In the last couple of years we have seen a shift in award show dressing to a more casual aesthetic, with Hollywood’s most fashionable trading in their restrictive ballgowns for pantsuits.
And with styles becoming even more casual and comfortable during COVID-19 lockdowns, the question arises: What will the future of red carpet dressing be post pandemic?
After talking to celebrity stylist Joiee Thorpe – responsible for Jazmine Sullivan’s winning red carpet and performance looks at Sunday’s BET awards – it is clear, catsuits are the new power suits!
After talking to celebrity stylist Joiee Thorpe – responsible for Jazmine Sullivan’s BET look on Sunday night – it’s clear, catsuits are the new power suits!
‘Catsuits are sexy and great to dance and move around in on stage,’ said Joiee, who has worked with countless celebs, including Gabriel Union, Naomi Harris, Misty Copeland, Andra Day, Demi Lovato, Erykah Badu and Lion Babe, to name a few.
While Jazmine wore a gorgeous hot pink Gucci gown on the carpet, ‘she really wanted a catsuit for her performance and it was clear I had to get one custom made.’
After looking at a few different designers, the New York-based stylist knew Bao Tranchi, who has created garments for Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Ashley Graham, could turn her vision into a reality.
‘Bao’s designs are so beautiful, sexy and edgy which was exactly what I was looking for.’
‘We wanted both girls to compliment each other in a rich fabric like velvet and Bao assured me of how flattering the catsuit would be with the mesh and velvet combination’
‘Catsuits are sexy and great to dance and move around in on stage,’ said Joiee who has worked with the likes of Gabriel Union, Naomi Harris, Misty Copeland, Andra Day, Demi Lovato, Erykah Badu, Lion Babe and more
Jazmine’s one-piece was a part of a larger whole, with the other artists on stage and set design taken into consideration.
‘The dancers were going to be in different shades and tones of brown and tan, and a part of the performance stage was leopard print,’ said Joiee.
‘I wanted Jazmine to stand out, so I wanted her in a deep chocolate brown.’
To perform “On It” from her new album Heaux Tales, singer Ari Lennox was set to join the 34-year-old.
‘We wanted both girls to compliment each other in a rich fabric like velvet, and Bao assured me that the mesh and velvet combination would be flattering.
‘Adding subtle details like an exaggerated ruched sleeve elevated the look and took it to another level.’
Jazmine’s soft gorgeous hairdo by celebrity stylist Dhairius and beautiful makeup by Marita completed her show-stopping appearance.
Pregnant with baby number two, Cardi B took to the stage in a crystal-covered black Dolce & Gabbana catsuit featuring a stomach cutout that revealed her growing belly for her special performance of the song “Type Sh–” with Migos
Blonde bombshell Ciara turned heads on the carpet that evening in a crystal-embroidered catsuit with matching boots and a black leather belt. The sexy sparkly number was designed by Alexandre Vauthier
While a shapely woman might avoid body-hugging garments, Joiee reveals that a catsuit is actually a great silhouette for a woman with curves.
‘It accentuates the body and is very flattering. For an amazing fit, a luxury stretch fabric is key.’
Cardi B and Ciara are both in on the sartorial tip.
Pregnant with baby number two, the “WAP” singer took to the stage in a crystal-covered black Dolce & Gabbana catsuit featuring a stomach cutout that revealed her growing belly for her special performance of the song “Type Sh–” with Migos.
Blonde bombshell Ciara turned heads on the carpet that evening.
Standing 5’7″ she shined in a crystal-embroidered catsuit with matching boots and a black leather belt.
The sexy sparkly number was designed by Alexandre Vauthier.