As somber as the Grammy 2012 Music Awards were, there were still some shining moments for men’s fashion at the red carpet. Here are my thoughts on the fashion wins.

While the bow tie still reigns supreme I was happy to see that the black on black profile that was so popular at the 2011 Grammy Awards took a bow. Caleb Followill of Kings Of Leon stepped out in a a Gucci two button notch lapel brown Signoria suit with a burgundy and white striped shirt and burgundy silk bowtie. The use of earth tones gave this look a warm southern gentleman  appeal that I think was pulled off well.

John Legend kept it classic with an oval lapel tuxedo with the red carpet standard white dress shirt and black tie. The satin on the lapel gives his outfit a nice sleekness that isn’t too brash. He matches his fiance Christine Teigen quite nicely.

Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine wore a dark grey three piece suit with a striped shirt, blue tie and a contrasting handkerchief. While I like what he put together, this isn’t very Hollywood or red carpet elite. It is very much a standard suit that doesn’t inspire me to be great.

As the 2012 Grammy Music Awards host, LL Cool J played it safe but still stylish with a double breasted velvet suit with matching velvet bow tie. The satin lapel is always a nice touch and it complimented his stature. My gripe with Mr. Smith is his fascination with wearing a hat which in this instance gives him this chauffeur vibe.

Soul singer Eric Benet is a classic case of when doing too much goes wrong. A three piece suit plus an open collar plus a scarf plus a handkerchief plus overlapping shirt cuffs make this a disorganized profile that doesn’t reach that cool factor that he was most likely aiming for.

I think Common didn’t even try here. I understand being a musical performer lends for some wiggle room to be casual at these type of events but this is far cry from “Grammy Awards”.

Wiz Khalifa was more rocker than rapper with an interesting combination of jewelry, tattoos, T-shirt, and tuxedo jacket. While I’m not mad at this look, it just isn’t my cup of tea. I must say Amber Rose was looking phenomenal!

Swizz Beatz looked very dapper in a vibrant bright purple velvet tuxedo jacket with matching bow tie. The black shirt and pants gave the jacket the proper stage to shine. You can tell Tom Ford’s influence throughout this entire look. Great Job!

While I am not the biggest fan of Kirk Franklin I must say his he was the best dressed man at the 2012 Grammy Awards. Mr. Franklin wore an off brown notch lapel suit with a chocolate velvet bow tie. Instead of going with the standard white, he used a cream colored shirt to bring everything together. The shoes had hints of blue but never took away from the suit. This was sophistication at its best and shows that you can never go wrong when you keep it clean and classic! Cheers!