In Style Grammy Party with Rihanna and a chat with Jimmy Jam

Last night, In Style magazine and the Recording Academy celebrated musicians-turned-designers such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, Jessica Simpson and Justin Timberlake. Of course, none of them were actually there, but models with jutting hip bones showed off their wares in a quick fashion show united by a love of Skittles- colored tights and extroverted pop attitude. There was free champagne. Rihanna, in red glassy lips and her latest hairstyle (will it give rise to the tiny backhawk?), closed the show with a flawlessly confidant performance, one that made it hard to believe she's only 19. But did I mention there was free champagne?

The party didn't start until 10:30 or so, after the crowd had indulged on Boulevard 3's free cigarettes. (Very dangerous for reformed nonsmokers, these glass dishes of American Spirits.) Naturally the crowd was showing off their best credit-card splurges -- suede lace-up boots, clingy white satin dresses, etc. Shortly before the show, Rihanna cut through at a stately pace, wearing a black lace shorts deal with a high-necked collar. I report with relief that the lady has thighs, the real kind, good for soccer. David Spade and crew of fluttery handlers trailed the Barbados-born beauty. I'd insert a joke here about Spade's romantic life -- I don't think you stand a chance with Ri, buddy -- but the whole thing just makes me apathetic. If you must know the latest, go here.

Rihanna's performance was definitely the highlight of the evening; in fact, the crowd poured out after she left the stage, abandoning DJ Chris Cox to soundtracking the remaining audience's discussions for where to go next. By this time, I'd managed to share a couch with Jimmy Jam, who will be reuniting with the Time for a Grammy performance. Here's our little chat:

Why are so many musicians involved with fashion? How does this compare with the '80s?

It's a natural extension of their music and lifestyle. When we have a new act, we make sure there's sponsorship or endorsements. It's part of the package, though music is always at the center. In the '80s, it was almost a sin to be in a commercial or think in those ways. Remember Michael Jackson's red leather jacket? If that was now, he would've made it himself.

As the chairman of the Recording Academy, what do you think of this year's nominees? Any favorites?

I'm very proud of the nominees, particularly the diversity. There's a sentiment that music is dead, the industry's in the tank, so forth, but this is the next 50. That's our slogan [tied to the Grammys 50th anniversary]: The next 50 are here. I don't think I can have any favorites really, but I absolutely love Feist.

What do you think of the big labels losing ground to some of the smaller labels? What about the new promotional devices artists have at their disposal now, MySpace, etc.?

Smaller labels are much more nimble. I don't think the majors are good at building an artist from the ground up. They're good at 10-100 but from 1 to 10, you're better on your own. You can put the product out on the Internet, you can market it any way you want. It's in the artist's control.

You produced Janet Jackson's amazing "Control" album with Terry Lewis and won a Grammy for it. Do you see any comparisons between Rihanna and Janet?

I think so. They are both charismatic, energetic performers and they blur the lines. In a song like "Shut Up and Drive," Rihanna gives it a rock edge. There are differences -- Rihanna gives some of that island flavor -- but both know how to make a song their own.

Will you get any time to relax this weekend, at all?

Today I woke up at 6 a.m., went to Grammy career day, then I went to rehearsal for the Time. I took a moment between rehearsal and coming here to run home and hug my kids. But it's those kind of moments that make it all worth it. I'll sleep when I'm dead.

--Margaret Wappler

Photo 1: Dress from Beyonce's House of Dereon. Photo 2: Rihanna with dancers. Credit: Margaret Wappler