Fashion hits and misses

The red carpet serves up white roses and more subdued fashion

The fashion accessory of the Grammy Awards: A single white rose, either pinned or conveniently left with a long stem for red carpet vamping. The message, of course, was a serious one as the music industry looked to follow up the anti-sexual misconduct show of black looks at the Golden Globes. This time, stars were called on to grab a white rose in solidarity. Many did, both men and women, with some also wearing the Time’s Up pins that popped up at the Globes to support the new coalition of the same name in defense of women.

Erin Cunningham, fashion news director at Refinery29.com, wasn’t sold on the white roses, going forward at least. “It seemed kind of last-minute. As these awards show continue, organisations are going to have to figure out a way beyond just carrying or holding something on the red carpet to take the movement forward. I think the first time, seeing everyone in black at the Golden Globes, really made a statement, but we need to evolve past just wearing something on the red carpet.”

Tiffany Reid, senior fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, said ignoring such red carpet moments is precarious. “At this point, if you’re not speaking up you’re getting criticised as much as the people who are doing things that are not appropriate,” she said.

Overall, the usual wacky carpet at the Grammys was more subdued than in years past. There was plenty of black, both traditional tuxedos and dresses and more edgy outfits. But there was also lots of colour: Thank you Sir Elton John and your Gucci sequin and crystal embellished jacket in blue, gold and silver. Bonus: Your yellow acetate sunglasses and Elton John rings. He was equally bedazzled as he performed Tiny Dancer with Miley Cyrus.

Lady Gaga, Katie Holmes and Kelly Clarkson were among those who decided on black for the red carpet, including Cyrus in a nicely done pantsuit by Jean Paul Gaultier. She changed into a red tulle gown by Zac Posen to perform. “She’s been on kind of a hiatus on the red carpet and seeing her in something that’s really classic and toned down, I think she looked really beautiful,” Cunningham said of her black outfit.

Others who walked the carpet focused more on structure. Ladies also chose to wear statement-making, voluminous, almost architectural designs. Cardi B, for example, wore a dress that looked almost as if it had angel wings, while Ashanti’s gold skirt billowed out in a fun lampshade silhouette.

Suiting was clearly an inspiration for women at the Grammys. Andra Day did it beautifully in bright pink for a long dress with red trim, tuxedo lapels and pocket details. Her hair was piled high in a beehive. Eve wore a sophisticated crystal-encrusted striped suit by Naeem Khan, the jacket worn without a top underneath. “She really hasn’t been around lately so it was a surprise to see her and she looked amazing,” Cunningham said.

Speaking of Gaga, her lace cat suit with a full statement skirt was by Armani Prive. Her long platinum hair was swept back in a fishtail braid. The look earned her high praise all around on a carpet that wasn’t quite as star-studded as usual.

Plenty of men went for classic black tuxes, but not all. Zayn Malik chose a pink suit with notch lapels from Richard James while  Sam Smith was in vibrant green.