Beyoncé Releases Special i-D Zine for 20th Anniversary, Focusing on Cécred

i-D magazine has released a special, limited-edition zine featuring Beyoncé, marking a significant moment in her multifaceted journey. This publication not only celebrates the enduring artistic legacy of the global superstar but also her profound vision and commitment as an entrepreneur behind the haircare brand Cécred, founded in 2024. The zine, which is now available for direct purchase from i-D.co, commemorates the 20th anniversary of Beyoncé's last appearance in the magazine. That memorable occasion, the i-D publication celebrated the 2006 release of her acclaimed album B’DAY, a milestone in her career, as detailed by i-D itself.

This special, collectible edition showcases a series of exclusive images of Beyoncé, displayed with striking poster-scale formatting. In these photographs, the artist proudly presents her Cécred products, the haircare line she personally conceived and developed. The brand was entirely created and funded by Beyoncé, who serves as the sole founder, investor, and Chairwoman, underscoring her control and dedication to the project. Her mother, Ms. Tina Knowles, a key figure and source of inspiration in her life and career, holds the position of Vice Chairwoman, contributing decades of wisdom and experience. The zine also offers an exclusive and revealing interview, conducted by Eni Subair. In it, Beyoncé and Ms. Tina share intimate details about their personal experiences and the valuable insights accumulated from a lifetime dedicated to haircare. This in-depth conversation reveals the passion, knowledge, and family lineage they have poured into this ambitious venture.

Cécred: Beyond a Brand, an Authentic Vision and Family Legacy

During the interview with Eni Subair for i-D, Beyoncé delved deeper into the meaning and mission behind Cécred. She explained that she and her mother invested "decades of experience, tradition, and love" into every stage of the brand's development. For Beyoncé, one of the most rewarding aspects has been observing how Cécred's user community has grown and diversified organically, attracting people of "every ethnicity, texture, generation and gender." This inclusive growth is a powerful testament to the broad reach and proven effectiveness of her products in a diverse market.

Beyoncé also addressed the initial challenges of launching a brand in her position as a public figure and entrepreneur. She acknowledged that, at first, she had to actively work to "condition the world’s perception" of how a brand founded by someone like her is launched and valued. She wanted to separate the brand from her public persona in the sense of merely being an image. In her own words, she wanted to make it very clear: “I’m the founder, visionary, and sole investor—not the face or model for this brand.” Her primary motivation was to build a product line that truly "solved real problems and performed so incredibly" that even those who "can’t stand my music" would still feel compelled to use Cécred. The artist added with a touch of humor and confidence that this would be because "it works!" This statement underlines her unwavering commitment to product quality, efficacy, and authenticity, prioritizing them above her own fame.

A Bridge Between Global Music Icon and Influential Beauty Entrepreneur

Beyoncé's relationship with i-D magazine is long-standing and has always been significant. Her first appearance in the magazine, exactly two decades ago, was a milestone that accompanied the release of one of her most celebrated and successful albums, B’DAY. Now, this new zine not only serves as an emotional reminder of that defining moment in her career but also highlights her impressive evolution and her constant ability to reinvent herself. She has transitioned from a global music icon to an influential entrepreneur in the competitive and demanding beauty and personal care sector.

The publication is, in essence, an eloquent testament to her artistic and entrepreneurial versatility, her ability to innovate constantly, and her proven capacity to remain relevant across diverse industries. In every project she undertakes, Beyoncé consistently imprints a very personal, authentic, and high-quality stamp. For the creation of the stunning images accompanying the interview in the zine, Beyoncé collaborated with a team of talented and renowned professionals. Blair Caldwell was in charge of photography, Mason Poole handled color direction, Neal Farinah, part of the Cécred team, was the hair stylist, Francesca Tolot did the makeup, and Shiona Turini was responsible for wardrobe styling. This collaboration of creative talents has resulted in a collector's piece that will undoubtedly be highly valued by both Beyoncé's unconditional fans and enthusiasts of the beauty, fashion, and photographic art worlds.

Why it matters

The launch of this i-D zine is much more than a simple celebration of Beyoncé's persona; it reflects a growing trend: how public figures are building brands with genuine personal commitment, a clear vision, and a strong sense of ownership. This project demonstrates that a brand's success can extend far beyond simply using a celebrity as an advertising image. It focuses on creating authentic solutions and developing a deep and meaningful connection with a diverse community of consumers. For the public, it represents a unique opportunity to learn firsthand the story, passion, and knowledge behind a beauty brand, told directly by its creators, Beyoncé and her mother.