Fashion
The 2015 BRIT Awards Red Carpet Had It's Share Of Hits And Misses
The Oscars ceremony has come and gone, but Awards Season is by no means over. Just when you thought there were no further red carpet gowns to swoon over or decry until 2016, the BRIT Awards gave fashion critics one last chance to voice their opinions. Nowhere near as formal as the Oscars yet more elegant than the Teen Choice Awards, the BRIT Awards afford musicians and actors the chance to grace the red carpet in whatever they choose — though denim remains a frowned-upon choice, the looks are decidedly more casual than your typical awards ceremony fare. Put on your sartorial critic hat and read on for the best and worst looks of the 2015 BRIT Awards.
Best: Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne may be the sartorial Johnny Depp of the Millennial Generation; she dresses for herself in slightly eccentric, rule-bending looks, but somehow pulls it off flawlessly, as is the case with this undone Saint Laurent ensemble.
Best: Taylor Swift
It may not be the most stereotypically pretty gown Taylor Swift has ever worn, but the intricate dragon motif is aesthetically intriguing on this streamlined Roberto Cavalli gown.
Worst: Rita Ora
I’m a devotee of jumpsuits on the red carpet when they’re done well, but this glittering Zuhair Murad jumpsuit-meets-gown version is a ’70s throwback — and not in a positive way.
Best: Ellie Goulding
I don’t understand why the lining under Ellie Goulding’s gown stops just short of the waist, but the embroidery is too lovely to dismiss the entire look.
Worst: FKA Twigs
Do performers find clothing optional for awards season appearances? I don’t know whether to categorize this Alexander McQueen look as boudoir attire from 50 Shades of Grey or a bikini sarong.
Best: Paloma Faith
One can rarely go wrong in Armani, as singer Paloma Faith demonstrates in this crimson and black beaded tulle gown by Armani Prive.
Toss-Up: Rebecca Ferguson
A bit of beading and embellishment goes a long way, and the top-to-toe crimson rosettes and beading on this column gown overpower Rebecca Ferguson. However, the tailoring and chosen shade are on-point.
Worst: Melanie Sykes
I absolutely abhor hating on a little red dress, but this sheer, peekaboo, bustier rendition makes Melanie Sykes appear as though she forgot to pop her dress on top of her underpinnings.
Toss-Up: Holly Willoughby
The lace cap sleeves, mock neckline, and baroque beading on Holly Willoughby’s frock are ever so slightly heavy for her petite frame, but Willoughby nevertheless looks radiant.
Worst: Marina Diamandis
I understand the Marilyn Monroe referentiality in this gilded, glittering getup, but Marina Diamandis took the look a touch too far.
Worst: Charli Xcx
There is simply too much conflicting detail in this Vivienne Westwood design, not to mention a side of cleavage no one expected to view.
Best: Emma Burton And Melanie Chisholm
Nearly 20 years after debuting their hit single “Spice Up Your Life’, The Spice Girls are still looking every bit the part of polished pop icons.
Best: Laura Whitmore
It seems that Laura Whitmore skipped straight past winter garb and headed for her favorite summer frocks when she selected this buttercup-hued mini dress, but I love the frock’s straightforward style.
Best: Leigh Lezark
Though her platform pumps read a bit Alice In Wonderland, Leigh Lezark’s black and white printed frock is understated perfection.
Best: Jo Whiley
A fitted, cobalt blue column with a subtle side slit is always an acceptable choice on the red carpet.
Best: Zoe Hardman
This slim, white ’60s-style shift with an embellished collar is impossible to resist.
Worst: Lisa Snowdon
Lisa Snowdon’s rainbow mini dress may appeal to Spring’s color wheel trend, but the pattern and cut add too much complexity to the design.
Best: Jamelia
Though she might have found a more on-trend top to pair with her flared skirt, Jamelia’s sartorial instinct was absolutely correct.
Best: Jess Glynne
Though her plunging gown features a daring cut, the simple bias-cut style and refined hue balance out the look.
Toss-Up: Sarah-Jane Crawford
The clusters of embellishments and textured yellow fabric are encouraging features of this complex frock, but I wish the designer had chosen one material instead of creating a mash up of two.
Worst: Ashley Roberts
I strongly feel that Ashley Robert’s frock should be transported back to the archives of Black Swan, where the costume belongs.
Worst: Lianne La Havas
If Lianne La Havas’s cream ensemble lost its extraneous straps and transparent coat, the look would be red carpet perfection.
Toss-Up: Laura Jackson
The shade and shape of Laura Jackson’s frock are on track for a red carpet hit, but the length is a major miss.
Toss-Up: Janelle Monae
I adore Janelle Monae’s signature, menswear-esque look, but the quilted velvet suiting jacket is overwhelming.
Best: Fleur East
Fleur East’s elegantly draped cream halter gown is ’70s style done correctly.
Worst: Rae Morris
The patent leather boots and belt were a terrible sartorial mistake on Rae Morris’s ensemble, but the bright blue shade itself is the main detractor from this ensemble. Utilizing bright shades in moderation should be a red carpet requirement.