Billboard Music Awards 2011: Black Dresses Dominate
Photos: Getty Images
Blackout: Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Selena Gomez, and Fergie at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards
Lights out, ladies! A parade of black dresses popped on the white carpet (red is so last year) at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, where a bevy of stars proved that a good little black dress is always in style.
Fergie led the pack in a form-fitting Hervé Léger by Max Azria minidress that put her famous figure front and center thanks to strategically placed cutouts that revealed her midriff and décolletage. While metal accents, a peplum skirt, and a bondage-inspired harness gave the creation a sexy, futuristic vibe, the singer—who also performed in a light-up black number specially designed by Philips—relied on gold and black sapphire Stephen Webster jewelry, an Alexander McQueen skull-clasped box clutch, and mega-platform pumps by Christian Louboutin for extra edge.
Kylie Minogue also showed some love for McQueen in the label's Jet Embroidered Dress from its Spring/Summer 2011 collection, pairing the frilly number with fringed peep-toe platforms from Christian Louboutin.
Selena Gomez shed her teen queen image in a sultry jet-black Dolce & Gabbana gown that boasted a sweetheart neckline, racy leg-baring slit, and cutout panels exposing her hips. Sporting long, pin-straight strands and smoky eyes, the young actress/singer accessorized with gold and diamond Neil Lane jewelry, a black Judith Leiber clutch, red bow-embellished Giuseppe Zanotti heels, and, of course, new boyfriend Justin Bieber. (Can we assume she's wearing his new women's scent?)
Nicole Kidman—on hand to support country crooner hubby Keith Urban—also enlisted Dolce & Gabbana to help her join the dark side with a full-length onyx dress featuring sheer sleeves and a lace skirt. Built-in pockets and a side-swept fishtail braid cemented her look's effortless, low-fuss aesthetic.
With Beyoncé (hitting the press room in a plunging Lanvin Fall 2011 dress) and Britney Spears (performing in a Hervé Léger minidress) also going the noir route, the music industry appears to be having a back-in-black moment.
And why not? After all, it goes with everything—especially platinum records.
