The Billboard Awards for 2012 held on Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas inspired the unusual fashion choices that the music industry is known for. For the Oscars, divas of the big screen parade the red carpet in floor-sweeping gowns. But the Billboard Awards opted for a white carpet this year — and many black female celebrities kept their frocks shockingly short. Amber Rose, Jordin Sparks and Brandy were among the many stars who chose to flash their gams in flirty looks. Even Bobbi Kristina Brown wore a thigh-skimming gold dress to accept an award dedicated to her late mother.
But Brandy made the boldest fashion statement of all, breaking the mold with her hairstyle of tight curls worn in a loose Afro among a flowing sea of hair extensions. For an entertainer who waited years to make the move from braids to straight styles, her sudden switch to a teased afro is notable.
Yet, The Fashion Bomb blog was unimpressed by Brandy’s big hair adventure. Of her head-to-toe look at the 2012 Billboard Awards, the black celeb fashion site opined: “Brandy was also in attendance, rocking a pleated Hervé Leger minidress, copper pumps, and one of Kelly Rowland’s wigs. How nice of Kelly to lend Ms. Norwood one of her toppers. Hot! for the ‘fit, Hmm on the borrowed hair.”
Ouch. Yes, this trend was set in motion by stars like Rowland, Solange, and Jill Scott, but Brandy still deserves to be commended for experimenting. And the Daily Venus Diva site agrees, saying, “Brandy’s hair was full [and] fabulous as she introduced Chris Brown during last night’s show,” awarding the singer for one of the hottest hairstyles of the evening.
Black beauty site Coco & Creme even bestowed on Brandy their honor of “Look of the Day” for her ensemble — “copycat” hair and all.
African-American male stars like John Legend and Usher took the opportunity of the Billboard Awards 2012 white carpet to dress down in fun suits. Usher sported turquoise, and Legend paired his with sneakers.
What do you think of the fashions rocked by black celebrities at the 2012 Billboard Awards? And more importantly about Brandy’s hair: Haute or not?
Follow Alexis Garrett Stodghill on Twitter at @lexisb