Tracee Ellis Rossreturned to host the AMAsthis year, and she did so with style that makes a statement. Kicking things offwith an opening dance number, the multi-hyphenate star explained there was a message of racial inclusivity behind her impressive stage wardrobe, on which she collaborated withstylist and close friend Karla Welch.
“I will feature black designers in all of my looks tonight,” she announced to the crowd, before joking that she “might finally make it on to the Shaderoom and if you don’t know what theShaderoomis, it’s the black TMZ.”
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TheBlack-ishstar, who often champions the need for more diversity in Hollywood, told PEOPLE ahead of the show that she was very excited about the inclusive theme.
“We have a really specific theme this year — a story that I’m telling about who is making all of the clothes — but I will keep that a secret and share that during the show,” she said. “That feels really special to me and very exciting, and that was sort of our guiding force and kind of the marching orders I gave Karla [Welch] in how to go out and hunt for things in that particular theme.”
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Ross and Welch have a very collaborative process, and always work together when pulling the star’s looks, most recently working together on her head-turning and best dressed list toppinghot pink Valentino Haute Couture confection worn to the Emmy Awards.
“Karla and I work so well together. Other than that, it’s just whatever looks good on my body, and makes me feel comfortable and powerful,” Ross said. “All different kinds of clothes make my heart sing.”
Throughout the show, Ross changed a total of 10 times wearing an array of looks including designs from CD Greene, Shanel Campbell, Off-White, Sergio Hudson, Claude Lavie Kameni, Balmain and Cushnie. (See them all below!)
And while she brought just as many amazing looks as last year, Ross’ original plan was to scale it back a little bit.
“My only gripe about last year is that all of those amazing clothes didn’t get seen as much as I wanted them to get seen,” she shared. “However, knowing me, if we’ve got the looks I’m gonna want to put them on. You might have to see it all on my Instagram instead of on stage.”
source: people.com
