Last week’s Oscars red carpet was a wild ride of fresh fashion energy, with celebrities like Kristen Stewart, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana DeBose, Tracee Ellis Ross and Maggie Gyllenhaal rejecting the traditions of the old Hollywood glamour aesthetic.
From Chanel hot pants to surrealist gowns, details that celebrate boobs and beaded jackets worn with nothing underneath, at times the red carpet felt more like the Grammys or MTV Awards in their rebellious, youthful approach.
Gone are the days when a star turns up in a classic strapless gown in an attempt to stay off the worst dressed list; today, a more eye-catching (or internet breaking) ensemble that attempts to enter ‘iconic’ territory is almost a requirement.
Typically, that more experimental approach to fashion has been played out at more casual awards ceremonies - like the Grammys - with the Oscars held up as a vestige of legacy and tradition; an attitude that typically extends to the red carpet.
But clearly, after this year’s event, no more. As the power of old Hollywood erodes (and the ridiculousness and fallout of The Slap surely feeds into that), the pop culture axis shifts towards music, television, fashion and social media - and so too does the style spotlight.
And so, here we are at the Grammy Awards, held in Las Vegas and with appearances from some of fashion’s heaviest hitters of the moment: Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Billy Porter and more. Herewith, our best-dressed picks - or at least, the most interesting to look at.
St. Vincent in Gucci
The definition of fabulous. This swishy pink metallic gown is the type of over-the-top fashion that I expect at the Grammys.
The show-stopping dress, from Gucci’s spring 2022 collection that was presented on Hollywood Boulevard, does feel similar to Jessica Chastain’s dress at last week’s Oscars, but I like how St Vincent’s version takes the idea of old Hollywood glamour to borderline ridiculous extremes. - Zoe Walker Ahwa, Stuff style editor and Ensemble co-founder
Joni Mitchell in whatever she wants because she’s Joni Mitchell
The icon is rarely seen in public these days, but made an appearance to accept an award for Best Historical Album for Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1: The Early Years. For the occasion, she chose a white floral embroidered ensemble including what looks like a pleated coat by Issey Miyake - and her signature beret.
BTS in Louis Vuitton
Refreshingly fun red carpet menswear from BTS, wearing matching suits from designer Virgil Abloh’s final collection for Louis Vuitton. Brown and purple is a delightful colour combination so my eye is immediately drawn to those two suits - and the oversized floral boutonnière (a ‘trend’ also worn by Billie Eilish’s brother Finneas) - but as a group, it’s tonal and striking. I love how it takes the trope of the matchy-matchy ‘90s boy band, but makes it cool. - ZWA
Travis Barker in Givenchy
My Blink 182 obsessed teenage self constantly finds it odd that Travis Barker is now such a big part of pop culture / kulture. Following the drummer’s appearance in Margiela at the Oscars last week and now this hot pink opera coat for the Grammys, I’m shocked that he’s also somehow appealing to me in a style sense. - ZWA
Billie Eilish in Rick Owens
I admire Billie’s commitment to the all-black cause, and for staying true to her own style. She continues her preference for interesting, voluminous black looks with this cape style ensemble by designer Rick Owens - a wonderfully unexpected red carpet designer, also chosen by Hunter Schafer for the Vanity Fair Oscar after party. Billie’s look is very Winona Ryder in Beetlejuice; I think it’s the hair and the sulky attitude. - ZWA
Justin Bieber in Balenciaga
This big ass suit, hot pink beanie and steel-toe Crocs outfit is going to see Justin on a number of worst-dressed lists, and while yes, it’s silly, I have to admit that I quite like his commitment to this niche style choice.
The singer - and his stylist Karla Welch - loves oversized tailoring, almost as much as he loves Balenciaga (one day soon there will be an investigative fashion story written about the strange chokehold that the luxury fashion brand and its designer Demna Gvasalia has on Justin, Kim Kardashian and Kanye).
