My extremely prestigious Best Dressed/Wear What You Want combo award demands a certain je ne sais quoi in addition to fashion flair. As I’ve written before, a look doesn’t have to be “beautiful,” or “flattering,” or in any way acceptable to the vast majority of people to win my approval. “Eye-catching” is more important to me than “attractive,” and I thoroughly approve of shock value. But plenty of my award winners look beautiful while looking different, and singer/actress Janelle Monae regularly does that.
She did it again for tonight’s Golden Globes! While I was speed-walking back from the gym to catch the ceremony’s opening monologue at home, I glanced down at my phone for one last red-carpet update and said, “WOWWWWWWW” out loud to no one. It was like the positive version of the WHAT ARE THOSSSEEEEEE meme (RIP, Brandon Moore). Behold Janelle Monae looking like a glorious painted-on-wood medieval saint in Chanel!
So congratulations, Janelle, on being my runner-up! Yes, this powerful and gorgeous look is the runner-up rather than the winner. It was a tough decision, but my Best Dressed/Wear What You Want winner for the 2019 Golden Globes is Lady Gaga in Valentino.
I admit that I was hoping for something more extreme for Gaga … more Grammys! … by Armani Privé, like her giant overskirt and lace bodysuit from 2018 …
… or even her out-of-this world 2010 ensemble.
Still, I’m very much about the big dress and women who take up space, as I said in a recent video.
The drama of the voluminous garment, lengthy train, and really big sleeves gave Gaga an edge over Janelle, because “too much” is always just right for me. What put Gaga over the top for me in the “Wear What You Want” aspect of my award was her color-coordinated hair.
When I heard a couple of television commentators saying that Gaga looked perfect except for the hair … well, that confirmed my instincts. So congratulations, Gaga! I know you’re excited about your first Golden Globe — as I’m writing this, she’s won one for the song “Shallow” and we haven’t gotten to best actress yet! — and no doubt anticipating an Oscar for A Star Is Born but we all know what award really matters: Best Dressed/Wear What You Want.
Come back tomorrow for my Golden Globe honorable mentions!
UPDATED ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER PUBLICATION TO ADD: I just saw Janelle come out on the Golden Globes stage as a presenter and after seeing her outfit in action, I’ve had an unprecedented change of heart. I now declare this a tie. There are two winners of my Best Dressed/Wear What You Want Award for the 2019 Globes and they are Janelle and Gaga. Very different looks, both very regal, and I’m here for both of them.
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