The 'who's that girl' moment at the 2012 BET Awards goes to raptress Brianna Perry! The 'Marilyn Monroe' lyricist stepped out in a body fittin' dress that I don't even think Beyonce could pull off nowadays!!
![rapper-brianna-photo-shoot-1 copy]( "rapper-brianna-photo-shoot-1 copy")
When I asked Brianna about the inspiration for her glammed up look, she tells me, "My style is constantly changing, I like to express my personality and daily emotion through my wardrobe. My BET Awards wardrobe selection represented how I felt that day, "FABULOUS", no matter what the outcome was in the category I was nominated for.
James Knox: The dress is made entirely from very small metallic sequins which on camera almost look like liquid metal. There is a stretch element to the dress; many people are asking how did it fit so well on Brianna's body and the secret certainly that element of stretch. Brianna is a force to be reckoned with in the world of hip-hop music. She was on the stage of the BET world on Sunday night and it was important for her to sizzle. As Brianna grows into a brand, it's important that we recognize that she is a female rapper but that we also recognize that she is a fashion-concious, stylish girl who can glam it up when she chooses to.
James Knox: Working with Brianna was great. She has an incredible energy around her and while soft-spoken, she is probably one of the most humble people I have ever met. She seems totally untainted by the industry and was so grateful for everything. That's really all one could ask for. As far as my line...the look book to my collection is being shot as we speak and once that's complete, individuals will be able to purchase directly through me and throughout multiple boutiques in New York and Los Angeles.
Source: Carlton Jordan
For updates on James Knox's line, people can follow him on both Instagram and Twitter @JamesKnox! You can follow Brianna on Twitter: @BRIANNATHEYRB, YOUTUBE: BRIANNATHEYRB & FACEBOOK: BRIANNATHEYRB!
When I asked Brianna about the inspiration for her glammed up look, she tells me, "My style is constantly changing, I like to express my personality and daily emotion through my wardrobe. My BET Awards wardrobe selection represented how I felt that day, "FABULOUS", no matter what the outcome was in the category I was nominated for.
Carlton: How long did it take you to squeeze into that sleek dress?
Brianna: It took me literally 2 minutes to slip into my dress with the help of my stylist and the designer I was dressed quickly!
Carlton: Fashion is very important right now in female rap industry because your fashion separates you from your competition...correct?
Brianna: The line is thin, you are either a "Fashion Fail" or you make the fashion sell; and I wanna be a brand that can sell the product I choose to wear.
Carlton: You say you're "Hollyhood" in your rap lyrics, but this look seems very Hollywood chic. Why the change?
Brianna: "Hollywood" and "Hollyhood" is not to far from each other to me. I create my own Hollyhood fashion. I don't wanna go to far away from my audience but remain fly. That's why it's Hollyhood. It feels better to the fans when they feel they can reach you or feel you. I didn't wear a chain with the dress cause I allowed the shoes to give the funky edge to the beautiful dress. I loved the silver dress cause it gave me the total look I was going for. Kind of like the girl who walks in, says nothing but really says so much! It complimented my complexion and showed sexyness without showing any skin! That was the goal and we accomplished that goal.
Well done Brianna!!!
Now more about that futuristic looking fabric she wore. I reached out to the designer James Knox and he broke down what it took to make this for Brianna...Knox explains, "Brianna's dress is actually from my new dress line; which is self-titled, "James Knox". Her shoes are by Azzedine Alaïa; clutch is from KOTUR; and her jewels were vintage. The BET Awards was the introduction of Brianna to many new people who have not had the privilege of hearing the talent of this spectacular "femcee". We wanted to be sure that her introduction was indeed fashion forward, while also being current and relevant to the BET Awards audience. This particular dress on Brianna says that she is daring, bold and most certainly not afraid to stand out amongst the masses."
Carlton: But what is it made of? Liquid metal?
James Knox: The dress is made entirely from very small metallic sequins which on camera almost look like liquid metal. There is a stretch element to the dress; many people are asking how did it fit so well on Brianna's body and the secret certainly that element of stretch. Brianna is a force to be reckoned with in the world of hip-hop music. She was on the stage of the BET world on Sunday night and it was important for her to sizzle. As Brianna grows into a brand, it's important that we recognize that she is a female rapper but that we also recognize that she is a fashion-concious, stylish girl who can glam it up when she chooses to.
Carlton: How was it working with Ms. Perry?! When can we see more of your collection?
James Knox: Working with Brianna was great. She has an incredible energy around her and while soft-spoken, she is probably one of the most humble people I have ever met. She seems totally untainted by the industry and was so grateful for everything. That's really all one could ask for. As far as my line...the look book to my collection is being shot as we speak and once that's complete, individuals will be able to purchase directly through me and throughout multiple boutiques in New York and Los Angeles.
Watch Brianna Perry's latest video...'Back Der' below.
Source: Carlton Jordan
For updates on James Knox's line, people can follow him on both Instagram and Twitter @JamesKnox! You can follow Brianna on Twitter: @BRIANNATHEYRB, YOUTUBE: BRIANNATHEYRB & FACEBOOK: BRIANNATHEYRB!