Justin’s look is made even more absurdist standing next to his wife Hailey Bieber in a minimalist Saint Laurent - but absurdity is really what we want from the Grammys, isn't it? - ZWA
RuPaul's Drag Race alumni
To quote writer and Instagram curator Evan Ross Katz: always be referencing. There are almost too many iconic references in this fun group shot of Drag Race alumni, each paying homage to a memorable Grammys red carpet moment from the past. There’s Derrick Barry channelling Britney Spears’ white Randolph Duke gown at the 2000s awards, Trinity K. Bonet sitting pretty in an Ariana Grande tulle tribute (from the 2020 red carpet), Coco Montrese in a version of Janet Jackson’s iconic white ensemble in 1993, Naomi Smalls' 1974 butterfly Cher look, and Kameron Michaels homage to Lady Gaga’s homage to David Bowie in 2016. Meta! - ZWA
Lady Gaga in Armani Privé and Tiffany & Co.
Gaga is a fashion chameleon, shape shifting to meet the occasion whether it’s full-force glamour or pushing things forward in something outrageous.
At this year’s Grammys she went for the former, which feels respectful and appropriate given she’s nominated for her album Love for Sale with Tony Bennett (with whom she will also perform). Her simple black Armani Privé gown and Tiffany & Co. jewels cut through the noise of the rest of the red carpet. She later changed into a (Tiffany blue) strapless gown with oversized bow by Elie Saab for her performance that honoured Bennett, later adding a sheer feathered cape.- ZWA
Olivia Rodrigo in Vivienne Westwood
Of course Olivia is wearing a ‘90s inspired, figure-hugging dress to her first Grammy awards. I want to like this more than I do. I do love that it’s by Vivienne Westwood, who is very in keeping with the singer’s glossy teen punk aesthetic, and the styling touches of the prom-appropriate black gloves and matching sparkle chokers. - ZWA
Dua Lipa in Versace
Is it a rule of being a Versace girl that you have to do a Donatella look? Lady Gaga has done it several times over, and this red carpet look is Dua’s Donatella moment.
The strappy bondage leather look with gold hardware and jewellery is inspired by the brand’s Fall 1992 collection and also channels the designer at the 1992 Met Gala, and while it’s been done many times before, it does feel appropriate for the Grammys. - ZWA
Saweetie in Valentino
Another dress that has echoes of the Oscars, with this bosom friendly bra look similar to Trace Ellis Ross’ red dress last week. Saweetie’s bra and skirt is in Valentino’s exclusive new Pantone shade of ‘Valentino Pink PP’.
It’s like these stars know the sure-fire way onto our best dressed list is to wear hot pink Valentino (see also: Carey Mulligan at the 2021 Met Gala. And Billy Porter, below). - Rebecca Wadey, Ensemble co-founder
Billy Porter in Valentino
See above. Will we ever get enough of hot pink Valentino?
This is softer and less structured than Saweetie’s, but the drape still highlights that Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli is an absolute master of proportion.
The purple lips are so good with this and the combination of the two together reminds me of this dream date I’m still devastated not to have been on. - RW
Tiffany Haddish in Prada
I’m post-The After Party obsessed with Tiffany. She’s so compelling on screen. She’s also pretty darn compelling in this custom Prada dress with statement shoulder bow.
I feel like Prada is a surprising choice for the Grammys, which is usually more ‘more is more’ than the classy, elegant Oscars (cough), but I’m really here for it.
I also loved Lupita in gold Prada for the Oscars and yet the two gowns feel completely unrelated (unlike St Vincent’s and Jessica Chastain’s wonderful Gucci moments). - RW
Laverne Cox wearing John Galliano
I have to admit I was a tad underwhelmed by Laverne at the Oscars. The stiff duchesse satin gown seemed devoid of her usual pizazz. So I’m so glad to see a return to a Laverne that excites.
A sheer gown over a corset (or togs?!) isn’t exactly original, it was a strong look at the Oscars (and even more so at the after parties) but this John Galliano feels a little more mysterious and Gothic than those.
And her purple hair is amazing, even more so for its perfect coordination with her makeup. That face, that makeup; so beautiful. - RW
