The Best Dressed at the 2023 GRM Gala

On Sunday GRM Daily held their fourth annual GRM Gala celebrating black excellence within the UK entertainment industry. Beyond an opportunity to have a good time with music, drinks and great vibes; the Gala also serves as time for a social media storm of fashion critique. This year GRM encouraged their guests to dress “bold, unique and glamorous” in the secret garden themed soiree held at Sky Garden. Guests posed among a plethora of flora and fauna before partying into the early hours.

On social media, the court of public opinion had some emerge as fashion icons while others were charged with committing fashion offences. Let’s take a look at some of the best dressed from this year.

Wretch 32

Known for being suave from his style to the cadence of his music, Wretch 32 once again has emerged as one of the best dressed. Last year he wore a stunning tuxedo featuring a royal blue blazer and matching plain blain slacks and bow tie made by Tommy Raban. This year the duo worked together again on another expertly tailored suit. This time Wretch wore a black blazer with an iridescent black camouflage print paired with satin trousers and patent tasselled loafers. The look was finished with a simple silver bracelet and a simple silver collar pin. Classic, elegant and stylish; an essential edition to this year’s best dressed list.

Lilah Pi

Singer Lilah Pi went for a daring option in a full Astuko Kudo latex look styled by Violetta Thalia. While a corseted top and full length skirt is a classic silhouette for gala events, using near-neon yellow latex is not. What makes this one of the best dressed looks of the night is the simplicity of the accompaniments. From the soft black waves in her hair, to the simple makeup and minimal jewellery it tips this risky look towards iconic. Now, this isn’t for everyone but it certainly makes a sexy and fun statement which is what we need in the UK fashion scene.

Ms Banks

Rapper Ms Banks has had somewhat of a style rejig as of late; moving away from her often polarising looks. For the GRM Gala she continued on this trend, opting for a classic black figure hugging full length gown. Featuring a thigh high slit, asymmetric bust cut out and sheer mesh panelling she made a statement. The silver embellishments on the shoulder and hip were paired with matching silver embellished pointed heels, large earrings and a large sparkly ring. The look was pulled together with a subtle flawless makeup look and a voluminous jet black bob look leaving the shoulder bare and allowing the dress to shine. Stunning.

Oloni

Social media personality and sex & relationships expert Oloni chose a bronze grecian goddess look for her GRM Gala outfit. The full length gown featured three-dimensional sculpted off the shoulder detailing, a corseted bodice, thigh slit and draped skirt finished with a horsehair hemline. The custom A.T.K. Fashion House look was cut from a bronze metallic fabric that perfectly complemented Oloni’s skin tone, paired with a simple black clutch and heels. What prevented the look from being too much and overbearing was Oloni opting for no jewellery apart from her engagement ring and simple diamond earrings. This was the soft curls framing her face, bronzy makeup and black accessories completed the look perfectly.

Priscilla Anyabu

Presenter and model Priscilla Anyabu tapped into the Barbie energy in a raspberry pink Le Thanh Hoa gown styled by Sheldon Da Cr8tor. The mini dress, featuring a large floral motif on the bodice and full length overskirt draped and affixed at the waist, was worthy of a disney princess. The gown was paired with opera length gloves in a matching raspberry shade and a delicate diamond bracelet and ring over the top. With wet look hair and dewy makeup, Cinderella was truly ready for the ball. The mini length skirt allowed her svelte legs to provide a necessary contrast from the monochromatic look. If you look up pretty in pink, this is the image you’d see in the dictionary.

Michael Dapaah

More pink! Comedian and actor Michael Dapaah opted for a pale pink Twenty Five Paris suit, styled by Felicia Brown. The oversized single breasted blazer and matching tailored straight leg trousers were paired with a gold and silver Loewe monogram broach, gold diamond encrusted Cartier bracelet and black Dior loafers. Accessorised with gold rings, a gold watch and rimless Cartier sunglasses, Dapaah perfectly executed the elegance of summer dressing. The beauty of this look lies in how the shade of pink complements his skin, and most importantly how comfortable but stylish he looks. Formal doesn’t have to be synonymous with boring or stiff; Dapaah’s look proves this.

K-Trap

World renowned rapper and newest fashion week FROW member, K-Trap chose an all black look for his GRM Gala outfit. Known for his lyrics and dress sense, the well respected artiste did not disappoint. The relaxed fit of the trousers perfectly balanced with the structured, oversized fit of the blazer. The Givenchy suit was paired with rectangular sunglasses and tailored to fit by Joel Ryan. The look was finished with a simple black t-shirt, minimal jewellery and chunky patent black loafers. The perfect balance of modern silhouettes and the evergreen classic nature of monochromatic dressing.