It’s supposed to be a show honoring music, but the inimitable Cardi B, along with her inspiring stylist Kollin Carter, turned Sunday night’s 2021 American Music Awards into a jaw-dropping fashion show. The reigning rapper who hosted the event wore nine different designer outfits during the evening. From the extravagant headpieces to her long manicured nails, she turned the stage into a red carpet couture photo opp.
She first made her entrance shrouded in a custom Schiaparelli ensemble by Daniel Roseberry. A black crepe jersey column dress topped with a black tulle veil and large surrealist earrings (from the Schiaparelli Couture Jewelry collection). Black gloves pierced with gold nails covered her arms and the gold sculpted face mask that Cardi wore is something we also saw in this collection.
She next appeared looking like the showgirl she is in a black velvet dress with high slit whose cuffs and neckline were embellished with chunky crystals by Alexandre Vauthier. He also designed fabulous accompanying feather mohawk headpiece which too was adorned with crystals.
To introduce a performance by Tyler the Creator, Cardi B. was rolled out atop a luggage cart complete with Louis Vuitton trunks. She was wearing a custom Mélique Street black velvet blazer with rhinestone-studded structured shoulders and thigh high boots.
Next she floated out in a gossamer custom chartreuse gown by Jean Paul Gaultier, inspired by his 2019 Couture collection. She wore the colorful gown to accept her award for “Up” as Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Song.
For her fifth costume change, she donned a deep purple velvet floor length gown by Jean-Louis Sabaji whose bodice was adorned with Swarovski crystals and purple feather plumes sprang from her shoulders.
Wearing a custom fan-like headpiece by milliner Sarah Sokol, Cardi next appeared in an other custom piece by Jean Paul Gaultier: a black and white corset.
When not onstage as host, the rapper donned a black sparkling velvet Christian Siriano gown.
Cardi B brought out another Schiaparelli couture piece with this highly ornate bolero jacket from their Matador Couture collection we featured here.
Wearing a romantic structured ivory and Swarovski crystal gown with matching headpiece custom made by London designer Miss Sohee, Cardi closed out the show.
See all the 2021 American Music Award Winners here.