On Sunday evening (May 22nd), the annual Billboard Music Awards 2016 took place in Las Vegas. Hosted by artists Ciara & Ludacris, it promised a great show full of big performances, jokes, a lot of dancing and of course awards. And though the ceremony itself was good fun, the red carpet, (albeit pink on this occasion), is always my main focus but sadly it wasn’t as amazing as previous years. Though there were some dramatic entrances and gorgeous gowns, I found the majority only hit the half-way mark on the fashion front. That said, let’s have a look at who has made the Killer Fashion Best Dressed list this year.
The Best Dressed
Laverne Cox was hands down the best dressed at the soirée yesterday evening. Attending the awards in Michael Costello, the dress featured lace sides & sleeves, with sheer-striped panels along the v-neckline, waist and hips with a deep fishtail skirt finish. I adore all the details and the shape of this dress, which the actress styled with a Nathalie Trad black box clutch and jewellery by Lorraine Schwartz & Ofira Jewels. Dark smokey eyes, a soft lipstick and straight hair completed her look.
Singer Kelly Rowland looked absolutely fabulous at the awards too, shining in this silver embellished gown. The mother of one donned this head-turning gown by Labourjoisie, a sleeveless creation adorned with sparkling gems & beads in lines down the front with swirl designs around the bust & sides that fell into a short train. The fitted look was perfectly styled with silver rings & subtle earrings, soft smokey eyes and nude lips, with a slicked back straight hairstyle to finish. Just gorgeous!
Looking fabulous in a flurry of red, Kerri Kasem attended in this gorgeous gown by Stello by Stephanie Costello. The presenter’s dress featured a v-cut neckline, red floral embroidery on a nude sheer polka dot body with a wrap design and ruffles on the waist, that fell into a fishtail skirt. Straight hair, flawless makeup and black peeptoe heels with minimal accessories completed this look – and I am in love.
Classic Black & White
Actress Jessica Alba opted for a dark look, wearing a Zuhair Murad mini crochet lace dress with thigh-high boots by Stuart Weitzman. The actress also donned dark smokey eyes and nude pink lips, a top knot with visible ends and Cartier jewels.
Joining the party in black, supermodel & presenter Heidi Klum attended in an Alfredo Villalba dress. The square mesh dress featured sheer off-the-shoulder straps with a lace underlay skirt that cut off below the knee. Styling ankle strap Christian Louboutin sandals and Lorraine Schwartz jewellery, the tall blonde kept her makeup soft with subtle smokey eyes and nude lips with relaxed mermaid waves.
Kate Beckinsale looked beautiful in her white dress choice, attending the awards in Hamel. Her mermaid gown featured off-the-shoulder straps with a straight plunging neckline and sheer panel in between that was styled with Brian Atwood heels, Butani diamond earrings and a clutch bag by Anya Hindmarch. A sweeping updo with neutral makeup rounded up her awards attire.
Rachel Platten looked great in her black & white striped pantsuit by Alice + Olivia. The blonde beauty attended the awards in boss-like attire wearing a black bandeau with her blazer & trousers, styling with Zoë Chicco jewellery, an Edie Parker box clutch and black pumps. Mermaid waves, lined eyes and nude lips with a white manicure completed her look.
Looking gorgeous in black & silver, Rebecca Romijn attended wearing a mini dress by Davidson Zanine. Her strapless choice was intricately designed with metallic threading and scalloped lattice that had rather a regal vibe to it. I also adore the black & silver paneled sandals by Renè Caovilla, that were complimented with an array of silver jewels, nude shimmer lips, lined eyes, big lashes and a red manicure. A curled sideswept hairstyle and the actress was all set for the night.
The girls of Fifth Harmony looked truly on point, and I love when a group dress together and co-ordinate this well. Ally Brooke attended in a sleeveless black lace gown that featured a wide-v neckline and fitted skirt & train, with curled hair and soft makeup; Normani Hamilton opted for a voluptuous strapless sweetheart gown from Balmain with a beaded bustier and thigh-high cut skirt showing off her dazzling T-bar sandals; Dinah Jane-Hansen wore a sleeveless high neck midi dress that featured embellished motifs on the waist and shoulder with which she also wore bedazzled T-bar sandals; Lauren Jauregui attended in a classic black silk slip dress by La Perla Lingerie with lace trims and a v-neckline with strong eyes & brows; and Camila Cabello wore a black sleeve- and backless dress designed by Alexandre Vauthier that featured a gold choker neckpiece and a leg split showing off her chunky-heeled sandals. All of the girls also wore jewellery by Sara Weinstock Jewelery. Fifth Harmony also performed during the awards, which you can watch here.
