MTV Video Music Awards: All the Looks
Let’s start with a small history of the MTV Video Music Awards. The ceremony started back in 1984, as a celebration for music through videography. Now it is more than that, combining an appreciation for music videos with public spectacle. Events like Kanye West’s interruption of Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj’s callout, “Miley what’s good?” took the awards to the status they are today.
But now, let’s talk about the looks of this year. The first on the list is Tyla, as she wore an archival Chanel top from the Spring/Summer runway of 1993. This was styled not as a top, but as a micro mini dress. She took the up and coming micro trend to a new level by taking a bodice from an iconic era of Chanel. Tyla took one piece of the runway outfit and made it her entire look.
The next trend taken on by my attendees is none other than the sheer trend. Both Zara Larsson and Tate McCrae utilized it in opposing styles. Larsson sported a Sorcha O'Raghallaigh mini dress with embellished flowers, fringe and various colors. In comparison, McCrae wore a full length monochromatic white dress by Ludovic de Saint Sernin with ruched details and a train. Both looks reflect the eras of their artists’ careers, combining their music style with an upcoming trend.
Along with the last two artists, Sabrina Carpenter had a take on sheer clothing via a Valentino red lace look. In a high neck, full length gown, with her signature hair and a lavender boa. Some have pointed out a dislike of the color choice, but I disagree. I find the deep red and light purple to pair quite well. Each sheer look completely contrasts the others, one flirty, one soft and one bold.
Now, onto performance looks. For her first live performance of “Tears”, Sabrina began in a poncho-esque look. It was a unique silhouette that I hope to see more in mainstream fashion. Once it was removed, it revealed a detailed bra top. The final look, along with a rain soaked dance routine, paid homage to Britney Spears’s iconic Dream Within a Dream tour. It is also worth noting that Sabrina chose to defend transgender rights during the performance, adding to the growing ability to use the awards ceremony towards a good cause.
The next performance of note was “Vodka Cranberry” by Conan Gray. This young male artist took inspiration from Romeo and Juliet, while still putting his own spin on it. Gray dressed in a deep red, fully Shakespearian outfit by Erik Charlotte. Corey Fogelmanis, posed as his love interest on stage in a simpler version of the theme and acted the same role throughout Gray’s newest album, Wishbone. The performance contrasts Sabrina’s entirely. He was surrounded by florals with a resting lover behind him, and focused almost solely on visuals and vocals. The artist’s new song drew a lot of interest and caused him to even receive an Instagram follow from Ariana Grande.
Some other looks to mention are Doja Cat and Ice Spice, with both of them dressed in a blue and yellow palette. Doja’s Balmain mini dress look was outshadowed due to her choice to “eat” her lipstick. In doing so, she highlighted the rise of performative accessories on the red carpet. Ice Spice paired a yellow corset top with a full length patchwork skirt by Ralph Lauren. Each look was styled with true 90s voluminous hair, another trend to come.
Graphics: Sarah Chastain
Editor: Sydney Annis