From Dua Lipa dressed as Donatella in Versace for the 2022 show, to Jennifer Lopez in 'the green dress' for the ceremony in 2000 (which was the reason that we have Google Images?!), the GRAMMY's are known as a fun night in music and entertainment where celebs and designers have a chance to put something crazy or one-of-a-kind out on the carpet. We often see huge successes - think Ariana Grande's grey Giambattista Valli moment - as well as style disasters - think Taylor Swift in 2016, wearing what can only be described as Shein.
Either way, this night is supposed to be a memorable one, where everyone has a chance to do something unique. So naturally, as guests walked the carpet this year in boring, predictable looks, the overwhelming feeling of the night was disappointment. As always we'll look through the best looks, those that we just there, the worst looks, before wrapping up with a personal top 3 and worst 3 of the night.
Finally, I ought to mention that this red carpet is the big one for the 'naked' dress moment. We have seen many variation of this, including Jada Pinkett Smith in 1998 (one of my favourite looks ever), Toni Braxton in 2001, Rihanna in 2011, Beyonce in 2014 and many more. This year, Miley Cyrus, Doja Cat, Halle Bailey and others took on the 'nude' look, some better than others. Let's take a look at all the most important looks of the 2024 red carpet, starting with my favourites.
Best Dressed
1/12
Madison Beer in custom Marmar Halim
This look was my absolute favourite of the night. At first glance it seems like a wedding gown, but the details at the bustier level it up to an iconic, showstopping moment. The volume of the gown is unrivalled, the synched waist leading into the dramatic skirt creates that magical princess fantasy that will never go out of style. This just goes to show that you don't have to reinvent the wheel to have a fashion moment.
2/ 12
Doja Cat in Dilara Findikoglu
This is the kind of sickening look that those Versace corseted gowns are trying to be. This completely transparent look feels like a statement or a commentary on the male view of women's bodies, particularly in media - which would make sense after Dilara's recent collection which focused on women reclaiming their bodies. Doja has here nipples out above the neckline of the gown and a second layer of fabric barely covers the hips region, perhaps saying that she can do and wear what she likes, no-one and specifically no men should have an opinion. The only thing I can't get behind is that peep toe shoe...
3/12
Tyla in Atelier Versace
If nothing else, it's just exciting to see something new and inspired from Versace. This dress has a beautiful, organic flow to it, from the shoulder, across the hip, down to the floor. The crystal-embellished panels have a method to them, as do the cut out portions which reveal this skin. The draping feels careless and natural whilst also being so articulated and specifically placed. The character of this skirt feels like a South African, Versace sister to Hermione's Yule Ball gown.
4/12
Halle Bailey in custom Gucci
There is no event like the GRAMMY's to opt for a nude look, and Halle nailed it here with this sheer Gucci moment. The dress seems to be silver sequins, placed in perfect rows and columns over a sheer fabric, giving the nude effect below. With a wet hair look and plunging neckline, Halle looks like she stepped straight out of the little mermaid and onto the red carpet.
5/12
John Legend in Saint Laurent
Never did I think I would see John Legend on my best dressed list at a red carpet. Very few men actually show up with a fashion moment, but this Saint Laurent is gorgeous. The silk knot shirt is relaxed and easy to wear, yet it looks incredibly elegant and put together. The glossy effect of the silk shirt if continued and exaggerated in the lapel detail and patent leather shoes, which all add to the no longer dull mens look.
6/12
Summer Walker in custom Usama Ishtay
This is what GRAMMY's fashion is all about: it's bold, it's camp and it's outrageous. The dramatic curve of the bust and hips against the corset create an almost wasp waist effect. The feathers dramatic flows out from the dress to create something magical and most importantly... The headpiece! It's over the top, it's camp, it's feathered??! I'm truly obsessed and Summer is a vision.
7/12
Ellie Goulding in Zuhair Murad
Another unexpected appearance on this list, from Ellie Goulding, who said 'We gonna let it burn' as she brought the fire. This is the perfect way to take on lace in 2024 and still create a sexy, young look. The floating feather framing down the arms is beautiful and truly creates an other-worldly fantasy. If only Ellie could pose and work this dress to make it the moment it is begging to be.
8/12
Billie Eilish
This look was Billie's second of the night, she earlier walked the red carpet in a Willy Chavarria look with a Barbie branded varsity jacket. It was this look however - that she wore inside the ceremony for her performance of 'What Was I Made For?' - that stole the show. It was a direct recreation of the1965 'Poodle Parade Barbie' and is so fantastic. The pink silk headscarf to match the pink lining of the coat adds the Barbie touch and the green pinafore alongside the green plaid cardigan make it feel so 60's. This look is timeless and I adore it.
9/12
Miley Cyrus in custom Maison Margiela
I believe this look is a reference to John Galliano's (who is now Maison Margiela's creative director) Fall 1997 collection - particularly look 19 and look 38. The entire look is constructed from gold safety pins which, unlike the looks from 1997, is worn with nothing underneath. I think it looks regal, powerful, sexy and Egyptian, yet it quite literally is just safety pins. Paired with a mustard tabi heel, this look is Galliano and Margiela combined, yet Miley doesn't let it wear her.
