Lil Nas X, Anele Zondo & LL Cool J: Best and worst dressed of the week

Are you with team diamonds or team grills? See the top look from this past weekend.

30 August 2022 - 13:00
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Lil Nas X arrives at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, US, August 28, 2022. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Lil Nas X arrives at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, US, August 28, 2022. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Image: EDUARDO MUNOZ

Our celebs had fun this weekend and no it's not just the awards they were raking up but the unintentional themes captured in their outfits. From ice princesses to all black-clad Disney villains, the red carpets had one thing in common β€” drama.

Did they drown trying to show us their drip or did they ascend to the top shelf of the fashion history books? Here's a look at the tops and flops of fashion this week:

BEST

LIL NAS X

When you have broken just about every rule at an award show, what do you do to turn heads? Fashion icon, Lil Nas X blurred boring gender binaries once again in a black sculptural Harris Reed outfit. The insanely large head piece that seemed to be sprouting out of his hair and plumed cage hoop skirt brought all the drama, best paired with leather trousers that have cemented this look as his own. Good luck to any brave stylist who sources these pieces for their stars, it is unlikely that they will have rocked it any better than him.

ANELE ZONDO

You simply cannot wear Otiz Seflo without turning heads. While others may have had their feathers ruffled by the dazzling dress, the look has a similar effect to its possible reference by Lil Kim. While most local gowns make the sculptural details the main attraction, this look by the star focuses on her body instead while still featuring this eye-catching detail.

Her icy-coloured wig complements the diamonds dripping from her shoulder to her exposed boob as well as her blinged-out platform heels, this certainly makes Anele Zondo one to watch.

ENHLE MBALI MLOTSHWA

As a designer, Enhle Mbali has an eye for style. This Kim Kardashian-esque look takes a fun spin on the latter reality star's penchant for Balenciaga jumpsuits. 

While the Samas are a formal affair, Enhle spices up in the bright orange colour. The dress could have done without the mesh, opting for a corseted back to create reinforcements or matching leather straps with two large studs on each one to reinforce the details on the dress and gloves.

HONOURABLE MENTION

DJ CLEO

DJ Cleo's actual outfit leaves very little to be desired. However, rocking up on the red carpet on a motorbike was a reminder of why red carpets matter in the first place. Loxion Kulca's Ole Ledimo has his own fashion stable, House of Ole, which he could have tapped as a fellow bike enthusiast. 

He could have also committed to the look with biking boots and rugged denims but the effort of creating memorable pop culture moments is appreciated.

WORST

MONET X CHANGE

The drag superstar has often wowed fans of RuPaul's Drag Race and their career outside the show with well-thought-out looks that illicit thought-provoking discussions on femininity in the black community.

This flower power look stands out thanks to the double afro buns, but falls short with floral mesh top and orange pants. While these would be fun colours to play with embodying daffodils, Monet's mesh lacks finesse considering the designer has turned stronger looks that complement her skin tone, body and even flair for glamour.

LL COOL J

Fashion icons don't stop being fashion icons but what do we call stars who just aren't imaginative with their red carpet looks? 

The best feature coming from the look worn by the king of bucket hats was his signature gold two-finger name ring that matched the piping of his outfit. 

While the VMAs are a more relaxed affair the rap superstar could have looked to smaller apparel designers for a suit that meshes formal wear with athleisure. Playing with the different fabrics or prints that have become synonymous with today's trends.

YUNG GRAVY

Dionne Warwick was perplexed by him, award show fans were confused by his presence and many people are still asking who he is. The rapper made headlines for taking Addison Rae's mother out as his date to the VMAs. While there's nothing wrong with going out with the TikTok star's mother, Gravy was as inspired as his rap name. The 70s look leaves very little to be desired. 

The look is a missed opportunity for the star who nobody seems to know and could have remembered without his sugar mama.

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