InstagramBeing that this is Beyoncé, you know the singer was going to have lots of girl power on her new album.
And who did she invite along to promote that sentiment in the "‘Yonce" video? Chanel Iman, Joan Smalls and Jourdan Dunn—only three of the biggest supermodels in the world. And yes, it's worth noting that they are all women of color, something the video's director Ricky Saiz said was important to Jay Z's wife:
"I think, Beyoncé wanted to push that angle — that was her request and concept initially. I think any time you can promote a sense of community and unity and that is natural, you should," he told The Cut. "All the girls are friends and it was so friendly and there was no ego on set. Everyone was so happy to be there. The girls were incredible. What a great cast. It was spontaneous and not at all contrived."
The girls' excitement continued long after the final take. When the surprise album dropped last night Chanel and Jourdan began posting behind-the-scenes pictures on their Instagram accounts. No doubt they've been bursting to share their involvement in the project for months.
In their photos and the 30 second preview, it's quite clear the video—which features the singer in a Tom Ford for YSL bodysuit with pierced nipples—is H-O-T with a side of sexy. Or as Saiz summed it up:
"I wanted to do something sexy and provocative, but not so overt. I feel like the Mileys and the Rihannas have that covered and this was more sophisticated. There are a lot of references to nineties eroticism and Madonna videos."