10/12
Ayra Starr in custom JeBlanc
This gown is so simple and yet so intricate. The shade of blue is so beautiful on Ayra, the way it flows is simultaneously like a silk scarf in the wind and like water, particularly with the hanging crystals that have been draped across the bra which further look like she has just emerged from water. It isn't trying to do too much, but it is bold and intriguing.
11/12
Gina Alice in Alaia
This dress has so much coverage, with the mock neck, long sleeves and cut off at the ankle, yet it feels incredibly vibrant, youthful and seductive, with its sheer elements throughout and that bold red. It seems that the pattern of the dress is some kind of floral motif, yet it doesn't take away from the dress, instead it allows the shape and character of the gown to shine.
12/12
Dawn Richard in Khosrov
Well, I certainly wouldn't want to be sat behind this dress inside the awards ceremony, but what's more, I wouldn't to walk the carpet directly behind this look as these are some huge shoes to fill. This is exactly what I want on a red carpet, dramatic and camp, whilst remaining beautiful and timeless. The continuation of the red through the entire dress, the nails and the shoes is everything we needed so that the whole focus can be on the gorgeous construction and the fantasy of the gown.
Perhaps there weren't any iconic fashion moments on this carpet that will go down in the history books, but at least we got to see some fabulous looks that felt inspired and intriguing, which is all I ask for on the red carpet. Let's now take a look at some of those looks that didn't quite hit the spot to land them on the best dressed, but didn't cause a fashion disaster at least.
Middle Ground
1/11
Lana Del Rey in Vintage
I love that Lana decided to show up in a random vintage piece that she found, regardless of the designer, and rock it. She looks pretty, not much more, but that's okay sometimes. The addition of the bows on the shoes, her wrists and in her hair are a much needed touch. The shape of the gown is slightly intriguing so props to Lana for doing something different, it just feels unmemorable.
2/11
Janelle Monae in Armani Prive
Armani Prive is always going to fit perfectly, if nothing else, but once again, this look doesn't give me anything to remember. The silhouette is gorgeous, sculpting Janelle's body immaculately, but there is no wow factor. The floral motif at the naval - though inkeeping with the Armani house codes - is distracting, dismissible at best. The black sequins could have been a moment on their own if we had simplified, yet here they feel cheap and uninspired.
3/11
Ice Spice in Blumarine
This is quintessential New York street style meets red carpet, with a Y2K edge. The distressed hem of the denim brings the casual, rough, careless side which is balanced out with a fun, glamorous yet grungy side from the fur details. I like the shape of the skirt, but the rest of the look doesn't quite seem finished, or intentional to me.
4/11
Taylor Swift in custom Schiaparelli
Once again, Taylor is NOT a fashion girly. Here she has been given one of the most gorgeous haute couture pieces, designed specifically for her by Daniel Roseberry - one of the most sought after designers right now. - and turned it into a forgettable look, speaking generously. The styling with the peep toe heel, black velvet gloves and tragically uninspired layering of necklaces just ruins such a showstopping gown. Perhaps it would have been a different story if we had seen it with no gloves, only the watch-face choker.
5/11
BoyGenius in Thom Browne
These matching suits for Boygenius are fine. I understand that they are the typical Thom Browne 'schoolboy' style, with cropped blazers and rolled up pants, but here they don't seem to fit very well which is disappointing. I really love the effect of the moire silk that the pieces are made from as it gives the otherwise bland suits a little intrigue, as well as the matching details on the left lapel.
6/11
Olivia Rodrigo in vintage Versace
This piece is a fabulous Gianni Versace archival moment - first seen on Linda Evangelista on the runway - but as always, Olivia is just not giving the dress what it needs. Granted, this is one of the more simplistic styles from the Versace archives, but it was modelled so beautifully by Linda, so we have seen it done and know it can be a gorgeous moment, if you know how to work the dress. Unfortunately, Olivia seems set on never leaning into the fantasy of the garment she is wearing.
7/11
Paris Hilton in Reem Acra
I can't quite understand doing side cutouts and a belt-ish piece of fabric to cover it up, it feels likely an empty gesture. I would have loved to see this 'Oscar De La Renta' style, with the lining under the dress being body-con and a perfect skin tone, so that it gives the transparent 'nude' effect with the blue 'cobweb' gown over the top. If not, perhaps get rid of the cutouts and make it more of a full moment as it is.
8/11
Alessandra Ambrosio in Avellano
Avellano is known for their one-of-a-kind work with latex, they create bold, dramatic fashion moments and focus purely on one method. This look is from their Spring/Summer 2024 collection, which is truly a bombshell look in editorial shoots and on the runway, yet it doesn't seem to translate well on the red carpet. Latex is a really difficult technique to master and it doesn't exactly flow and fall like a silk chiffon. The metallic glow that this piece has is stunning.
9/11
Kelly Clarkson in custom Jason Wu
I think this gown is beautiful, with its sensual off the shoulder neckline and fabric overlaying to create almost a shawl around the back. Kelly looks fantastic, I'm just underwhelmed by the styling of this piece, the 90's prom-esque clutch and baby shower hair styling completely ruin the simplicity and elegance of the overall look.
