Before we bid swimsuit season [1] adieu, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion have a parting gift. On Sept. 8, the rappers released their "Bongos" music video [2], and it's filled with enough sultry swimwear moments to tide us over until next summer. The visuals kick off with a group of dancers twerking atop beach chairs in a rainbow array of cutout one-pieces, setting the tone for the vibrant looks to come. Throughout the video, Both Cardi and Megan rotate through a series of colourful outfits styled with wild heels, chunky bangles, and feathered headpieces. The entire production is a sartorial work of art.
A whole team of fashion experts helped bring the "Bongos" video to life, and we must give credit where it's due. Cardi B's longtime stylist Kollin Carter [3] provided styling direction, tapping designer Matthew Reisman [4] to create most of the one-pieces Cardi B, Megan, and their backup dancers wear. The fuzzy couture hats are by Sarah Sokol [5] and assistant Clare Glenn [6], and the halo-like feathered headpieces are by Harris Reed in collaboration with Vivienne Lake. Designer Emilio Pucci also customised a colourful abstract print used to not only make a form-fitting catsuit for Cardi B, but also cover an entire couch and room.
"Bongos" marks Cardi and Megan's first musical collaboration since 2020's "WAP," which had a similarly stylish music video [7]. In that visual, they wore corset bodysuits, animal print galore, and slick latex looks, while Normani, Kylie Jenner, and several other stars made cameos [8] wearing outfits that embody the song's theme of female sexuality. One thing's for sure: we can always count on these two to deliver statement-making looks when they link up.
Join us in soaking up the swimsuit inspiration by admiring every look from the "Bongos" music video ahead.
See Every Fashion Look From the "Bongos" Music Video
Cardi B opens the video in a pink and purple one-piece styled with a feathery purple hat by Sarah Sokol, chunky bangles, and pink negative-space heels.
In the following scene, she changes into a blue Matthew Reisman one-piece with intricate cutout details and a matching feathered headpiece by Harris Reed. She ditches the heels to drop it low.
Next up is a similar swimsuit and Harris Reed headpiece combo, but this time, in bubblegum pink.
There's a yellow iteration, too. (Please take note of how the background men are always wearing matching swimsuits.)
Yep, that's a two-piece made of long red braids — the perfect attire for twerking on a fridge if you ask us. It was custom made by a clothing brand called Caléchie.
Cardi joins the dancers in coordinating one-pieces, opera gloves, cutout heels, and fuzzy hats.
Then, they kick off their heels and hats to break it down on the beach.
Cardi slips into a custom Pucci bodysuit and a red Selfhood visor to dance in a room covered in the same Pucci print.
Megan makes her grand entrance wearing a green and purple sequin one-piece featuring a prominent boob-window cutout [10]. She pairs it with a matching turban and strappy heels.
Her backup dancers coordinate in green one-piece swimsuits with purple accents.
The whole group changes into a rainbow of elegant one-pieces with long tulle trains, making for a visually stunning shot.
Cardi and Megan's designs are more strappy and feature a bit of sparkle so they stand out from the bunch.
Cardi then returns to her first look, while Megan pops up in a red version of her outfit.
For perhaps her wildest look of the video, Cardi B wears a purple plunging one-piece covered in rhinestones, towering Carolin Holzhuber heels, and giant floral earrings.
The sparkle gets kicked up a notch when Cardi appears in this intricate blue and gold ensemble featuring a headpiece, large earrings, and heels that lace all the way up to her thighs.
Cardi and Megan have their "Baywatch" moment in red one-pieces also made by Matthew Reisman.
Megan is practically defying gravity on that bar. The balance is unmatched.
The swimsuit inspiration overfloweth.