Last night, BET’s “Rip the Runway: The Rhythm of Fashion” kicked off and kept on going with a festive, cultural and colorful bang.
Performers, designers and models lent a hand in keeping the energy up for the remainder of BET’s annual fashion show. Melanie Fiona, Keri Hilson, the New Boyz, Lloyd, Fabolous, Wiz Khalifa, and Miguel had fans off their feet as models shimmied across the catwalk. Designers Rachel Roy, LaQuan Smith, Way It Should Be, Tennille White, Man vs. Machine, and Lila Nikole showed off their best spring rhythms and looks.
Throughout the show we got style tips from Selita Ebanks, Mehcad Brooks, Lady Gaga, Kimora Lee Simons, Rachel Roy and more. Gaga delivered another important message, when she urged viewers to help her in bring relief to Japan by purchasing specially designed wristbands on her site.
The statuesque Mehcad Brooks hosted the event alongside the lovely Selita, who played a big part in the success of this year’s show. Selita morphed from model/ co-host, to stylist and producer for 2011’s “Rip the Runway.” Talk about stepping it up a notch! We love careers that expand and branch out.
GlobalGrind’s Chairman, Russell Simmons, even went to Selita’s exclusive screening party to support and congratulate Ms. Ebanks on her first major production. Estelle and Kevin Liles were amongst the star studded party-goers showing Selita how proud they were of her. Though no media was invited, celeb photographer Johnny Nunez was there to capture it all.
Go to the next page for photos!
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Selita Ebanks and Mehcad Brooks, Rip the Runway 2011.
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First up was Rachel Roy‘s line. Keri Hilson performed her hit single, “Pretty Girl Rock” as Roy’s fashions came down the runway. With clean, classic designs, fun prints and splashes of brightness and shine, you can’t help but do the “pretty girl rock” in head-to-toe Rachel Roy.
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Keri Hilson, Rip the Runway 2011.
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Second, we saw the Haitian-inspired style of WISB*, Way It Should Be. New Boyz provided the rhythm while models came out wearing platform heels and socks, head wraps and maxi dresses and lots of neutral colors, the “way it should be.”
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New Boyz, Rip the Runway 2011.
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The all-sizes-fits-one flair of Tennille White’s designs boasted flowy looks. Tropical colors and patterns, tiered and ruffled rompers and dresses and sexy silhouettes were represented on stage while Lloyd sang his heart out for the crowd.
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Lloyd, Rip the Runway 2011.
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Melanie Fiona and Man vs. Machine took the stage by storm. Fiona’s soulful voice, coupled with M. v.M.’s sleek, skater boy styles made for one killer combo. Man vs. Machine showed a mastery of playing with menswear proportions and played off of blacks, reds, whites, and nude colors.
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Melanie Fiona beside Man vs. Machine, Rip the Runway 2011.
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Next we saw the styling skills of Ms. Selita Ebanks. Wiz Khalifa aided in ripping the runway as Selita’s models hit it with Louboutins and other heels. It seems that her inspiration was pulled from a variety of cultures. We love the added modern sex appeal to the looks Ebanks created.
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Wiz Khalifa, Rip the Runway 2011.
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Lila Nikole’s swimwear followed, with the musical genius of Fabolous. She showed playful, spunky, floral, decorative and nicely cut bikinis. Male models were in trunks.
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Fabolous, Rip the Runway 2011.
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Last, but certainly not least, was LaQuan Smith’s sparkling line. His looks featured natural waist lines, voluminous shoulders, lots of glitter, neon colors, popular pastel color blocking, texture, metallics and prints. Miguel brought the rhythm.
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Miguel, Rip the Runway 2011.
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Rip the Runway 2011.
