Celebrity Style Slam comes back with a real twist to the attitude and presentation. NY-based writer Nancy Lichtenstein who covers NYFW for me joins me in evaluating the fashion content seen on the red carpet. While we talk about the fashion winners and losers, you can weigh in with comments about our perspective.
Nancy’s comments are bolded, mine are not- just so you are clear on who’s talking.
This is stage one– the dress from the red carpet. The second and third really deserve another post. own post.
NL:
The great thing about the Grammys from a fashion viewpoint is that the women there are performers who know the value of a good costume change. In some cases, this can be taken a bit too far– Beyonce was seen in not one but three different looks Sunday night. But hey, it gives us the opportunity to compare her to herself, which may be fairer than comparing her with another chanteuse. Does she live up to her aspirations as a fashion icon? Let’s see.
Dress One: Red Carpet
Color
NL:
In general I’m not crazy about very plain neutrals like this, but I think in this case it was a smart choice, because her skin and hair really stand out and she’s glowing.
SW: This was a great color choice because it goes with her warm hair color and skin tones. However I would have chosen a different style and fabric to show it off. More later!
Shape and Style
NL:
The top of the gown really, really bothers me–it looks like the uniform the people who work the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom in Disney wear. The shoulder pads and folded over sleeves paired with the light khaki are very jarring on a formal gown, and I’m not really thrilled with the prominent metal zipper either. I used to have “rompers” that looked like this back in the 80’s (for those of you lucky enough to be too young to remember these, they’re jumpsuits with short legs) and I’m still doing penance for it. This is what happens when you let your mother dress you when you’re almost 30.
The waist and skirt are actually flattering to her curves. If this dress had a simpler bodice, it could be a knockout.
SW: Here’s where Nancy and I part ways. I think the dress is right in spots and wrong in others. Skip the collar and the puffed sleeves embellished by pleats. The low-cut V-neck is just dandy. Make it a cap or short sleeve dress with a boat collar added onto the v-neck and it’s a lot better.
The waist is fine but beyond that– who thought putting a visible zipper on such a boring dress with too much going on was a smart idea? Edgy yes with minimalistic details it’s great. With a dress with so much going on, Beyonce looks like a birthday cake. (sorry Beyonce. I tried to like it. It’s not your best fashion moment– -but not your worst either)
The skirt is way too long, has too much pleating and really the entire dress would be better if it were satin or charmeuse with embellished skirt of lace overlay where all the pleats start. Think about that.
Hair/Makeup/Accessories
NL:
I love her hair–the blonde highlights add nice contrast and the simple, smooth style doesn’t compete with the dress, although she also looks great in wild curls too. This hair style was probably easier to deal with while performing, though.
SW: Great hairstyle. It’s very simple and fresh. It’s supposed to compliment the “heidi gone whack” look of the dress but doesn’t quite help enough.
NL
The makeup is perfect too. She just looks pretty and fresh.
SW: totally agree with Nancy on the make-up as well.
NL
The earrings are a definite statement, and while my earlobes are crying out in sympathy, it’s refreshing to see accessories that are actually visible!
SW: Beyonce is big on earrings and usually on necklaces. I can see why she didn’t wear more The dress overpowered everything else– though a pop of color from visible shoes and handbag would have helped a lot!!
Overall Rating Three stars. I have to note that if the bodice of this dress were better this could have been a five star outfit.
SW: 2.5 stars in my book. This was not a stellar moment for her.
Thank you to Nancy Lichtenstein for her spot-on, incisive commentary. It’s really interesting because she’s on the East Coast and I am on the West Coast and yet we come up with similar conclusiions. (PS. I don’t see her writing until she’s finished the review).
Stevie Wilson, LA-Story.com
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