Huh, I guess my invitations to this weekend’s Grammy turn-ups were conveniently lost in the mail. But no matter: I’m not salty. Everyone looked too good to hold grudges. From Kim Kardashian West‘s “Illuminati” breastplate, to Rihanna‘s brunch-time crop-tops, to the official debut of the Yeezy 750 Boost, Grammy attendees really amped up the lewks for their pre-gaming festivities.
Rihanna paid no mind, though: her “sphinx rising from the ashes” tat was on full display in a stunning two-piece number from Altuzaara; Nicki Minaj chose a demure neon orange cropped fur for the balmy 70 degree outdoor event; Rita Ora, our favorite celeb who just can’t seem to… pop, posed it up with her ex (?) Calvin Harris and Jaden Smith, which we assume means she’ll be throwing the latter on another one of her records we can never seem to recall.
Oh, and yes: Willow and Jaden Smith were there in ’90s raver gear, most likely talking babies and time-space continuums with anyone within earshot. I do love these kids, though, and their music bumps. If either signed to RocNation, I think we’d all soon be reciting the “Twitter deep” riddles and parables they’ll attempt to pass off as lyrics.
I love when interlopers start showing up to a party. Questlove is hardly a surprise, nor is his all-black outfit, but former teen dreams Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato? Grimes? Michael Bolton? I love the convergence of worlds here. Blue-eyed soul, EDM, and “easy listening.”
Speaking of Michael Bolton… tell me he’s featured on Kanye‘s album. Tell me that so I can go to sleep tonight.
I love this pic so much, because not only are Jay and Ri just excited to be alive, but if you look close enough you’ll notice what appears to be emeralds and diamonds casually hanging off Rihanna’s wrists and fingers. Just casually. Because brunch.
CLIVE DAVIS PRE-GRAMMY SALUTE TO ICONS
Dramatic and skin-baring! I love that Ciara, Jordin Sparks, and Rita Ora are all letting their exes — who are very much in attendance this weekend — know that they’ve made awful, regrettable mistakes in these veritable “freakum” dresses.
Clive Davis has never met a R&B diva he’s never loved, so obviously they came out in droves. Between Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, and Ashanti you have an Academy Award, multiple Grammys, a Cover Girl contract, and a Guinness World Record.
Top 40 basics: Taylor Swift will always find an excuse to wear a romper. Always, always. Sam Smith is doing that clean, chic tailoring thing we’ve all come to expect from the man of the hour, and Iggy was really trying to make Princess Bride braids “happen” this weekend (they didn’t, by the way).
Thing about Miguel is the R&B crooner is always on this constant, cloying quest to be like Prince, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Iin PVC pants and a purple velvet blazer, we’ll have to pass and leave it to the legit Purple One. My boyfriend-in-my-head, Common, is given a pass in this otherwise questionable crushed velvet suit, while Pharrell rocks distressed denim in a cool, gentlemanly move. And somehow C. Breezy got past security.
Marjon Carlos is a style and culture writer for Fusion who boasts a strong turtleneck game and opinions on the subjects of fashion, gender, race, pop culture, and men’s footwear.
GET SPLINTER RIGHT IN YOUR INBOX
The Truth Hurts