Style shrinks: Our experts analyse Mariah Carey's studs-up challenge at 'The Butler' premiere

Fierce: Mariah shows off her studded black-leather sling (Rex Features)

The sling

Rebecca Gonsalves: This studded black-leather number is as fierce as Mariah herself.

Hugh Montgomery: The best way to out-diva Oprah Winfrey and Jane Fonda on the red carpet? THIS

The hair/make-up

Rebecca: I'm a fan of the sleek 'do, but the wide black Alice band reminds me only of the sad demise of Walford resident Tiffany Mitchell.

Hugh: Mariah is in Wonderland with this Alice band… in fact, 'Mariah in Wonderland' is the 'Glitter' sequel waiting to happen.

The shoes

Rebecca: Are those bows or – one of her favourite motifs – little black-lace butterflies? If the singing hadn't panned out, she'd have made a great lepidopterist.

Hugh: At a guess, relics of Cher's 1980s Oscars wardrobe.

The dress

Rebecca: 'When in doubt, go LBD' is a fine principle in theory but you expect more razzle-dazzle from this diva.

Hugh: Mariah paraphrasing Henry Ford: 'Pop queens can have a dress in any style they choose, so long as it is body-con.'