gotten ourselves into all over the world, and the abstract and elegant Le Sape Society. We called Daniele to guide us, and some of my friends from New York came down to Cape Town and we all had a very damn good time.
Watch: Solange Knowles Gets Down in Cape Town in Video for New Single "Losing You"[Pitchfork]