Be sure to tune in tonight to watch BET’s annual Rip The Runway, the TV special where music-meets-fashion on the runway.
Hosted by model Selita Ebanks and The Game‘s Pooch Hall, the show offers electrifying performances by some of today’s hottest music artists, including Estelle, Wale, Robin Thicke, Meek Mill, B.o.B, Jeremih and Diggy Simmons.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Meagan Good & Pooch Hall Are “Jumping The Broom”
One of the highlights of the show? Notorious B.I.G. mentee Queen Bee Lil’ Kim busting out in a curve-hugging sheer bodysuit to perform her newest single “If You Love Me,” followed by her past chart-topping hits “All About The Benjamins” and “Crush On You.”
Click the video here for a sneak peek of what the ever-changing Kim is looking like nowadays.
Rip The Runway celebrates its eighth year with a theme of “Fun, Freedom, Fashion!” showcasing designers LaQuan Smith, Monif C, Samantha Black, Tannielle White, as well as the debut of SASS BY SELITA, a swimwear line from host Selita Ebanks. Click the photo gallery for celebs on the red carpet and on the runway with models.
PHOTOS: Selita Ebanks Launches Sexy New Swimwear Line
If you’re wondering how the network kept the overall direction so modern and fresh, BET teamed up with Balan Inc. for creative concepts and execution of the ideas.
Balan, Inc. provided the hair, make-up and styling for most of the segments including Fashion Freedom, one of the most raved about. The glam team consists of hairstylist Tracy Balan, make-up artist Rebecca Casciano and wardrobe stylists Kimberly V, Jason Rember, Tiffany Hasbourne and Lindsey Driscoll. Together they gave the looks the eclectic twist it needed to keep it current for fans.
After being successful at delivering the creative direction the show needed to keep up with the times, GG Style talked to Balan, Inc’s creators Carline Balan and ‘Michou’ St. Jules, and one of their stylists Jason Rembert.
How happy were you about the opportunity to collaborate and conceptualize for the special?
Carline Balan & ‘Michou’ St. Jules: We were exceptionally excited to display the genius of our full glam squad and to have had the privilege and the honor of collaborating with BET to take the fashion portion of Rip the Runway to the next level.
What was your inspiration for the raved about segment called ‘Fashion Freedom’?
Jason Rembert: Myself and Kimberly V hand selected underground brands and designed each of the looks for Fashion Freedom with inspiration from Paco Rabanne, Grace Jones, Lady Gaga, Gareth Pugh and many more. We pushed the boundaries and captured the essence of avant-garde fashion, from Brooklyn to Belgium, exemplifying that fashion lives without fear.
We’re so tuned in!
BET’s Rip The Runway airs tonight at 10pm EST
All photos: John Ricard / BET Networks.
