BC-MUSIC-FASHION-LADN

STYLE CENTER STAGE AT AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

(With MUSIC-AWARDS, both for use by NYT News Service clients)

(Moving in the "e'' entertainment news file and in the "n'' California news file.)

By SANDRA BARRERA

c. 2012 Los Angeles Daily News

LOS ANGELES -- 'We're trying to get the worst dressed award."

That's Andy Biersack, frontman of the Los Angeles-based rock band Black Veil Brides that's been touted as the next Motley Crue.

And as it turns out, the pierced rocker and his Junker Designs-clad bandmates fit nicely into the fashion parade that rocked the red carpet Sunday night at the Nokia Theatre for the American Music Awards in leather, metal studs and low-crotch jeans.

"Rock 'n' roll at its core is about believing in yourself and having fun and doing your own thing," Biersack said. "We're here to remind people that it's OK to be a freak, and it's OK to be different."

Different was the thing, whether it was Nicki Minaj in a fluorescent ball gown or Jenny McCarthy dressed as Pink, complete with a pompadour. Cyndi Lauper managed to slip in her trademark plaid as a ruffle on her patchwork leather jacket that she wore over slashed skin-tight pants.

Jessica Canseco, the former wife of Major Leagure Jose Canseco, was showing off her curves and her new line, JC Collections.

"This is metal mesh," she said, turning around to model the hook and latch keeping her top on.

Wearing sunglasses and a woven hat, Swizz Beatz walked the carpet next to his dad wearing a teal Kenzo suit and on his feet were Shaquille O'Neal's old Shaq Attack sneakers.

Fresh off his Latin Grammy Awards appearance, Maffio was sporting all denim and a bow tie.

"You like it? This is my trademark," he said. "I'm actually going to come out with a line of bow ties. You got to tap into everything."

And then there was Chris Wallace, a singer-songwriter who is a dead ringer for actor James Franco.

"I definitely get James Franco a lot," he said. "I'm hoping I can have him in my next music video instead of me. I think it would be funny. He seems like the kind of guy that might do it."

But the fashion statements weren't all outrageous.

Some were downright elegant, including Brandi's flapper look.

Alyssa Bernal hit the carpet in a beaded Renzo and Kai vintage dress as Coca-Cola's Mix'On artist.

As it turns out, she was was discovered on YouTube by Pharrell Williams.

"Believe it or not I'm considered a veteran on YouTube," she said. "Justin (Bieber) and I used to chat when we first signed up to be on YouTube, and then he blew up. Hopefully I'll see him tonight.

"But I doubt he remembers me."

sandra.barrera@dailynews.com

Follow Sandra Barrera on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sandrabarrera18