Last night, celebrities came together for one of September’s most awaited events: The MTV Video Music Awards. Yes, we know it’s fashion month, but these looks had our eyes shifting from the New York runways to Newark, New Jersey. From Nicki Minaj’s Barbiecore dress (very on brand might we say) to Doja Cat’s spiderweb naked dress (also very on brand), its safe to say our jaws were on the floor; or in this case, the pink carpet. Although the event is meant to celebrate music videos and artists, we know one things for sure: it’ll go down in the fashion history books as well.
Nicki Minaj
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This year the queen of rap added another iconic outfit and VMAs performance to her roster. Debuting her new Pink Friday 2 era, the Dolce & Gabanna ensemble is the epitome of the Coquette trend. With lacy details and delicate materials, the ‘Barbie World’ singer belongs in the Barbie move just as much as her soundtrack feature.
Selena Gomez
The ‘Single Soon’ singer attended the event for the first time since 2015 – and her outfit did not disappoint. The former Disney Channel star was all grown up in this sensual, cut-out Oscar De La Renta gown. The ruby floral appliqués and plunging neckline were contrasted with minimal jewellery and heels, making her look like a romantic dream.
Cardi B
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Cardi B has never shied down from turning heads with her fashion choices, and the VMAs were no different. The nominated artist arrived in a form-fitting gown that, at first glance, appeared to look like medieval armour. But the Dilara Findikoglu dress and matching arm cuffs were surprisingly made of thousands of metallic silver hair clips. Now we know who her fellow A-listers went to for help if they had a hair mishap.
Doja Cat
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After a week of sitting front row at the New York runways, the singer finally stepped into the spotlight to have her fashion moment. No stranger to the naked dress trend, Doja opted for a netted, spiderweb crochet version this time around. She completed the Ap0cene gown with Monse, Maria Tash and Nicole Rose jewellery, finishing the look.
Megan Thee Stallion
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Not only did the rapper shine in her live performance with Cardi B, but also with this sheer, black ensemble. The Brandom Blackwood NYC corset dress hugged her body perfectly. She accessorised the look with sparkling Jacob & Co. jewellery and Stuart Weitzman shoes. Zero thoughts, just S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!
Anitta
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The Brazilian singer is known for performing in stylish outfits, and her VMA looks continue to prove it. If her black cut-out dress looks like it came straight from the runway, that’s because it did. From the pink bralette to the accessories, the ensemble belongs to the Schiaparelli Fall 2023 Haute Couture collection. It was hard to top her fiery red dress from last year’s event, but this glamorous choice proved just as daring.
Saweetie
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A look that had people asking many questions on Twitter, Saweetie somehow merged the Flinestones and Barbie into an aesthetic. The glittery, pink dress had two large bones (yes, bones) near the neck and waist. About the Fall Winter 2023 AREA dress, the singer said: “The inspiration behind this is fashion when it first started: Cavemen”.
Shakira
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This year, the singer took home the Video Vanguard Award and Moon Person trophy. But that wasn’t her only win: she also wore two different Versace looks – and rocked them both. For the red carpet, she opted for a bare-back, chainmail gown, changing into a stunning, light blue dress to receive her Moon Trophy with collaborator Karol G afterward. Both get-ups had Versace’s signature sexy cut-outs, and no one but Shakira could’ve pulled off both glam moments as effortlessly as her.
Karol G
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Shakira’s fellow Colombian artist also managed to merge multiple trends into one look. Mermaidcore? Check. Barbiecore? Check. Sheer dress? Check. She’s been going through a style transformation these past few months, and this shimmery Ashi Studio dress cemented her as a fashion icon. The pink ombre hair, Jacob and Co. jewellery, and glossy make up also proved to be the perfect addition to the look. We can’t wait to see what Karol G has in store for us next time.
Doechii
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The self-proclaimed swamp princess proved her alias right by delivering the wildest look of the night. What’s more surprising is that it was sourced from her stylist Malu Registre’s closet. From the netted, silvery dress to the red Dsquared2 trucker hat and arm warmers, the rising singer gave us a cool, edgy outfit.
Written by Alexia De Las Heras
Header image by Mia Washbrook
