Red Carpet Review: 5 Best Looks From the 2015 VMAs

So a lot happened at last night's MTV Video Music Awards. "Uptown Funk" won big, naturally. Nicki Minaj both settled a highly-reported feud with Taylor Swift and started one with host Miley Cyrus the same night (#ambitious). Justin Beiber sported a undeniably awful new hairstyle. And perhaps the biggest wild card was Kanye West's maybe-joking presidential announcement for 2020. But on the fashion front? A mixture for sleek and risky. And while you may have scrolled through a plethora of Instagrams of Miley Cyrus's barely-there Versace number -- and most likely hated it-- do not fear, dear reader: there were several looks worth swooning over. Read on for the best of this year's salacious red carpet.



FKA Twigs in Atelier Versace: At last night's awards show, the future Mrs. Robert Pattinson was anything but a fashion wallflower. The need to bare it all was the trend of the evening -- Britney Spears, Rita Ora and Miley Cyrus fell victim to an array of overkilled cut-outs -- but this look works on the song siren. There's no denying that the pint-sized It Girl is scantily-clad; however, the look is surprisingly modest compared to similiar looks. Her full-coverage bralet provides minimal cleavage and the corset lining (as well as the sheer draping) don't boast a set of toned abs. Sure, the skirt of her dress is sheer, but she also sports a pair of panties that look like it's half of a demure bikini. Consider this look understated sexy; a sultry for the fashion set who are neither familiar nor comfortable with showing off that much skin. When it came to accessories, Twigs's strappy sandals mimic the bold lines of her corset and the little jewelry keeps this dress looking convetable instead of a showgirl's costume. As for a dramatic finishing touch, the bright red lip and bed-head fit in with this look perfectly.

Chrissy Teigen in Marchesa: Sartorially speaking, dancing on the line between sexy and slutty is not easy. But in this show-stopping Marchesa, Lip Sync Battle co-host Chrissy Teigen makes it look easy. While the sheer paneling by her legs is undeniably naughty, the high-neckline gives this dress a sophisticated twist. Though the sparkly paneling may look a tad "Vegas" to some, it also adds a red-carpet ready factor that prevents this from looking too much like lingerie. To create a cohesive look, Teigen adds dainty, yet equally glitzy, drop earrings to the equation. Love. Not to mention her messy updo and natural face are the perfect juxtapostion for such vampy attire.

Vanessa Hudgens in Naeem Khan: If you listen closely, you can still hear all Free People fans rejoice over this outfit. Even with a resurgence of bohemia on the runway, it's rare to see a red carpet look that is unapologetically ethereal. Conversely, all you see is a delicately embroidered maxi dress with a strappy sandal. That's it. But luckily, Hudgens brought something so abnormal to the red carpet and reminded the audience that dressing up for flashy events should be fun. Instead of sticking with a minimalist dress in a neutral hue, like most of her cohorts, the actress pushes the envelope with this dimensional number that was both feminine and innovative. As for extras, Hudgens did not skimp on jewelry. According to Refinery29, the starlet incorporated over 28 pieces: hair gems, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, oh my!  Now that's maximalism.

Hailee Steinfeld in Stella McCartney: This awards show red carpet is obsessed with the unexpected: Gaga's meat dress, Lil' Kim's pasty-clad asymmetrical jumpsuit and even Katy Perry's denim dress, just to name a few. But perhaps the most daring, and ultimately the most unexpected, for this event is when a starlet doesn't push the style envelope with a flashy, raunchy or even costumey outfit. Instead, she wears something so refined, minimalist and chic. Hailee Steinfeld, fashion nerds everywhere tip their hats to you. At an event of this calibre, a jumpsuit with caplet sleeves and ultra-flared legs may stick out like a sore thumb, but the Pitch Perfect 2 prevents a mumsy moment with an edgy choker and gilded circle clutch. Plus, this unexpectedly refreshing silhouette immediately gives the look cool-girl kudos. Paired with a straight do and a Taylor Swift squad-approved cat-eye, Steinfeld's ensemble teaches onlookers that leaving a lot to the imagination can be a good thing.

