The 2021 BET Awards took place in Los Angeles on Sunday night, marking a return to full-fledged in-person events. The theme of the night was the “Year of the Black Woman,” and Taraji P. Henson played host. There were plenty of notable moments, including Queen Latifah accepting her Lifetime Achievement Award, Megan Thee Stallion cleaning up a handful of trophies, and Cardi B’s pregnancy reveal. Of course, the red carpet didn’t disappoint, either. Lil Nas X gave us multiple outfits and Zendaya provided a little history lesson in archival Versace. Below, the best looks of the night.
Lil Nas X in Richard Quinn
The British designer is known for mixing vintage fabrics and silhouettes with a bit of kink — an aesthetic that perfectly suits Lil Nas X at the moment.
… AND another look by a recent fashion grad.
Their name is Andrea Grossi, and if you zoom in on the dress, you’ll see various scenes from history.
Queen Latifah in Thom Browne
Looking as regal as ever.
Zendaya in vintage Versace
If this dress looks familiar, it’s because Beyoncé wore it to the 2003 BET Awards, where she made her debut as a solo artist and performed “Crazy in Love” for the first time with Jay-Z. “Get you a stylist with a ARCHIVE!!!!” wrote Law Roach on Instagram.
Lil Kim in Prada
This is not the first time Lil Kim has sported designer fringe, but the look is still just as inspiring.
Cardi B in custom Dolce & Gabbana
There was a lot of competition for shiniest outfit of the night, but Cardi clearly shone the brightest.