A Splash of Colour
Halsey wore a daring cut out dress by Fausto Puglini, as she attended the awards in this white gown. It featured gold, silver & red embroidered chains with trims along one half of the bodice and shoulder strap, whereas the other half was adorned with black & red swirl designs, and buttons along the bust. The dress also had a sun motif in the middle of the bust and halfway-down on the skirt, along with two leg splits on the skirt showing off her silver peeptoe sandals. The tall brunette kept the rest of her look simple & chic with naturally curly hair, soft makeup and minimal accessories.
Attending in a lace affair, actress & singer Lucy Hale wore this plum & black ensemble by wore a Zuhair Murad. Her high neck longsleeve sheer top featured ornate designs that contrasted with the crochet lace mini skirt. Opting for black triple strap heels by Giuseppe Zanotti with a Rauwolf clutch, earrings by Kavant & Sharart and Paige Novick rings, the Pretty Little Liars actress completed her awards attire with a slicked down bun, strong eye makeup & nude lips.
Singer Ariana Grande made her appearance on the pink carpet in a black, white & blue sleeveless gown by Atelier Versace. The dress featured cut outs & sheer panels with a plunging neckline and leg split showing off her Giuseppe Zanotti platforms. The typical ponytail, cat eyeliner and nude lips completed her ensemble. Usually I like Ari’s style, but I find this look rather boring. I wish she’d step out of the box that little bit more. Later in the show, Ariana also performed a medley of her songs ‘Dangerous Woman’ and ‘Into You’, which you can watch here.
Going for a bold bright colour, Tove Lo attended the Billboard Awards donning this orange dress from Stella McCartney. The crochet cut outs along the bodice and around the skirt made for a peekaboo affair, though perfect for the hot summer’s day in Las Vegas. The Swedish native added black & gold platform peeptoes to the look, with her brunette hair styled into relaxed dreads with fresh faced makeup and shimmering eyeshadow to finish.
Also opting for a vibrant choice, actress Priyanka Chopra looked cool in blue donning this Atelier Versace look. The v-cut dress featured a wrap effect on the bodice & waist with a thigh-high leg cut and an industrial halterstrap. Black ankle strap heels, a side-fringed updo and lined eyes with nude pink lips rounded up this look. Maybe I’m just not a fan of the designer anymore, because I’m also bored of this look as I am with Ariana Grande’s choice.
Metallic Madness
Sparkling on the pink carpet, Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell attended the soirée donning this halter dress by Sherri Hill. The dress was embellished with gems and featured waist cut outs that complimented the mid slit on the skirt. Her curled bob haircut was a gorgeous fit for both the weather and the occasion, which were enhanced by simple jewels and flawless makeup.
Grammy-winning singer Idina Menzel also attended the awards, donning a Michael Costello dress. Her midi style featured glitter-covered sides & skirt, with thick black shoulder straps and black sheer panels on the bust for subtle va va voom. She added Jacob & Co. jewellery, with Renè Caovilla barely there sandals and an Edie Parker clutch. Statement drop earrings, straight hair and strong makeup completed her glittering look.
Though she skipped the pink carpet, legendary singer Celine Dion attended the Billboard Awards, in this stunning gold asymmetrical gown. The fully sequined look featured a ruched design with a wrap detail on the waist and a leg cut that showed off her gold Charlotte Olympia heels. Her hair & makeup were flawless, and her performance of Queen’s ‘The Show Must Go On’ was brilliant, which you can watch here. Celine Dion was also honoured with the Billboard Icon Award.
Hosting alongside Ludacris, Ciara stepped out in a liquid silver sleeveless dress, that showed off plenty of flesh from the sides. Her chainmail gown, by German designer Philipp Plein, also featured leg slits that showcased her silver ankle heels by Casadei. A full-fringed quick bun hairstyle with minimal jewels rounded up her first look of the night. As you know, Ciara was also co-hosting the show, changing outfits a handful of times. Her other looks included designs Naeem Khan, Michael Costello, Roberto Cavalli, Lexi Clothing and Galia Lahav.
Blushing Beautiful
Liz Hernandez is always a delight on the fashion front, and she sure looked gorgeous in this blush pink creation by Elle Zeitoune. The leather look featured a bustier bodice with a wrap skirt and peplum detail that worked beautifully against her skintone, and with her Stuart Weitzman sandals. Beachy waves, dewy makeup and the Access Hollywood presenter was all set for the big show.
Always wonderful, Zendaya attended the Billboard Awards in a chic nude-coloured two piece as she wore this custom-made Calvin Klein Collection bralette & high-wiasted skirt look. The young brunette worked her tall frame in Charlotte Olympia shoes with jewellery by John Hardy, that complimented the effortless look to a tee! Straight hair, strong brows and flawless makeup rounded up her awards attire.
The Couples
Menswear
Notable Mentions
Click to see all the winners of Billboard Music Awards 2016
Nirina xx
Images © respective owners, courtesy of Zimbio
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