Grammy Grows Up

The Grammys rolled out the red carpet for the first time Wednesday night, and the musicians showed up not in their usual eclectic street styles, but dressed by some of today’s hottest designers.

Female artists swept the night in awards and style at the Shrine Auditorium. Brandy and Monica won best duo arrival in complementary outfits--Brandy in a Plein Sud cream tuxedo and Monica in an ivory Chanel sheath with a glass-beaded train.

Elegance was the look of chanteuses Emmylou Harris in a red Amy Michelson for Holly Harp and Sarah McLachlan in a Robert Danes gown and Alberta Ferretti shawl. The Dixie Chicks showed their sass in Todd Oldham black leather outfits accented with safety pins.

Shania Twain may have looked like a dominatrix onstage, but she arrived wearing a demure, sequined Marc Bouwer turtleneck evening dress. New artist nominee Natalie Imbruglia stopped the fashion crowd with a mirror-bedecked Prada coat. Erykah Badu wore her trademark turban, and presenter Jennifer Lopez sizzled in a gold Versace slip dress.

Grammy winner Lauryn Hill may have accepted her award in streetwear, but she changed later into a sophisticated, Armani, black matte jersey T-shirt and green layered chiffon skirt.

The men were not too shabby themselves. Nominee Brian McKnight drew appropriate swoons in Romeo Gigli monochromatic gray. Artists as diverse as Andrea Bocelli, Lyle Lovett, Wyclef Jean and Ricky Martin chose Armani. Lots of artists sported Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss, but the surprise was the number who showed up in terrific Nashville vintage suits.