Lady Gaga attends the 68th Grammy Awards in California.
Image: Amy Sussman / Getty Images / AFP
The Grammy Awards red carpet is always the one we look forward to the most. Unlike the polished glamour of the Golden Globes or the refined elegance of the Oscars, the Grammys offer a playground for artists to express their unique identities through fashion.
It’s where boundaries are pushed and "edgy" is a requirement.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards did not disappoint, delivering a mix of breathtaking custom couture and the delightfully bizarre.
Lady Gaga made an entrance that can only be described as a soaring triumph. Nominated for seven awards, including Record of the Year for "Abracadabra," Gaga turned heads in a custom black feathered gown with a high neck and a massive train by Matières Fécales. With bleached brows and a medieval-inspired platinum updo, she proved that no one does "avant-garde" quite like Mother Monster.
Lady Gaga attends the 68th Grammy Awards.
Image: Amy Sussman / Getty Images via AFP
Olivia Dean, who rightfully earned the title of Best New Artist last night, looked every bit the rising icon in a custom two-toned white and black feathered look by Chanel. The ensemble, designed by newly appointed creative director Matthieu Blazy, balanced sophistication with the singer’s effortless charm.
Olivia Dean, winner of Best New Artist, poses in the press room during the 68th Grammy Awards.
Image: Amy Sussman / Getty Images via AFP
Doechii, nominated for Best Music Video for "Anxiety," brought the high drama we crave. She stepped out in a custom plum silk duchesse corset gown by Roberto Cavalli. The dress was a masterclass in construction, featuring multi-dimensional volumes and a dramatic train that demanded space and attention.
Doechii attends the 68th Grammy Awards.
Image: Amy Sussman / Getty Images via AFP
South African star Tyla continued her streak of dominance, taking home her second consecutive Grammy for Best African Music Performance (this time for "Push 2 Start"). She channelled goddess energy in a vintage Dsquared2 gown from their Fall 2013 collection, featuring an embellished halterneck and a dramatic feathered train that swept the carpet.
Tyla stepped in a vintage Dsquared2 gown.
Image: Monica Schipper / Getty Images via AFP
Taking the "edgy" brief to a literal extreme was Chappell Roan. Nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for "The Subway," Roan arrived in a custom sheer maroon Mugler gown. The "bizarre" and daring element? The dress dangled directly from nipple rings, perfectly matching her iconic fiery-red curls and medieval-inspired makeup.
Chappell Roan's sheer dress.
Image: Amy Sussman / Getty Images / AFP
Teyana Taylor turned heads in a shimmering bronze gold gown by Tom Ford. The dress was a masterclass in daring construction, featuring an asymmetrical, ab-baring design that was mostly open, showcasing her back and hips. One end of the shimmering piece rested on her left breast without the use of traditional straps or closures, creating a "naked dress" effect that felt perfectly calibrated for the Grammys' edgy atmosphere.
Teyana Taylor's revealing dress turned heads on the red carpet.
Image: Amy Sussman / Getty Images / AFP
While the Grammys encourage risk-taking, some experiments felt more like a distraction than a statement.
Audrey Nuna, who, along with Rei Ami and EJAE, celebrated a win for Best Song Written for Visual Media ("Golden"), landed on the "miss" list with a deconstructed white ensemble by Thom Browne. While the brand has deep personal ties to her family's history in garment manufacturing, the sculptural silhouette felt a bit too "out there" even for the Grammy stage.
Audrey Nuna in Thom Browne.
Image: Amy Sussman / Getty Images / AFP
Billie Eilish took home Song of the Year for "Wildflower," but her sartorial choice was a point of contention. She wore a custom, upcycled outfit by Hodakova made from navy wool trousers and belts. With a second set of sleeves on her shirt, knee socks, and a boxy frame, the look had far too much going on, feeling disjointed despite her commitment to sustainable fashion.
Billie Eilish wore Hodakova.
Image: Amy Sussman / Getty Images / AFP
Perhaps the most significant trend wasn't a designer label, but a small black-and-white pin. Several stars, including Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, and Kehlani, wore "ICE Out" pins on their lapels.
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber wore "ICE OUT" pins.
Image: Amy Sussman / Getty Images / AFP
Though small in size, they were the strongest accessories of the night, serving as a silent, powerful protest against immigration enforcement policies. As Eilish noted during her speech, "No one is illegal on stolen land."
IOL Lifestyle
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