THE GRAMMYS: SLAY OR JUST OK?
If you're anything like me, the only part of the Grammys that I really pay attention to is the red carpet. Awards season has given us some of the most iconic celebrity fashion moments, while simultaneously showing off style choices that left us scratching our heads. The 2023 Grammys was certainly no exception to this, and we couldn't wait to share our thoughts on our favorite and least favorite celeb red carpet moments.
Here are 10 looks we thought were a slay, and 10 that were just OK.
The Slays
1. Kim Petras and Sam Smith
The "Unholy" duo showed up and showed out for this red carpet. The singer's fabulously voluminous Valentino coat is giving us ringmaster glam with the addition of the veiled top hat and sparkly cane. Petras is seen sporting a vintage Victor Costa minidress complete with a jaw-dropping necklace and coordinated veil, reminding us of Versace's Spring/Summer '23 collection. With an entourage including RuPaul's Drag Race royalty like Violet Chachki and Gottmik, these LGBTQ+ icons absolutely stole the show.
Source: People
2. Cardi B
Sophistication and glamour ooze from this Gaurav Gupta gown worn by the rapper, making us wonder why the designer didn't make his couture debut sooner. The fabric flows beautifully around Cardi's head, and her slicked-back updo ensures that all the focus is on the Indian designer's talent and craftsmanship. The bold blue color looks stunning on the artist, and the fluidity of the fabric is both flattering and unique.
Source: Elle
3. Doja Cat
Doja Cat is no stranger to turning out iconic looks, and this vinyl gown from Versace is no exception. The gown hugs her curves perfectly, and the matching gloves and swirly earrings make the look feel complete without going too over the top. Her bleached brows and bold winged liner are super trendy and an excellent complement to this dominatrix-style look. This new era of fashion for the artist hasn't stopped making headlines, and we can't wait to see what she wears next.
Source: People
4. Shania Twain
This campy look might have been met with mixed opinions, but we can't get enough of it. Her head-to-toe Harris Reed ensemble is giving cow couture in the best way possible. The bell-bottomed pants are reminiscent of the country star's roots, but the statement hat and red wig give the suit set a much more adventurous feel that we definitely want to see more of.
Source: InStyle
5. BLXST
This year's Grammys was great for men's red carpet fashion, and BLXST is a prime example of how to elevate the basic black suit. Pictured wearing a custom Sans Gêne look, the gradient in the fabric gives the suit an interesting neon sign effect that almost makes it glow from within. The pairing of the oversized loafers complements the silhouette perfectly and serves as proof that men's runway fashion doesn't have to be boring.
Source: Go Fug Yourself
6. Angela Benson
We have no idea how people aren't talking about this iconic look from producer Angela Benson. This Melissa Simon-Hartman gown brings all the drama without overtaking her stunning headpiece and crystal braids created by self-taught designer Marianna Harutunian. Some media outlets have said that there's too much going on, but we completely disagree. This look gives us all the sun goddess vibes, and it's safe to say we're obsessed.
Source: Twitter
7. Jessy Wilson
Now, this is how you do a suit! The diamond-shaped cutouts on this AnnaKiki suit are so fun and unique, giving her elaborate nails and rings a chance to shine. Simple doesn't have to be boring, and the impeccable tailoring and craftsmanship displayed by the designer bring this look to a new level. This look is proof that you don't need to go dramatic in order to make an impact on the red carpet.
Source: People
8. Berit Gilma
OK, I might be a little biased on this one as a fellow redhead with bleached brows. As someone who frequently gets compared to Leeloo in The Fifth Element, I absolutely loved seeing Berit Gilma in this Rachelle Appelle jumpsuit that balances sci-fi vibes with red-carpet fashion. There's no denial of the effect that films have on fashion, and this look is a prime example of how to reference a film without going too literal.
Source: How to Be a Redhead
9. Jennifer Lopez
As far as we're aware, Jennifer Lopez can do no wrong when it comes to red-carpet looks. This navy Gucci gown has one of the most dramatic trains we've ever seen (second only to Rhianna's 2015 Met Gala look), and the crystal fringe overlay adds just the right amount of sparkle without making the entire look too overwhelming. Of course, we expect nothing less from JLo when it comes to red-carpet fashion.
Source: Pop Sugar
10. Miguel
This all-denim Diesel 'fit worn by Miguel is both unexpected and obsession-worthy. Blending streetwear with Western influences, the artist turned out a show-stopping red-carpet ensemble that we love to see. This look was definitely risky, but we think it paid off in a major way. Take notes, men. We promise you can think outside of the suit box!
