Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is not only a celebration of the Colombian superstar's powerful message of female empowerment but also a testament to the artistry and innovation behind its monumental stage design. As the crowds gather in stadiums worldwide, they are met with a visually stunning spectacle that narrates a story of resilience, identity, and belonging—a vision brought to life by Yellow Studio. Under the guidance of founder Julio Himede, this project offers a captivating glimpse into how meticulous design can transform a concert into an immersive experience that resonates with audiences on a personal level.
Set against the backdrop of Shakira's latest album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, the collaboration began approximately a year prior to the tour's launch. Initial meetings were held in Miami, where Shakira and her team of creative directors engaged in brainstorming sessions with Himede and senior designer Damun Jawanrudi. Shakira's clear vision for the stage—a monumental, clean screen to project her messages—served as the foundation for this creative partnership.
Julio Himede reflects, “From the beginning, it was a great, close collaboration. Shakira was heavily involved as an artist with a big visual voice in the process.” This involvement underscored a key factor in the tour's ultimately successful design: the connection between the artist and the message she aimed to convey through her performances.
Exploring the thematic elements of Shakira’s latest music, Himede notes that the overarching concepts revolved around resilience and female empowerment, featuring metaphors related to gemstones. These gemstones symbolize beauty emerging from hardship, echoing the journey many women face today.
The show opens with the performance of "Te Felicito," where earthy tones draw the audience into an atmosphere reminiscent of a desert landscape. This visual aesthetic symbolizes survival and strength, setting a poignant tone for the evening.
On the other end of the spectrum, "La Loba," or "She-Wolf," represents Shakira’s identity and carries deep emotional weight for her fanbase, affectionately known as the "Wolfpack." Himede notes the importance of capturing this feeling of belonging throughout the concert.
A pivotal moment occurs during the encore, highlighting the inflatable wolf sculpture—an engineering marvel that transitions from a suitcase into a 30-foot centerpiece. This powerful symbol resonates as a manifestation of survival and resilience, anchoring the audience's emotional connection to Shakira.
At Yellow Studio, the process of turning an artist’s vision into reality demands a delicate blend of creativity, engineering, and logistical planning. Himede and his team drew upon experiences from past tours, balancing artistic expression with practical considerations.
Himede emphasizes that the visuals are not merely decorative; they are integral to the storytelling. For example, during "Te Felicito," the transition to vibrant colors symbolizing seduction and candor enriches the audience’s experience, allowing them to feel the emotional peak of the performance.
A standout feature of Shakira's tour is her intrinsic understanding of her audience. She masterfully blends high-energy numbers with intimate acoustic moments to foster a connection with fans, whether performing before 120,000 in São Paulo or a more intimate crowd of 60,000 elsewhere.
To enhance this sense of community, the audience was engaged with colorful light-up bracelets. While not a revolutionary concept, the collective lighting effect during the concert deepens the communal experience, allowing attendees to feel part of the "Wolfpack."
“The immersive connection is palpable when Shakira performs from the catwalk,” reveals Himede, highlighting the significance of her performance style, which draws the audience into the narrative.
Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour exemplifies how dynamic stage design can elevate a concert into an unforgettable experience. The collaboration with Yellow Studio, guided by Julio Himede, not only showcases Shakira’s artistic vision but also cements her connection with fans worldwide. By intertwining themes of empowerment, resilience, and community within the stage design, the tour transcends music, emerging as a movement that embraces and uplifts women, reaffirming their strength.
The primary themes of resilience and female empowerment stem from Shakira’s album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, with symbolic references to gemstones illustrating recovery and strength.
Shakira was deeply involved in the design process, offering a strong visual voice and ensuring that her performance style matched her artistic vision.
The stage features large, modular video screens that can change shape and orientation, as well as a monumental inflatable wolf centerpiece that symbolizes Shakira's identity.
The concert experience includes interactive elements like light-up bracelets that foster a sense of community and allow fans to feel like part of the "Wolfpack."
The team relied on past tour experiences to inform their design choices, optimizing for efficiency, such as developing easily transportable elements like the inflatable wolf sculpture.