Jewels, tailoring and statements: what they wore at the Aotearoa Music Awards

New Zealand's music royalty dressed to impress at the 60th Aotearoa Music Awards.

Tailoring for both male and female artists was a key trend on the red carpet at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre, while shimmery and bejewelled outfits also (literally) shone out. Some artists used words to make less subtle statements.

Lorde, queen of the surprise appearance, made a low-key red carpet arrival after the show started. She wore what looked like a strapless tailored jumpsuit in grey with silver shoes, her wavy hair out and casual.

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It was a more dressed-up look than the one she sports in the music video for her latest single, 'Man of the YearI' - a pair of jeans and silver duct tape across her chest (ouch!).

Both CHAII and Fazerdaze went for eye-catching, masculine blazers. CHAII wore a custom Claudia Lee blazer dripping in jewels, while sporting sparkling rings on almost every finger and metallic nail polish. Fazerdaze wore an oversized, silver blazer as a dress.

Country singer Kaylee Bell also favoured a tailored look, wearing a black and white pinstriped suit from New Zealand designer Trelise Cooper with boots and a love heart-shaped handbag from Stolen Girlfriends Club.

Stan Walker loves to communicate through clothing and he did not disappoint at this year’s AMAs with an outfit from Christchurch label FUGAWI. He wore an ankle-length white coat with uplifting phrases written on it such as “Go be great.” Walker said that it symbolised whakapapa and lineage.

Designer Morghan Ariki Bradshaw told RNZ that the art pieces "represent anyone who has ever been silenced". Bradshaw opened her studio's doors to the community and people close to the FUGAWI brand to write words, draw or share empowering messages on the pieces.

Like Walker, MOKOTRON also made a statement in black and white with 'Land Back' written in old English font on his black sweater.