First of all, thanks for all the messages and notes asking if I was still doing fashion articles. I had a terrible cold during the Golden Globes and just couldn’t get an article out. So I’m going to try to make it up to you with this year’s Grammy review.

There was plenty going on at the Grammy red carpet this year - but maybe the most shocking was the lack of celebrity powerhouses. Beyonce (who was at 2 pre-Grammy award events this weekend) was very noticeably absent, especially considering her four nominations. Taylor Swift who had three nominations backed out from showing and performing. Lady Gaga - absent even though she ended up winning 2 Grammys. Cardi B - skipped the carpet entirely. Kacey Musgraves where are you? And Keith Urban’s fashionista and multi-talented wife Nicole Kidman was at home with the flu. But even with the lack of star-power, there was still plenty to look at.

THE BEST

Ariana Grande brought the drama (very fitting) in this oversized Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown. The grey tulle dress was over 20 feet in diameter…which is pretty epic considering Ariana’s tiny frame. This is likely why she took a little rest on the red carpet. She finished the look with opera gloves and custom Louboutin heels with non-slip soles. And not surprisingly, she wore her signature ponytail and dark cateye.

Gwen Stefani stole the show in this short beaded Dolce & Gabanna dress. Stefani is taking a big risk, being one of the few A-List celebrities willing to wear Dolce & Gabanna on a red carpet. Over the past year, Dolce & Gabanna have been blacklisted for racism and extremely offensive social media. Regardless of that, the dress is perfection on Gwen. I love the shimmer, the design, the shape - pretty much everything. While I would have preferred a pair of killer heels, these boots make the outfit edgier which is more authentic to Gwen. Her hair and makeup - stunning. I hope Blake knows how lucky he is.

Jameela Jamil is not a name I’ve ever heard before (she is the girlfriend of James Blake)…but it’s certainly one I’m going to remember. She bested the majority of the celebrities in this vibrant blue pailette shingle tiered gown from Georges Chakra - a Lebanese-based haute couture designer. The dress is young and playful and a great choice for her. Her makeup and hair are beautiful - and the absence of jewelry makes us focus on one thing: her face. Overall, one of the most memorable looks of the night. Can’t wait to see her on the next red carpet

Heidi Klum impresses me (finally) in this killer Dundas dress. 9 times out of 10, Heidi goes kooky and ends up on my worst dressed list. I love Heidi - and she is super sweet in person (we had a shopping moment together on Roberston Blvd in LA). So I was so glad she wowed me at the Grammys. Love the jewelry and the Giuseppe Zanotti sandals. If I was going to picky, I’d likely have pulled some of the hair back or up or cut off a couple inches. Happy seeing Heidi looking her best self.

Lizzo has never looked better - thanks to Atelier Versace. When I first saw this look, I loved how she was channeling a Marilyn Monroe look with the draped faux fur and diamonds. I’m glad that Lizzo kept the makeup and hair simple and fresh because there is a lot going on with this look already - and bold hair and makeup could have ruined this look. The construction and fit of the dress is perfection - proving Versace still has it. Her strappy sandals are by Rene Caovilla and the $2 million worth of diamonds are by Lorraine Schwartz.

Oooooo oooooo ooooo. Bebe Rexha was certainly not shy in this oversized Christian Cowan tuxedo with chainmail turtleneck. Last year, Bebe had difficulty finding a designer to work with her (because she isn’t sample size) - but since then she is always one of my faves to watch and she almost always knocks it out of the ballpark. Her hair and makeup - brilliant. I think this is the sexiest look of the night. Well done!

Camila Cabello all too often dresses too girly for my liking - but at this year’s Grammys she embraced her womanhood. She proved that she can handle couture in this edgy gothic Atelier Versace gown. The sculptural overskirt sits atop a woven leather minidress embellished with Swarovski crystals. Certainly Camila appreciates her bling, including the $2 million (over 100 carats) that were provided by Le Vian.

Methinks that Shawn Mendes and Common went shopping together. Shawn totally rocked this Louis Vuitton berry colored tux while Common went for a deeper wine Dolce & Gabbana suit. Both look incredible - but these shades clash with the red carpet. So they might have looked better with black trousers. Overall, I can’t fault their fashion or how they look.

The Jonas Brothers certainly turned heads in their metallic suits by Ermenegildo Zegna XXX. Knowing that they would be photographed together, I appreciate that they worked with a single fashion house to wear complimentary looks. I especially like Nick’s bronze suit and matching shoes and bracelet. A very modern take on formal wear.

The Jonas Brothers in Ermenegildo Zegna XXX

The Worst

Lil Nas X is used to bold outfits but this is just silly. He looks more like a piece of bubble gum than an artist in this Versace ensemble. There is just too much going on from the studding, the exaggerated shoulders, the hat, the harness, the fishnet, the collar, the double belt, the scarf around the wrist and so much more. It actually hurts my eyes looking at this. Lil Nas X - keep the costumes for the stage, not the red carpet.

Oh you two. What on earth were you thinking? Chrissy looks laughable in this peach Yanina Couture gown with dramatic tulle ruffles. I do think her hair and makeup look gorgeous. John isn’t a tall guy - so why is wearing an asymmetrical 3/4 length blazer. It chops him and makes him look even shorter. I couldn’t find the designer of his suit - but perhaps they have gone into hiding?

Billie Eilish proved that she can wear high fashion. Sadly, she also proved she can’t wear it well. This is just silly. Now I love my Gucci but this isn’t stylish, nor a statement, nor attractive. The face-mask makes me think she is either a ninja or has coronavirus or both. The oversized logo suit does nothing for her. The lime green matches her hair - but not sure that’s exactly a good thing either. While I actually think her GG nails are really awesome, the fingerless logo gloves make her look more like a crypt-keeper. Finally, the bejewelled Gucci shoes she is wearing are several seasons old. I much preferred the Gucci outfit she wore to perform in.

I like that Billy Porter embraces his true self - but Billy needs to embrace fashion and not gimmicks. Billy’s hat had a motorized fringe - but if you look closely, the construction was amateur. The hat is silly. The fact that it’s motorized is ridiculous. The sparkly blue pantsuit by Baja East looks like it came out of a terrible early 80s music video. Even Billy’s jewelry bothered me…for starters, whats with the spider bracelet? The spider bracelet didn’t even fit and looked as though it was about to fall off his wrist when he was presenting. Billy can work with any stylist or designer, and I would to see him in more luxurious and stylish fashion. Please Billy Please!

Shania Twain don’t impress me much in this trainwreck of a dress by Christian Siriano. This polka-dot tulle ruffle dress over a black romper has way too much going on. The skirt and sleeves are oversized and not flattering. I actually like the ruffled neckline but the belt looks cheap. The romper is too young for the 54 year old songstress. But what I like the least is the hair. C’mon girl. You looked great in the silver mirrored dress that you presented in…that should have been your red carpet look.

I love Ben Platt. I love Balmain. But this just doesn’t not work for me. Did Ben raid Liza Minnelli’s closet? Was this from the original Cabaret? The turtleneck with the retro print just makes him look twice his age. I don’t like the short trousers but I do like the Jimmy Choos he is wearing. So I guess he did something right. Ben, I’ll be in NYC for the Tony Awards - lets go shopping and I’ll get you all suited up for next gala season - ok?

2020 Grammy Awards Fashion Critique

THE BEST

The Worst