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Who is House of Malakai, the favorite milliner of Beyoncé and FKA Twigs?
It’s impossible not to notice them in music videos by Beyoncé, FKA Twigs, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. At the crossroads between shamanic mask and goddess finery, House of Malakai’s headwear and jewellery are simply stunning, powerful and rich. They’re the work of Malakai, a Californian designer and performer who divides his time between San Francisco, Berlin and Bali where he established his studio. Numéro caught up with this artist who is particularly influenced by spirituality.
By Léa Zetlaoui.
Published on 8 September 2020. Updated on 8 June 2026.
Numéro: Artists like Beyoncé and FKA Twigs have worn your designs. Your creations were also spotted on Rick Owen‘s runway. How did you start out?
Malakai: Stylists who work in music and fashion often explore the underground scene looking for inspiration. A stylist who was working on a fashion campaign with Beyoncé discovered my designs and contacted me. Facebook and Instagram have also helped get my name out there. Things started moving very quickly then. It’s funny that I’m considered as a ‘young designer’ because I’ve been doing my performances for years. Working with Beyoncé at the last Grammy Awards was an incredible experience. I could see firsthand her innate stage presence, use of mapping, the giant screens and the dancers. It was all amazing. I’m also very close to FKA Twigs and Erykah Badu too. We share the same values and form a kind of community.
“I bring together different media, like dance and transvestism, along with fire and flower animations, piercings and light shows.” — Malakai
How would you describe your performances?
I bring together different media, like dance and transvestism, along with fire and flower animations, piercings and light shows. It’s generally very visual. For example, I often use burning wings. I get invited to participe to shows with Cirque du Soleil or at Burning Man festival.
How did you come up with the idea of creating jewellery?
It happened in parallel to my performances. I wanted to launch a collection of clothes. My goal was to offer creations with a sharp visual impact. I ended up guiding my creative teams toward headwear. When we made the first piece, I posted it on Instagram and had so much positive feedback. Ultimately, it’s a way to impose my artistic vision in the same way that others start out doing handbags or hats leading up to the development of more complete collections.
“Mysticism, myths and the supernatural are all part of my world. I often use natural and symbolic materials like bones, feathers, stones and crystals.” — Malakai
You have a very unique world, marked by mysticism and spirituality. Where does your inspiration come from?
My performances are largely influenced by subcultures, goths, punks, hippies… I imbue them with a ritualistic and tribal dimension. My creations simply echo the aesthetic of my shows. Tribal culture is central in my universe since it’s so connected to nature and draws on spirituality. Mysticism, myths and the supernatural are all part of my artistic work. I often use natural and symbolic materials, such bones, feathers, stones and crystals.
Discover the House of Malakai collections on houseofmalakai.com.
