Shoutout to Rina Sawayama for inventing the colour purple at the 2021 Brit Awards [1]. The Japanese-British singer practically shut down the award show in London on Tuesday evening when she waltzed down the red carpet [2] in a voluminous lilac gown worthy of its own zip code. Designed by Olivier Rousteing as the finale look for Balmain's spring 2019 couture collection, the dress was an absolute work of art, featuring a waterfall-like skirt of ruffles, hefty train, and cutout bodice that allowed Rina's tattoos to peek through. Oh, and there were also several gravity-defying pieces of material sprouting up from the waistline for an added high-fashion oomph.
With help from stylist Jordan Kelsey [3], Rina paired her Balmain gown with silver Bulgari jewels and Jimmy Choo PVC heels that instantly reminded us of Cinderella's glass slippers. On the red carpet, the songwriter casually teased that she's working on a duet with Lady Gaga [4] for her forthcoming Chromatica remix album, and during the show, she got emotional [5] while listening to Olivia Rodrigo's live "Drivers Licence" performance [6]. Umm, we feel you on that! Luckily, her dress looks quite capable of absorbing any tears she shed, wouldn't you agree?
Ahead, we've included all the must-see photos of Rina's show-stopping Brit Awards gown so you can fully admire it from every angle — plus, there's even a video so you can witness the masterpiece in motion. Join us in bowing down to the queen of purple.
