GLAM OR SHAM?: Giorgio Armani's Costume Sketches for Alicia Keys' Upcoming Tour

For Alicia Keys' upcoming "Element of Freedom" tour, her performance and Giorgio Armani's costumes are a match made in pop culture heaven. 

No stranger to designing for performers (click here to see his work for the incredible Lady Gaga), Armani mixes his iconic glamorous aesthetic with Keys' elegant, understated beauty. The result is one-shoulder dresses that show off Alicia's legs and toned upper body, leggings that cling to her curvy hips and a studded sharp-shouldered jacket that would make Michael Jackson proud.

In my opinion, the costumes are just what the doctor ordered to bring some flair to Alicia Keys' onstage looks. (The all-white outfit from the time I saw her in concert is not cutting it).

But some may feel the over-the-top glamour compromises Alicia Key's true on-stage persona that's conversely raw, relatable and reminiscent of an around-the-way girl. 

What do you think? Are the costumes too glamorous for Alicia, and more Beyonce or Lady Gaga's style? Or is it time Alicia stepped up her glam factor (with some help from Mr. Armani)?

Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Source

Giorgio Armani Milan Fashion Week

Velvet Chic
My Favorites From Giorgio Armani Fall 2010 RTW



Spotlight On the Front Row:
1. Ashley Greene
2. Glamour's Cindi Leive with T Magazine's Stefano Tonchi
3. Rachel Zoe and Giorgio Armani
4. Saks Fith Avenue's Ron Frasch with Barneys New York's Judy Collinson

pictures from AlexanderMcQueen.com & style.com
The Runway Show:

Read my article on Alexander McQueen for Reality Check Girl Magazine

GLAM OR SHAM?: Lady Gaga at the Grammys

Lady Gaga's dress from Armani Prive looks like it hurts. Between the plastic web design and spiky star, somebody could get lost, strangled and cut by this gown. 


In true Lady Gaga fashion, she paired it with crystal embroidered tights and shoes, blonde and daffodil yellowish hair and bubblegum pink lips. 


What do we think, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?


UPDATE: I spoke too soon. Just when I thought Lady Gaga gave us all the jaw-dropping Gaga-ness she could muster, the camera panned the audience and I saw this.


Another Armani Prive creation specifically made for the star, that truly belonged in an alien movie. A silver headpiece and jacket that looked like what the Statue of Liberty would wear to a drag ball competition. Gaga paired them with her favorite crystal embroidered tights and heelless shoes. Her makeup in all its pale and bold pink glory is oddly fitting. 

Lady Gaga and Fashion God, Giorgio Armani, had this to say about the memorable collaboration:



Giorgio Armani says, "We hear Lady Gaga’s music everywhere we go. It is like a soundtrack of our times. In addition to her formidable songwriting skills, she is a modern fashion phenomenon. I am delighted to be creating these outfits on such an important night for her, the Grammys, and I wish her the best of luck."
 
Sharing Mr. Armani’s enthusiasm, Lady Gaga adds, "I am honored to be wearing Armani this evening. The series of pieces Mr. Armani created for me are truly iconic; they represent not only beautiful fashion, but my spirit and essence as an artist. Mr. Armani is a fashion legend, and tonight would not have been the same without his touch, and his wonderful team."  


Lady Gaga is a superhero in my comic book and her performance, which opened the show, proves it. Alongside the legendary Sir Elton John, Lady Gaga sang "Speechless" and John's "Your Song." It was a stirring, epic performance that set the bar high for the rest of the show (did anyone else live up to it? I wasn't blown away by any other artist).


At 62 and decked out in a Giorgio Armani black tuxedo and a pair of Giorgio Armani custom-made, Swarovski-encrusted sunglasses, Sir Elton John was right at home in Gaga's glittery, filthy spectacle. Their chemistry made for a magical show. Check the video below:





So we know we can always expect a futuristic, over-the-top costume from Lady Gaga, but do these Armani looks measure up? What's the verdict, Glam or a Sham?