Grammys 2012: A refined wackiness
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There have been plenty of mouth-dropping moments this evening, but not because someone’s dress was illuminated with LED lights or arrived in a blazing chariot. The edginess and wackiness that has come to define Grammy fashion was in full force, but done in an elevated and sophisticated manner.
Katy Perry is a perfect example. She managed to work her love for bold color and whimsical detail into her look (a turquoise Elie Saab gown with a train and hair dyed to match), but kept the silhouette elegant and relatively conservative.
Fergie did the same, though a little more risque, in a neon orange Jean Paul Gaultier Couture fitted gown that revealed high cut black underpants and matching bra. She kept her makeup neutral and accessorized with gold, goddess-like Neil Lane jewelry.
More artists working the long silhouette (all with the drama of a train) were Jessie J, in a disco ball of a gown by Julien Macdonald. She admitted it was heavy, but loved the disco ball quality. She offset the traditional silhouette of the dress with her signature sleek black ponytail and heavy bangs.
Rihanna, in a black silk custom Giorgio Armani gown with a plunging neckline and high-leg slit that seemed like a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen, also donned a long, mermaid silhouette. She collaborated with Armani on the dress’ design and said she was inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer’s character in ‘Scarface’: ‘simple, sexy but gangsta at the same time’ she told E! host Ryan Seacrest. The singer accessorized with Neil Lane’s diamond and gold snake armlet, wide gold cuff, diamond rings and geometric diamond and gold triangle earrings, which sound like more jewelry than there was dress. But, thankfully, no wardrobe malfunctions ... yet.
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Katy Perry in head to toe turquoise
Host LL Cool J is dapper in black velvet
-- Melissa Magsaysay
Photos, from left: Jessie J, Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times; Rihanna, Larry Busacca / Getty Images; Fergie, Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times.