Lily Aldridge in Alexandre Vauthier: Yes, sultry black dresses ran rampant on last night's carpet. And while most of them boasted sheer elements and glitzy paneling, model Lily Aldridge's minimalist approach to the trend was a sartorial breath of fresh air. A far cry from the black dresses of the over-embellished variety,  this look stands out for it's suggestive (but stylish) cut-outs and effortless simplicity. With the help of possibly yards of double-stick tape, the cut-outs perfectly lay on Alridge's runway-worthy frame without being over-exposed. Before you think it, you're right: a deep V-neck and oblique-baring slits will never translate to demure. However, the long, streamlined silhouette and the languid fishtail hemline dresses up this sultry fad. The perfectly sleek ensemble is coupled with a straight mane and wrists adorned with slim bracelets for the ultimate finishing touches.

 

Which looks did you love from last night's VMAs? Sound off below

Photos courtesy of PopSugar and Us Magazine

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5 Best Looks from the 2015 Teen Choice Awards

Let's face it: usually, teenagers and high-end fashion don't mix. But Sunday's Teen Choice Awards undermined that generalization. While the show itself was as awkward as a frizzy-haired high schooler, the fashion surprisingly did not disappoint. Tucked in a sea of up-to-there minidresses and neon hues were a selection of sophisticated, fashion-forward looks. Missed the award show? Not to worry, ladies and gent: check out the five best looks from this year's Teen Choice Awards.

Emma Roberts in Peter Pilotto: Only 24 years-old,  and this actress is already a red carpet veteran. Wearing a tailored midi-dress that's adorned with clashing pastel prints, this look perfectly mixes youthful prints with a ladylike silhouette. Adorned with minimal hardware, this outfit is surprisingly sophisticated for the Teen Choice Awards and proves to onlookers that youth and taste are not mutually exclusive. Finished with simple sandals, smooth waves and a soft rose pout, the full look is a home-run hit.

Lucy Hale in Julien Macdonald:As any Pretty Little Liars fan will tell you, we've seen the petite starlet in ugly outfits a plenty. Awkward pink hair streaks, questionable fascinators and tights -- the past five and a half seasons were a sartorial nightmare. Luckily, in a world where A doesn't torment a group of teenage girls, Hale is equipped with a glam squad and a significantly better wardrobe. Coupled with dramatic eyeliner and a slicked-back bun,  this outfit is the epitome of vampy glam. While the mesh paneling is undeniably gothic, the short hem and deep V-neck keep this dress youthful and sexy. Paired with strappy sandals? Definitely gives Aria a run for her money.

Haley Ramm in Pistol Stamen: A relative newbie on the red carpet, this ensemble is a far cry from the clubwear that ran rampant at the event. The flared, midi skirt and modest neckline is by no means reinventing the wheel, and can easilyveer into mumsy territory. However, the subtle texture on the frock as well as Ramm's colorful bracelets made this outfit feel refreshing. Paired with auburn locks and a fresh face, the starlet looked composed and mature.

Maia Mitchel in Giamba: Just got back from the Hamptons or working a step and repeat in Los Angeles? While this look may teeter on the casual side for an award shows, the fuss-free factor of this ensemble merits a spot on this event's best dressed list. It's easy to want to wear (almost) everything that you see on red carpets and runways, but finding something that's stylish and looks comfortable is the true sartorial dream. Whether dressed up with a pair of strappy sandals, as Mitchel did, or coupled with a  pair of gladiator sandals, this look is effortlessly chic in a way that leaves us asking ourselves "Where can I get me one of those?"

Bea Miller: A summer red carpet should be strictly filled with pretty patterns and bright colors, right? Not according to Bea Miller. Between the leather jacket cooly draped over the singer's shoulders and the beautiful jewel-toned jumpsuit, this getup has onlookers undeniably excited for fall fashion. While Miller's jumpsuit appeals to every minimalist, the shoes (though not Trendologist-approved) and jacket are youthful and rebellious. The natural face and beachy waves add the perfect hint of summer.

Which looks did you like from last night's awards show? Sound off below
Photos courtesy of E! 

