The revised 2021 Grammy Awards Ceremony was a change of pace, but Cynthia Erivo was ready for it. With its exterior, half-meaningful shape, the event offered a new template, with social pace for the awards season. As someone who already has a Grammy award on her shelf – the multi-talented star won best music album of 2017 for * The Color Purple— * Erivo understands the importance of the event “ the Grammys are about seeing friends, listening to them and celebrating good music, ”she said Vogue post-show. “It’s strange not to be together, but at least we’re safe.”
The logistics may have changed, but Erivo and her stylist Jason Bolden are always ready for a fashion moment. After raising the bar for a meaningful news tour style during a Genius: Aretha appear, the pair wanted something special for the biggest night in music. “Cynthia is a fashion girl throughout. I show up, and she ‘s already in full view,’ said Bolden. “She’s really liked everything Nicolas Ghesquière has been doing lately, so this felt right. Everyone is expecting a wild story but we tried it the day before the ceremony, made a few changes and it was perfect. ” Elegant yet futuristic, Louis Vuitton gown silver and gold accents and a bold peekaboo were built into the bodice. However, it was Erivo’s presence that brought the scene to life. “I think it’s ultimately about the man inside the scene,” Bolden said. “It belonged to Cynthia. What took her to that next level is how she decided to move and stand, how she explained the modernity of clothing through her position. However, he will not forget the magic of Nicolas and the magic of the tailors who worked on the dress either. ”
For Erivo, the manageable quality of the scene’s metallic metals, sleek silhouette, and intricate construction made it special. “They paid close attention to the smallest detail when creating this dress,” says Erivo. “Even the sequins are V-shaped to represent Louis Vuitton. It’s grand and gorgeous, and it just shines when the light hits it. It’s a special piece, [one] that felt royal and made me feel like a queen. I also really like the shape that feels incredibly classic but modern at the same time with the falling neck. ”
As a nominee for the best song written for the visual media, Erivo was at the Grammys to do more than look elegant. “Stand Up,” her contribution to the soundtrack of Kasi Lemmons’ film, Harriet, marking her first naming as a songwriter. Describing the creative process as an amazing experience, she found work with producers Will Wells and Gabe Fox-Peck inspiring. “We sat and wrote for 3 hours and then it took a month or so to get it done,” says Erivo. “We brought in some really beautiful voices – the choir was amazing and my guitar and Xela writer was amazing. One of my eagles, Lisa Fischer, who is an amazing singer, turned out to be one of the backing singers. It was a special piece, and I’m so thankful I was a part of it. Even after he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress last year for his role as the film’s titular heroine, Harriet Tubman, who was filming the film, it surprised Erivo to be running for a Grammy. “I didn’t expect that,” she says. “I’ve taken on the role of singer-songwriter this year with my album – it feels wonderful to be known for both.
With the Grammys packed and the awards season ahead of them, Erivo and Bolden are already keeping an eye on the future – just don’t expect them to spill any information. “There is no formula; Cynthia dresses for her own happiness, ”says Bolden. “Yesterday we were talking about what was to come, trying to figure it out, and everything she said ‘I want what everyone else is putting back on the rack. ‘So she dances to her own beat, doing what feels good to her soul. ”