Last night’s ceremony set the fashion stakes high, including Megan Thee Stallion in Gaultier, Lil Nas X in new season Richard Quinn, and Lil Kim in head-to-toe Prada
The BET awards were back in full swing last night, following 2020’s subdued virtual event. Dubbed the “Year of the Black Woman”, the night honoured Queen Latifah with a Lifetime Achievement Award and featured performances from some of the best women in hip-hop, including Cardi B (who revealed her pregnancy on stage), Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Kim, and H.E.R.
Otherwise, Tyler, the Creator performed his new single “Lumberjack” from his upcoming album Call Me If You Get Lost, Lil Nas X snogged his dancers on-stage during a performance of “Montero (CMBYN)”, and Burna Boy became the first African artist to take home three consecutive BETs in a row.
The ceremony also included a much-needed IRL red carpet full of fresh lewks from all of our faves. Dressed in archival Versace by stylist Law Roach, Zendaya recreated Beyoncé’s iconic 2003 “Crazy in Love” BET performance outfit, Chlöe Bailey sported a black mesh Valentino gown, and Lil' Kim in snow-white, hooded Prada. Click through the gallery below to see all the best looks of the night.
BURNA BOY
Last night, Nigerian rapper Burna Boy took home the award for Best International Act for the third year in a row, dressed in a crisp white Alexander McQueen suit with piled-on chains. The outfit was styled by his little sister, Ronami Ogulu, who styles most of the rapper’s looks.
ZENDAYA
Zendaya’s awards look paid homage to none other than Beyoncé. The Euphoria star wore a replicated version of the Versace gown that Queen B wore during her “Crazy In Love” performance at the BET awards in 2003. The flowing purple and lime green dress was paired up with a slicked back ponytail and purple heels. Quite iconic.
TYLER, THE CREATOR
Showing up to perform his new single “Lumberjack” from upcoming album Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler, the Creator arrived at the awards wearing black shorts, a pink, leopard print sweater vest layered over a white t-shirt, a wooden beaded necklace, clear sunglasses, a pastel pink fur hat – which seems to be his new signature – and two vintage suitcases in hand. For his performance, however, he ditched the suitcases and switched to a pastel blue look.
MEGAN THEE STALLION
Megan Thee Stallion looked fresh in a custom, barely-there Gaultier dress. Later, the rapper performed her song “Thot Shit”, ripping off a black veil and latex jacket to reveal a sparkling black bodysuit courtesy of Bryan Hearns.
LIL NAS X
As per usual, Lil Nas X turned out lewks. The rapper walked the red carpet in a porcelain-patterned gown by Italian designer Andrea Grossi and new season Richard Quinn, followed by a performance of “Montero (CMBYN)” on-stage in a gold Egyptian-inspired look.
CHLÖE BAILEY
Nominated across four different categories, Chlöe served body in a Valentino mesh gown styled by Zerina Akers. The R&B singer’s look was paired with a black leather bra and underwear set, as well as diamond earrings and nails.
ARLO PARKS
Arlo Parks also turned up in Valentino – sporting an oversized suit jacket and pleated grey trousers from the maison’s Pre-Fall 2021 collection with a fiery red buzz cut.
LIL UZI VERT
Post infamous $24 million diamond removal, Lil Uzi Vert showed up in a pair of camo trousers, a white graphic tee, green puffer vest, work boots, and a bandana over his entire face with eye holes cut out. Are we surprised? Not really.
LIL' KIM
Lil' Kim wore an all-white Prada outfit on-stage, paying tribute to Queen Latifah with a cover of “U.N.I.T.Y.”. Finessing the look, the hip hop legend glued a Prada brooch into her bangs, playing into that long-held Lil' Kim tradition of repping designers with her hair – remember those Versace panels at Donatella’s SS01 show?
QUEEN LATIFAH
Otherwise, the queen, herself – who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award – wore a black cape layered over a white top and pleated skirt by Thom Browne. “I can’t stop smiling,” she said on Instagram.