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Designer on the Rise: Rivay's Jon Ruti

Men have it so easy during the work week. All they need for an acceptable office outfit is a clean dress shirt, pair of pants and shoes. No jewelry, no makeup, no hair. But over the weekend, it appears that the sartorial tables have turned. While women have an assortment of apparel and accessories to choose from, what are men supposed to wear to create that fashion-forward, off duty weekend style? Enter Rivay by prosecutor-turned-creative director Jon Ruti, 37. Consider the menswear brand what your (future) boyfriend should wear: masculine, tailored and stylish sans Yeezus's pretentiousness. With traditional field jackets and graphic tees, Rivay is sure to be your next go-to company. Read on to learn more about the brand, designer and the future of menswear.

               

The Trendologist: Congratulations on the wonderful line! What was your inspiration behind Rivay?

Jon Ruti: Thank you!  I wore a suit everyday to work for seven years.  I began to notice how hard it was to find a good outerwear piece that could go from work to my weekend hobbies.  I recall a good friend of mine picking me up from work to go ice climbing in the Adirondacks for the weekend.  The only piece of outerwear I could wear after I got out of my suit was a technical piece from Patagonia.  It just looked off leaving the office like that.  That’s when I started really thinking about the gap between fashion and technical outerwear.

TT: What is the design process for creating a menswear line?

JR: Menswear isn’t about reinventing the wheel.  It’s about evolving pieces to fit the current time period, cultures and lifestyles of today.  We get inspired and evolve pieces to suit the lifestyles of our customer and the culture of Rivay.

TT: Can you tell me more about your target audience?

JR: He’s career-driven and puts a lot thought into how he wants to fill his down time.  He takes care of himself, dresses well Monday through Friday, but is missing a brand that understands his weekend passions.  From traveling, to riding his vintage motorcycle to surf trips with friends, he does a lot of interesting things in his time away from career.  The only thing missing is a brand with the same passions. 

Larkin Crew Neck Sweatshirt, $148

TT: Where did the name Rivay come from?

JR: Growing up, I was always fascinated with rivets and how they looked on airplanes, cars and other machines.  A good French buddy of mine were talking over drinks and he pronounced the word rivet as Frenchman would.  It stuck from there.  I reworked the spelling and Rivay was born.

TT: I know playing favorites is nearly impossible, but what is one piece from your collection that all fashion-forward men should own?

JR: I’ll play!  The Delaney waxed cotton field jacket.  It will take you from work to adventure and back again without missing a beat.  It looks natural in any situation, which is the hallmark of any good menswear piece.

Enfield Waxed Cotton Series Jacket, $325

TT: I would love to hear more about your work experience prior to founding Rivay. Can you please elaborate?

JR: I was a New York City prosecutor in the South Bronx for five years, handling everything from DWI’s to homicides.  I spent the last two years of my career at the Office of Special Narcotics in downtown Manhattan investigating and prosecuting large-scale narcotics enterprises.  It’s been one long episode of The Wire for me, but Rivay is the new chapter.  I couldn’t be more excited.

TT:  Has your former career in law helped with Rivay? How so?

JR: It taught me how to be a good storyteller and know who your audience is.  That’s half the battle.

Galvin Moto Sweatpants, $148

TT: From the New York Times launching a men’s style section to the debut of Men’s New York Fashion Week last month, there has been an extra emphasis on menswear recently. How do you think Rivay will contribute to this movement?

JR: I think it’s great: men are more fashion savvy than ever.  This presents Rivay with an opportunity to give the well informed man an exciting brand to turn to.  When he pursues his passions, Rivay will be there to make sure he looks as smart as ever.

TT:Where do you see the brand in five years?

JR: The growth in menswear and e-commerce in general has given unique opportunities to small brands, but the first five years are always tough.  We’ll continue to grow our collection and look for strategic partnerships and collaborations.  We’re interested in making Rivay a lifestyle brand as opposed to simply producing great pieces season to season.  Stay tuned, we have a lot of exciting things on the horizon!

TT: What is your advice for emerging designers?

JR: Know your brand identity.  Stick to it, no matter what. 

Can't get enough of Rivay? Follow the brand on Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Rivay

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