Beyoncé in Goldmember Costume: Why the Foxxy Cleopatra Look Still Hits in 2026

Let’s be real for a second. If you grew up in the early 2000s, you probably remember the exact moment you saw the posters for Austin Powers in Goldmember. It wasn’t Mike Myers’ dental work or the fart jokes that stopped traffic—it was a 20-year-old Beyoncé Knowles emerging as Foxxy Cleopatra. Seeing Beyoncé in Goldmember costume wasn't just a movie moment; it was a cultural shift.

Honestly, it’s kinda wild to think about now. Before the world-conquering "Queen Bey" of 2026, there was this young woman from Houston trying to figure out if she could actually carry a Hollywood film. She didn't just carry it. She basically took over the entire franchise with a pair of gold platform heels and an afro that took 150 hours to make.

The Mystery Behind the Gold Mesh and Leather

Most people assume the costumes were just thrown together to look "seventies." They weren't. Deena Appel, the mastermind costume designer for the Austin Powers trilogy, actually put an insane amount of thought into Foxxy's wardrobe.

Take the Studio 69 outfit. You know the one—the gold metal mesh bra and matching skirt she wore while performing "Work It Out." That look recently hit the auction block at Propstore, and the details are fascinating. It wasn't just flimsy fabric. We're talking gold-colored metal mesh, a leather belt with a heavy buckle, and rubber platform heels that would probably break an average person's ankles.

Then there’s the "street" look. The yellow leather jacket paired with a suede olive green bra and that newsboy cap? It’s a direct nod to the Blaxploitation icons of the 70s, specifically Pam Grier in Foxy Brown and Tamara Dobson in Cleopatra Jones.

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Why the Hair Was a Whole Project

If you think the hair was just a wig from a party store, you’ve got it wrong. The wigmaker, Erwin Kupitz, revealed that Mike Myers wanted something very specific: a "combination of Tina Turner’s 80s hair mixed into an afro."

It took 150 hours of hand-ventilating to get that volume. Imagine sitting in a chair for days while someone meticulously pins hair into a shape that has to survive a disco dance number and an action sequence. It was a literal labor of love that defined the character’s silhouette.

The Poster Scandal You Probably Forgot

Here is the part where Beyoncé showed the world she was going to be a boss. During the marketing phase for Goldmember, a crew member brought her a draft of the movie poster.

She looked at it and basically said, "No."

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According to makeup artist Kate Biscoe, Beyoncé told the marketing team, "You made me too skinny. It’s not me." She insisted they give her back her actual curves and an hourglass figure. In 2002, when "heroin chic" and extreme thinness were the only things Hollywood wanted, that move was unheard of.

She was only 20. She had the guts to tell a major studio to spend thousands of dollars to fix a poster because it didn't accurately represent a Black woman's body. That’s iconic.

Is Foxxy Cleopatra Just a Parody?

Some critics back then (and even some today) argue that the role was "beneath" her. They see the "shazam!" catchphrases and the goofy comedy as a weird footnote in her career.

But if you look closer, Foxxy Cleopatra was actually the most competent person in the movie. While Austin was busy losing his "mojo" or getting distracted by gadgets, Foxxy was the one doing the actual spy work. She was an FBI agent with a personal vendetta against Goldmember.

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1. She was the muscle: She literally knocks out Japanese guards while Austin fumbles around.
2. She was the voice: The soundtrack wouldn't exist without her. "Work It Out" was her debut solo single.
3. She was the style: Every single Beyoncé in Goldmember costume variation influenced fashion for years, from the flared trousers to the gold-toned makeup.

How to Pull Off the Look Today

If you're looking to recreate the Foxxy Cleopatra vibe in 2026, don't just buy a cheap polyester jumpsuit. You’ve gotta lean into the textures.

• The Fabric: Look for "liquid gold" fabrics or metallic mesh if you’re doing the stage look.
• The Accessories: Big gold hoops are non-negotiable. A pendant necklace with a "Foxxy" or "F" monogram is the secret sauce.
• The Fit: The 70s silhouette is all about the high-waisted flare. If the pants aren't sweeping the floor, they aren't wide enough.

What Most People Get Wrong

People think this was just a "Destiny's Child" side project. In reality, this was the bridge. This was the moment Beyoncé moved from being a group member to a singular force. She used the Goldmember press tour to prove she could handle the spotlight alone.

The movie made nearly $300 million. A huge chunk of that audience was there specifically to see her.

Actionable Next Steps

If you're a fan or a collector, keep an eye on high-end memorabilia auctions like Propstore. The screen-used Beyoncé in Goldmember costume pieces rarely come up, but when they do, they are considered blue-chip pop culture investments.

For creators, the lesson here isn't just about the clothes. It’s about Beyoncé’s refusal to be "photoshopped" into a version of herself she didn't recognize. Next time you're worried about fitting into a specific "look" or standard, remember that a 20-year-old in a gold mesh bra once told a room full of Hollywood executives to make her look bigger because she knew her worth.

Key Insight: Authenticity sells better than perfection. Beyoncé didn't need to be the "perfect" thin actress of the early 2000s; she needed to be a "whole lotta woman." And that's exactly why we're still talking about these costumes over two decades later.