10/11
Caroline Polachek in Olivier Theyskens
People are gagged over this look, but it just doesn't quite hit that spot for me. This piece is archival, from Fall/Winter 1998, and is a mohair embroidered gown with this sheer lace-effect patch to one side of the chest/shoulders. I love the gown and details at the shoulder, but I am not convinced by the blood red 'veins' created down the dress, as they just read like a tacky print.
11/11
Alix Earle in vintage Alexander McQueen
Am I slightly bothered by random influencers being personally invited to the GRAMMY's? Yes. Am I bothered that we dressed one of them in a vintage Alexander McQueen but this is the best we could come up with? Also, yes. This dress is undeniably gorgeous, but it just feels 'blah', particularly for McQueen.
I think that with some more educated styling and attention to detail, some of these average, forgettable looks would have been salvageable. Unfortunately, not all the attendees were in the same position, so here are those looks that just hurt my eyes - nothing could have prepared me for the last one - and nothing could have saved them.
Worst Dressed
1/10
Lenny Kravitz styled by Rodney Burns
Lenny has had so many hits and takes so many risks that it is only natural for some of them to miss every now and then. Here, he is wearing pieces from Rick Owens, Dior, Maison Margiela, Chrome Hearts, YSL and more. Unfortunately, not a single thing seems to fit right, the leathers don't blend well together, the styling reads as the 18 year old punk gay heading out to the club before his fashion awakening.
2/10
Coi Leray in Saint Laurent
I understand and appreciate the reference here - I see the bright green fur jacket and immediately think of the Scandal collection (1971 Haute Couture) - which is an iconic move. However, I hate the lime-green shade of that jacket completely takes me out of the 1940's Parisian fantasy, plus I just don't like the black look Coi is actually wearing. Finally, why are we not wearing the jacket and leaning into the reference. It could have been a perfect look if executed better.
3/10
Victoria Monet in custom Versace
When will Versace try something new? It feels as if we have since this gown, identically, in about 50 different colours with almost no iteration or new ideas. I don't find this dress to be too bad, it really just is that we have done this dress to death.
4/10
Kylie Minogue in Dolce and Gabbana
I find it hilarious that Dolce and Gabbana will rip off everyone and anyone's designs with no shame, but do it so poorly that you can only laugh. The bodice of this particular disaster is deeply unflattering, the laced corset is so overwhelming as well as so awfully constructed. I will say that the bold red is enjoyable, as is the simple skirt which falls rather nicely (but that is barely the minimum).
5/10
Fantasia Barrino in Cong Tri
I feel there is far to much going on here to be able to appreciate any of it. The overlay of fabric with bold black piping at the neckline is far too dramatic, the sleeves are cutting of circulation yet somehow sliding down the arms to creases, the stripe pattern that falls down the skirt completely ruins the gorgeous chiffon that it is laying on.
6/10
Gracie Abrams in Chanel
I have chosen a rather forgiving image here, but this look was one again Chanel being Chanel in 2024: boring, uninspired, unwearable, just bad. The skirt is ruffled to the effect of grandma's curtains, with a literal black crop top? What on earth are you doing Chanel. Step it up please.
7/10
Ed Sheeran in Stella McCartney
PLEASE HAVE MERCY!!! I thought that if nothing else, we were safe from camouflage on the red carpet, but alas, Stella McCartney is here to ruin my week once again. The combination of Ed and camo - not to even mention the fact that the utility-cargo-ish vest and pants are JD Sports worthy at best - is just unforgivable.
8/10
Laufey in Chanel
This is 2024 Chanel, the most recent collection (specifically look 62) at the point of this years GRAMMY's, yet it feels like this dress was out of style 50 years ago. Laufey is a great model to work with for this type of carpet, which left me incredibly disappointed with this ill-fitting, completely uninspired rag.
9/10
Lika O in Aniko Fashion
This feels like if Shein created a dress inspired by that green Bottega Veneta bag with the chunky gold chain. The slit at the leg and the cut of the arms all look like a rushed project by a 7 year old with no design knowledge. The entire look reads cheap and poorly made.
10/10
Dua Lipa in Couregges
When I saw this surfacing over twitter, my initial reaction was literally: 'Yikes'. The silver is awful, the shape and fit of the gown is horrific, that plunging neckline hurts my eyes, the hip cutouts are insulting to both Courreges and Dua, this look only gives dragon in the sense that it's truly terrifying. The jewellery could have been immaculate and unforgettable with a different gown.
There were some shocking looks on this carpet, some for good reasons and some for the wrong ones. As always, here are my favourites and least favourites of the night...
Top 3
Worst 3
Dua Lipa - Laufey - Ed Sheeran
All in all, other than a few highlight, this carpet was an utter disaster. I don't see myself remembering any of these looks by the time the GRAMMY's roll around again, which is a shame but no unexpected.
If you enjoyed chatting through these looks today, don't forget follow along for fun fashion content, check out my other posts, or follow my Pinterest below.
Comments