M.I.A. Models A Body Covering Burka on the Red Carpet

Outrageous, head-turning getups are an the m.o. for M.I.A. (remember that polka-dot preggers look?), but a recent red-carpet appearance at Spike TV Scream Awards by the 35-year-old British pop musician left more than a few raised eyebrows, when she appeared in a head-to-toe body-covering burka.

But let's not forget this is M.I.A. we're talking about – after all, the Academy Award-nominated performer wouldn't be caught dead in any run-of-the-mill ensemble. M.I.A.'s burka was as avant-garde as the performer herself, and bore a resemblance to a Hermes scarf, with its pink, black and graphic-y markings. And what better to go with a burka than a little skin? M.I.A. showed off yellow-painted toes and eyes slathered in green shadow.

While it's apparent to everyone that M.I.A. can pump up the glam notch on any outfit—why a burka? Perhaps she was inspired by her little sister, Kali's burka designs in her collection, Super Fertile accessory Lookbooks. Was she attempting to comment on the burka ban in France and Muslim-phobia? A shout out to Muslim women of the world?

Either way, we couldn't help but notice her burka sported the logo "/\/\ /\ Y /\," and graphic text, "XO I Love You," – a direct reference to her recently released third album, "/\/\ /\ Y /\" and single, "XXXO."

Hmm, well who says it's bad to mix business with social action? We just couldn't figure out the motivation behind flipping the bird to photographers … while on a red carpet.

M.I.A. later ditched the floor-length outfit for bright purple pants, yellow-sequined top, lime green sneaks and a Katy Perry inspired blue, bobbed wig for her performance of "Teqkilla."

What do you think of M.I.A.'s latest guise? Controversial? Offensive? A step forward to burka-wearing ladies of the world? Do you think M.I.A.'s next move should be in the burka fashion industry?

-- Sarah McClure