Source: Entertainment Tonight
Honorable Mention: Dylan Mulvaney
The transgender activist set the runway on fire in her red carpet debut, showing off the Hepburn-esque results of her recent facial feminization surgery in a classic crimson red gown from Christian Siriano. The opera gloves and statement earrings channel old Hollywood style elements and the figure-flattering cutouts balance the look's vintage feel with a modern twist. We can't wait to see Dylan's red carpet style grow and evolve with her.
Source: Life & Style
The Just OKs
1. Camila Cabello
As much as we love the craftsmanship and detail in this PatBo pearl bra, the rest of the ensemble just falls flat in comparison. This pearl bra, which took 40 hours to make, is a testament to designer Patricia Bonaldi's talent, but we just wanted to see more overall. Such a beautiful piece of craftsmanship deserves an equally beautiful skirt, not something that basic.
Source: Harper's Bazaar
2. Olivia Rodrigo
2023 is the year of the sheer dress, and Olivia Rodrigo's Miu Miu look is a perfectly age-appropriate take on this trend. The dress is fabulous, but the full look leaves much to be desired. For the Grammys red carpet, this just feels far too plain. This could have been a huge slay with a little bit more styling overall, we'd love to see the young singer experiment with some more avant-garde looks on the red carpet.
Source: Harper's Bazaar
3. Blac Chyna
Oh, man. We've heard it all when it comes to Blac Chyna's feathery moment - with the internet comparing it to everything from Black Swan to something out of an Edgar Allen Poe story. Whatever the inspiration was, this look is far too busy. The bejeweled headpiece, mountains of feathers, and gothic makeup are overwhelming the reality star's best features. We consider this a perfect example of the fact that sometimes, less really is more.
Source: Today
4. Cécile McLorin Salvant
The vibrant hues and usage of color blocking make this ensemble as a whole really fun, but the whimsical color palette is overshadowed by just how much is going on. Each element of her look is a statement piece when standing alone, but when combined together it swallows the jazz singer whole. We love how this plays against the current gothic trend seen by many celebrities on the red carpet, but overall there are too many competing elements.
Source: Jump Radio
5. Alisha Gaddis
Alisha Gaddis's dramatic Rachel Burke frock toes the line between slay and just OK for us. The florals are absolutely stunning and make the gown both visually interesting and richly detailed. Even the giant puff sleeves get a pass. The Latin Grammy winner's beauty still shines through, but we just can't stop comparing this floral moment to that scene from Midsommar. With that in mind, we'll go ahead and call this cult couture.
Source: Insider
6. Bebe Rexha
The Barbiecore trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and this shade of pink looks fabulous on the singer. However, this Moschino dress feels more Fashion Nova than high fashion. The gown and gloves could be better fitting on Rexha, but her Farrah Fawcett hairdo and simple hoop earrings are a great styling choice. Even though the ensemble as a whole comes off as cheap-looking, she still looks like a glamorous real-life Barbie doll.
Source: Cosmopolitan
7. Rita Wilson
The country star's joyful personality can be clearly seen in her Instagram reels, but it doesn't match up with this black feathery look she sported on the red carpet. This sequined dress would have been fine on its own, but the addition of the giant floral choker pushes the full look from glamorous to tacky. Black might be super trendy right now, but we would love to have seen Wilson in something colorful that matches her bright demeanor. Even with the addition of the sequins, the dark shade washes her out.
Source: People
8. Amber Rose
We wouldn't necessarily call this look bad, but Rose's Dolce & Gabbana high-low dress leaves much to be desired. Didn't we leave the high-low look in 2014? The thick chains and Givenchy sunglasses give this otherwise simple look some much-needed edge, but the studded fingerless gloves lost us. Rose has given us great red carpet moments in years past, and this misses the mark in comparison.
Source: Pop Sugar
9. Pusha T
Now, hear us out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the rapper's Zegna suit. The luxury menswear brand showed off perfect tailoring and understated elegance, and Pusha T looks sophisticated and puts together. In that regard, this look is a slay. But when we compare this to, say, Steve Lacy's black suit, this is a little boring. All in all, we just want to see men explore more fashion-forward red-carpet looks.
Source: Billboard
10. DJ Spinderella
Did anyone else immediately think of LMFAO when they saw this? We're not entirely sure what the DJ was going for with this outfit, but one thing's for sure - this is far too casual for a red carpet. The spray paint details on the off-shoulder sweatshirt are fun, but this look is still a huge miss overall. The leather skirt with the exposed zipper and the ankle boots are reminiscent of early 2010s fashion and combined create a silhouette that isn't the most flattering. It's time to update the closet.
Source: People
All in all, this year's Grammys was an excellent example of celebrities and designer brands pushing the limits of creativity while still showcasing glamorous red carpet looks. We saw phenomenal hits alongside epic misses, and we can't wait to see what our favorite stars show off next.