There was no shortage of stunning (understatement) looks at the BET Awards, but it leave it to someone who’s been attending the event for over 20 years to really show us how it’s done. Queen Latifah looked like an absolute work of art at the ceremony celebrating Black brilliance in entertainment, arriving in a voluminous ensemble topped with a braided updo that deserves its own icon award.
Crafted by Iasia Merriweather, this towering look is a paragon of precision. The hair at the crown and sides is meticulously slicked back, not a flyaway in sight, creating a sleek foundation that lets the intricate braiding take center stage. From that glossy start emerges an elaborate, colossal bun composed of braids in varying widths—from pencil-thin plaits woven around the base to chunkier folds making up the lion’s share of the height-enhancing sculpture. It caught the light with a mirror-like sheen, making the entire updo look almost lacquered.
Photo: Getty Images
The dramatic hairstyle topped off a black Kilian Kerner gown draped in an oversized, textured coat with exaggerated balloon sleeves and an equally puffy shawl collar. Lush lashes and berry-red lipstick made for the ideal bold-yet-minimal makeup look to balance the exaggerated elements of the look.
The previous Lifetime Achievement Award winner changed into an equally theatrical performance look for an all-star tribute honoring Lauryn Hill. She took the stage in a paneled, patchwork robe with dramatic crimson puffed sleeves that framed her shoulders like couture clouds. Her braided updo remained intact, but she gave it an entirely new personality by adding a dazzling diamond visor-like headpiece. The creative take on a tiara was joined by an Archive Gold Link Collar and Archive Molten Cuffs by Alexis Bittar.
Photo: Getty Images
