Synopsis

Prince performs in an intimate, dreamlike room while women and girls watch filmed images of themselves living out personal fantasies. The video moves between these private visions and scenes of Prince singing, presenting beauty as something diverse, personal, and self-defined rather than as a single ideal. Its gallery-like structure includes images of performers, mothers, athletes, brides, students, and aspiring artists, creating a warm celebration of individuality and possibility.

Factoids & Trivia

• In December 1993, Prince placed personal ads in American, British, Dutch, and Spanish publications asking eligible women to send photographs or videos to Paisley Park. Reportedly, more than 50,000 responses arrived.

• Seven finalists were selected to appear in the video, while 30 semi-finalists were featured on the record sleeve.

• The shoot took place at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on January 29, 1994.

• The production was initially planned for Los Angeles City Hall on January 23, 1994, but an earthquake in California led to the shoot being moved to Minneapolis.

• The original concept reportedly centered on a competition to identify the most beautiful woman in the world. It was later reshaped into a broader celebration of women and different forms of beauty.

• Educator Marva Collins appears in a cameo, and Nona Gaye and Vanessa Marcil also feature in the video.

• The video debuted on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1994, matching the romantic framing of the single's release campaign.

• The video was incorporated into The Beautiful Experience, a television special built around Prince's post-name-change era and music from the same period.

• The song became Prince's first and only UK No. 1 single.