Best & worst dressed celebs at the BET Awards 2017
Style triumphs and fashion flops from the silver carpet at the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards
The SA fashion industry was well-represented at the 2017 BET Awards, which took place in Los Angeles last weekend, with Pearl Thusi, Nomzamo Mbatha and Yvonne Chaka Chaka all opting to wear gowns by local designers.
How did our homegrown celebs compare to their international counterparts in the style stakes?
Here's our pick of the best and worst silver carpet looks. See if you agree with our choices as you watch the glitzy awards ceremony on BET (DStv channel 129) at 8pm on Tuesday, June 27.
BEST DRESSED
Pearl Thusi
We had high sartorial hopes for our local talent and Pearl Thusi didn’t disappoint.
Her Casper Bosman dress was unlike any other on the silver carpet, simply by virtue of the fact that it wasn’t shiny, short or sequin-saturated.
She looked young, glamourous and elegant in the flowing floral print gown. A definite fashion victory for team SA.
Lil Cardi
Up-and-coming rapper Lil Cardi’s red Givenchy suit was a refreshingly high-fashion choice, although she loses points for her slightly garish cleavage exposure.
She’s right on trend in terms of the head-to-toe tonal dressing, though, and on the whole looked the very embodiment of a powerful woman.
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Draya Michele
American model and designer Draya Michele stole the show in a buttery yellow Elie Saab gown. We applaud her contemporary colour choice and loved the whimsical, feminine feel created by the delicate lace detailing, tiered waist and beribboned sleeves.
Last night at the BET AWARDS @bet wearing @eliesaabworld thanks @waymanandmicah
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WORST DRESSED
Lil Kim
Lil Kim turned up in silver-spangled chainmail. While the seasoned rapper’s body is undeniably amazing, this knight-in-shining-rhinestones look is dated and unsophisticated: think curvy disco-ball gone rogue. Better luck next year, Kim.
Justine Skye
We couldn't resist including Justine Skye’s two-toned, asymmetrical mini dress on our 'naughty list' because we can't believe it made so many best dressed lists.
To us, the whole ensemble looks worryingly like a not-so-great matric dance dress, especially with that long silver train.
But kudos to this starlet for taking a risk. She’s young and gorgeous, so it almost doesn’t matter what she’s wearing. Almost.
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Blac Chyna
Blac Chyna is the undisputed victor of the ‘Worst Outfit of the Night’ award. Her sheer, badly-belted bodysuit dress doesn’t have a single redeeming feature. Her stylist clearly needs a holiday. Unless she chose this look herself, in which case, she clearly needs a stylist.
What other SA celebs wore
Nomzamo Mbatha
Nomzamo Mbatha's beaded Rich Factory gown certainly made her a stand out on the silver carpet. "This dress is representation of who I am and where I come from ... For that reason I call it My Zulu Love Letter To The World," she said in an interview on ZAcelebs.com.
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Yvonne Chaka Chaka
This singing legend's JJ Schoeman dress would have look so much more elegant without the gimmicky appliques.
Wow.#BETawards2017 done thank you. Amazing show. What an experience 👗@jj_schoeman
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- Additional reporting by staff reporter.