On Sunday, Feb. 2, award season kicked off with the 67th Grammy Awards. This was a huge event for many new artists, but did the outfits reflect that? Here are some of the most controversial and unforgettable Grammys outfits, and whether I, content editor and not at all fashion expert, would classify them as “wear” or “tear.”
TEAR: Jaden Smith’s Castle Hat
Jaden Smith was one of the first red-carpet looks that got my attention — and the most bizarre. There will always be someone looking to make a statement with their outfit, but I just couldn’t nod and pretend to understand what he was trying to get at here. With a Louis Vuitton black tux and a black castle atop his head, Smith (very seriously) posed for the cameras. According to Vanity Fair, this hat was designed by ABODI and is referred to as the “Vampire Castle.” I don’t think this was the time or place for this bold choice, making it a TEAR!
WEAR: Chappell Roan’s Grammy Gown
This was a big night for Chappell Roan, so it makes sense that her outfit was just as memorable. Her extravagant yellow ball gown comes from Jean Paul Gaultier’s 2003 Spring/Summer Couture collection. Combined with various pastel colors, pastel blue gloves, bright yellow shoes and classic Chappell makeup, this eye-catching outfit was more like an art installation. I’m not sure if there will ever be such an occasion for me to wear something like this, but the verdict is in: WEAR!
TEAR: Billie Eilish’s Sailor Suit
Billie Eilish’s black-and-white Prada suit is very laid-back and what I would expect from the cool and casual singer. I typically love her boxy menswear looks, but this one felt especially underwhelming — some fans were even comparing it to a butler outfit. Personally, I wasn’t a fan of the small sunglasses and sailor hat. I think that Eilish’s evolution as an artist has been magnified this past year, so I would have loved to see some kind of different direction in her styling as well (or maybe just some better accessorizing). There’s always next year, but for now: TEAR!
WEAR: Sabrina Carpenter’s Feathery Fashion Statement
After a wildly successful year, Sabrina Carpenter wore a custom backless baby blue silk gown with tiers of blue feathers, styled by JW Anderson. Viewers noticed that this dress was a reference Shirley MacLaine’s look in the 1964 film “What a Way to Go!” Carpenter easily captures the old-Hollywood vibe with her Marilyn Monroe appeal. The Chopard 50-carat diamond pendant necklace down her back was the frosting on the cake for me. This was my favorite look of the night. She’s typically very casual with her outfits — usually in a shiny dress — so seeing her take to something with volume and length was exciting: WEAR!
TEAR: Clairo’s Polka-Dot Corset
I am a very lifelong dedicated polka dot hater. Unfortunately, this hatred is so strong that it remains present no matter who is wearing it. So, when Clairo hit the carpet in a polka dot corset gown designed by Miss Claire Sullivan, I was disappointed. I thought this outfit was unique, though it didn’t quite capture her aura as an artist. This corset would’ve been so amazing as a solid color, and it would’ve complimented her new micro-bang hairstyle and soft makeup. It was an opportunity missed: TEAR!
WEAR: Lady Gaga’s Gothic Glam
Lady Gaga knows how to shut down a red carpet. She wore an all-black Samuel Lewis gown with a high neck, corset-style bodice and pointed sleeves. She fully committed to the gothic look; her bleached eyebrows and black hair with micro bangs made this an unforgettable fashion statement. There is so much detail in this outfit, right down to the laces surrounding her entire corset. Now THAT is how you do a vampire look: WEAR!
