It’s often joked that the American Music Awards are the Grammy’s nerdy little cousin, which is kind of true (Dick Clark created them for ABC in 1973 when the network lost the contract to air the Grammys), but they still manage to get a decent amount of stars to attend. It usually comes down to a handful of A-listers and then people like the Kardashians. But the fashion is usually something to see. Two years ago Gwen Stefani wore a legendary embellished Balmain jacket that I’ll never forget. How did the stars fair this year? There were some solid sexy looks and some big misses. And unfortunately, no Gwen Stefani.
Jennifer Lopez in Reem Acra
Demure and subtle as usual… But seriously, this dress is a very Jennifer Lopez – and just recently appeared on the runway at Reem Acra’s spring 2015 collection. Her figure looks incredible. While I normally don’t love dresses like this, I feel like somehow Lopez almost always manages to make looks like work. She definitely has the confidence for it. The hair and makeup are also perfect. She even manages to look good in that pale shade of pink. It’s a sexy and attention-getting look for a music award show – something Lopez does well.
Fergie in Halston Heritage
This is the best Fergie’s looked in a long time – healthy and beautiful. Gold and black is always a good combo. And while it’s a good looking dress, it’s a total copy of the long black Stella McCartney dress many celebs have worn the last couple of years. And the shoes are a little too matchy. I’d would have gone with something else.
Selena Gomez in Giorgio Armani Privé
Love the Neil Lane earrings and the matching gold cuff bracelets (totally into that look right now) but the dress feels a little too severe, like she really wanted to be taken seriously as an adult musician. Imagine Cate Blanchett in this dress for an awards show like the Golden Globes or the SAGs. Way better, right? Blanchett has the chic vibe and maturity that would have suited this look much better.
Olivia Munn in Lanvin
I like the idea of this dress but not sure it’s right on the actress. The material is awesome and I looove the belt but something feels off – I think it’s the cut of the arms, which might have worked better as long sleeves. The material reminded me of the gold Lanvin dress Meryl wore to the Oscars a few years ago in 2012. But it worked better. Munn is sure lovely though.
Heidi Klum in Versace
Heidi often chooses some unfortunate Versace dresses for the red carpet and this one is no exception. Donatella just doesn’t have the same innate taste and sense of restraint that her brilliant bother Gianni had. I don’t mind the sparkly pink ribbon idea on the top piece but other half is not good. And what’s with those shoes?
Elizabeth Banks in Peter Pilotto
I like Elizabeth Banks – she seems cool. And she takes chances with fashion that are fun and work for her. Like, this is a perfect dress for a music awards show. It’s sexy and a little edgy and doesn’t take itself too seriously. The hair and makeup also work well. Not loving the shoes though. They feel mid-90s to me and not in a good way.
Rita Ora in Zac Posen
I think Rita Ora is interesting and she’s often taking fashion risks – some work and many do not. Like this yellow ballgown. It’s one of those dresses that a super-rich socialite/philanthropist would wear to a fundraiser in Palm Beach – not a great look. And that colour is a hard one to pull off, no matter how cool or beautiful you are.
Kate Beckinsale in Kaufmanfranco
Not sure why she was there and it’s not really the best look for a music awards show but she looks incredible. This is a super glamourous look. But it would make way more sense at the Cannes Film Festival. I love the diamond serpenti Bulgari chocker – it’s so Dynasty. I actually saw the same chocker at Galeries Lafayette in Paris in May and freaked out. Because it’s so fancy!
Casey Wagar 