It was a night of spectacular (Whitney) and shocking (Glambert) performances. But the 2009 American Music Awards were also one of music’s most fashionable gatherings, with J-Lo premiering her high-strung shoe fetish single, “Louboutins” and, of course, the all-important red carpet arrivals.
Carrie Underwood went Grecian with a Theia lamé. Accessorized with a bejeweled belt and equally shimmering strappies, the country star’s golden number made for one of the evening’s best ensembles.
Leona Lewis finds herself in glam rock aesthetics, care of an all-black look. She paired a Vivienne Westwood shiny black mini with black metallic-embellished ankle boots. The couture-esque silhouette is strategically toned down by not using any accessories at all.
Rihanna continues her reign as music’s high fashion goddess, wearing a black-and-white cutout gown by Marchesa. The exaggerated silhouette features a peep-all-you-want buffet that shows off the Rated R singer’s A-grade body.
Selena Gomez plays up her youth in an age-appropriate Talbot Runhof disco ball sequin dress. The length, the neckline and the little waist ruche detail is still all very Disney wit an edge, thanks to the Rock & Republic strappy sandals.
Mary J. Blige looks positively radiant in a black floor-length creation with knot details. The soulful diva oozes hip-hop fabulosity as she blinged up in Lorraine Schwartz diamonds. Check out the 30-carat frost on her ears!
Paula Abdul showed up in one of the most glamorous creations, a black lace mermaid strapless, breaking up the event’s miniskirt trend. The ex-Idol judge had enough train to make a statement, but not too much fabric to overpower her petite dancer frame.
Fergie may have gone a little too stripper. Sure, her sparkling Armani Privé dress covers up everything that has to be tucked in. But the inflated weave, the highlights, the slit and too much glitter (diamonds?) could have been dialed down a notch.
Shakira wore something that looks a lot like another Versace from another red carpet, the Emmys. Though the lines may look similar (due to the fact that they’re by the same designer), they can’t be more different. The one on the “She-wolf” is a simpler, more cocktail version.
Alicia Keys brought her new album cover’s theme to the red carpet with a cobalt Armani Privé that hugs her in all the right places. The crystal-encrusted dress is accessorized with a few sparklers, but the choice of footwear is curiously too matchy.
Jennifer Lopez puts the emphasis on her perfect Latina skin tone via shades of tan and bronze on her Marchesa mini. The intricate beading on the bodice and the full-feathered skirt evokes a vintage feel, as if reminding us why we always love seeing this showgirl on the red carpet.
