Breaking news: it’s HOT out again! After months of being held up in the house, partially barred from the joys (and terrors) of overt socialization, the people are officially back outside—for better or worse? I’ll leave that up to everyone’s discretion. Aside from which end of the socializing spectrum you find yourself, we can all agree that the music is always in a better place at the turn of the season.
Seeing major releases from the most prominent stars across genres—there’s no denying it’s a #bratsummer—and our favorite artists hitting the festival circuit with renewed vigor, the reshaped musical landscape resulting from a shift into the June solstice never fails to deliver. Taking full advantage of music’s prime season, Coi Leray returns to the mix, ready to captivate the masses once more. Currently locked in on a North American tour with a powerhouse lineup that includes Jhene Aiko, Tink, and Kiana Ledé, Leray is on the move, taking in the sights and serving up some palatial looks across state lines.
This past Monday in New York, the Grammy-nominated artist arrived at the Barclays Center clad in a custom ensemble courtesy of Coach that radiated with her signature flair and unbridled eccentricity. “I love to dress according to how I feel. If I want to feel sexy, then I’ll be sexy. If I want to be swaggy, I’ll be swaggy.” she candidly shares.
Inspired by an archival runway look from the American luxury house, Leray’s two-piece lent itself to the star’s vibrant energy and lively performance style. Boasting a sequence of laced accents on both the top and bottom, the blue-dyed attire gave all of the quintessential panache we’ve come to expect from Big Purr.
Dressed by Matthew Mazur, the style architect details the conception of the bespoke look: “Coi chose the color teal, and Coach reinterpreted the runway look [through its distinct lens]. We really liked the juxtaposition of leather and lace.” As already communicated by the title of her 2022 debut album, Trendsetter, Leray proves the affirmation extends beyond the music and into every facet of her artistry. “It’s the first time Coach has dyed the leather of a [runway look] to a custom colorway for an artist.” Mazur notes. Finished with a curtailed lace train to her back, Leray strutted and stunted while performing hits like “Players” and “Twinnem” for a sold-out sea of devoted fans.
“Tour life has been amazing so far,” she exclaims, “The arenas are so amazing, and I’ve been having a good time connecting with the fans. Each state has something unique to offer, so I’m always trying to take in as much as possible.”
With her transcontinental expedition extending through summer’s end, the chart-topping vocalist reminds everyone exactly who helped spearhead this wave of viral validity while patiently plotting her next move. The 27-year-old rapper notes: “As I get older, I look at life differently. I am focused on the music, but at the same time, I want to explore some of my other ventures and try to understand more about what the Coi Leray brand looks like.”
No stranger to making waves, the seasoned rapstress is thoughtfully plotting out her next big move while rounding out her latest cross-country stadium run. As we ever so patiently await the arrival of Leray’s next enigmatic era, the looks she’s serving up on stage will have to suffice for now—no complaints here though.
