Style Analysis: Aaliyah “We Need A Resolution”

We need a resolution by Aaliyah is probably my favorite song and music video from Aaliyah. 

Directed by Paul Hunter, ‘We need a Resolution’ captures every part of Aaliyah’s essence. The theme of the music video was a peek into Aaliyah’s world as Hunter states in a behind the scenes clip for ‘We need a Resolution’ “..we wanted an exclusive peek into her life, so the idea was to create a sense that every room, and every scenario that you are looking is something that only certain people can see". 

At the start of the video we see Aaliyah in a black Roberto Cavalli dress that she ended up wearing backwards. Her stylist Derek Lee, stated in an interview with Nylon how the dress was covering too much of the front, but it had a lot of skin out in the back, so they flipped it instead. This look was accompanied with an intense Smokey eye and bold red lip done by the late makeup artist Eric Ferrell. Eric said the makeup look was inspired from what he saw on the runway from Alexander McQueen & John Galliano.

Another notable scene in the video is the snake pit scene where Aaliyah is holding a python snake whilst being surrounded by other snakes. Following this snake theme Aaliyah wore a snakeskin dress that was instead worn as a skirt, designed by Gianco Franco from his spring 2001 collection. The top was custom made by Aaliyah’s stylist Derek Lee. 

In another scene Aaliyah is seen in a spaceship like pod traveling through hues of blue wearing a blue two piece outfit custom made by designer Linda Stokes. This look was worn with a bold eye and lip combo by Eric Ferrell. 

In the video Aaliyah sports many other designer items such as these Vintage Chanel Blue Shield 4014 sunglasses. As well Timbaland who is also seen sporting Chanel crystal CC sunglasses. In the dance scene Aaliyah is seen wearing a sequined dragon crop top designed by Linda Stokes and custom jeans designed by Derek Lee paired with a Dolce & Gabbana belt.

Aaliyah’s ‘We need a resolution’ song and music video will forever be iconic in terms of fashion, makeup, and artistry.