Award season continued Sunday night in recognition of the Grammy Awards as Hollywood’s biggest season of the year nears a close with artists gathering at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California to celebrate the best music from the last year.
Arguably the most entertaining show of the season, the Grammys were far from controversy-free thanks to Madonna’s outlandish behavior on the red carpet, to what felt like a flashback moment from Kanye West, as he nearly interrupted Beck’s acceptance speech for his Album of the Year win. Before AC/DC took viewers for a ride and Sam Smith was named Best New Artist, the industry’s favorite female artists strutted down the red carpet in custom looks, over-the-top couture and straight from the runway gowns.
Versace looks dominated on the red carpet and the stage with the house providing half a dozen looks to performers including Gwen Stefani and Ariana Grande and a sharp plaid suit for “Jealous” singer Nick Jonas. Stefani’s Atelier Versace jumpsuit stood out from the other looks provided by the house for its impeccable tailoring and custom alterations that took it from just another runway look to one of the most glamourous looks of the night.
The original jumpsuit had the same nude and black bodice but instead featured a pair of wide-legged trousers that looked too formal for the Grammys, but by changing the silhouette to a more modern pair of tailored harem pants, Stefani individualized her couture creation. Her black pumps and decision to wear minimal makeup was an on-trend departure from her standard red pout.
One of music’s favorite new artists and new Clinique spokeswoman, Meghan Trainor, was another Grammy standout on Sunday night as she made her first appearance at the show to celebrate her massive hit, “All About That Bass.” Trainor’s sheer off-the-shoulder Galia Lahav dress was a youthful spin old Hollywood glamour with its short, body-hugging hemline overlaid with sheer black and nude tulle adorned with black lace.
The illusion sleeves decorated with the same black lace from the bodice brought the look together. Her Veronica Lake waves, dramatic lashes and Simon G. earrings and ring added just the right amount of flair to her sophisticated look.
Last year was undoubtedly the year of Taylor Swift thanks to the release of her latest critically acclaimed and fan favorite album, “1989.” The queen of pop had a rare fashion misstep with her teal ombre Elie Saab gown with high-low hemline and halter neckline with crisscrossed back.
This look lacked cohesion of so many elements, namely its out-of-date high-low hemline that was far too short for her statuesque frame, which was particularly noticeable as she walked onto the stage to present an award. Her gown’s borderline wardrobe malfunction aside, the excess amount of straps made the neckline appear too busy.
Her Lorraine Schwartz earrings and rings matched the shades of blue and green in her gown perfectly, but her gravity-defying purple Giuseppe Zanotti wedges didn’t match her look at all. The color of her wedges was too severe and they were far too heavy to be paired with her gown’s full skirt. Had she chosen a pair of strappy stilettos in a matching shade, her look might have flowed together more effortlessly.
Always a red carpet rebel, Rihanna arrived at the red carpet photo call minutes after it was officially over, but that didn’t stop flashbulbs from capturing her pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown. The bodice of the gown was kept relatively understated with a band of crystals around both its top and bottom, but the real showstopper was its voluminous tiered skirt.
The singer twirled down the carpet in her unusual ball gown that was accessorized with simple Chopard jewelry and a chic bun to let her dress do the talking. While she received a lot of negative press for her look, the Grammy Awards are the one time a year that artists can get away with such Avant-garde looks. Love it or hate it, Rihanna had everyone talking about her striking ensemble that was ultimately a fashion win.
Unfortunately, Taylor Swift’s Elie Saab gown was a fashion miss which ultimately earned her the title of worst dressed. There were too many elements working against one another from head to toe for the look to come together as a win for the starlet.
Gwen Stefani’s Atelier Versace jumpsuit was tailored to perfection and it fit her edgy, yet glamorous style perfectly. Her look stood out for all the right reasons, and in the future, Stefani would be wise to work with the fashion house again to create another fashion forward look.
