With the material clinging tightly to her famous curves, this black dress looks as if it was made for Beyoncé. And indeed it was as it features in the singer's new fashion line Deréon, which is being launched just in time for Brazil's Valentine's Day, on June 12.

The range includes bandage dresses and tailored blazers with embroidered detail, and is intended to make women look powerful.

The 28-year-old said: "The collection was inspired by the theme of the warrior goddess, a sexy, yet empowered woman.

"There are form-fitting silhouettes, sexy dresses and a lot of metal details to give the pieces a strong, but glamorous feel." The line, which follows House of Deréon, is for sale exclusively at C&A stores in Brazil this week.

House of Deréon was launched by the Knowles family in 2006 as a prêt-á-porter fashion line, and followed soon after by the Deréon line, for younger women.

The gowns range in price from US$300-$500 and are on sale in US department stores, including *la*hmingdale's, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

Deréon was the maiden name of Beyoncé's grandmother Agnèz Deréon, whose married name Agnèz Beyincé inspired the singer's first name.

The collection is sold with the tagline 'Couture. Kick. Soul' as it represents the spirits of three generations of Knowles women.

Beyoncé's mother Tina is the 'couture' thanks to her design talents, the singer brings the 'kick', while late Agnez had the 'soul'.

Along with House of Deréon and the Deréon fashion line, the Knowles family recently announced plans to expand their business to include home furnishings.

Tina said: "Both Beyonce and I are huge fans of home furnishings and try to stay on top of this ever-changing market. "As someone who has also realised many interior-design projects, I am so excited to expand our House of Deréon and Deréon brands in this category.

"The thought that we would have something to do in brightening up someone's home, especially bedrooms, is truly wonderful."