On September 7, the infamous Music Television Video and Music Awards (MTV VMAs), hosted by rapper and actor LL Cool J, brought dozens of celebrities together, including winners Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Doechii, Mariah Carey, and so many more.
One thing in particular, though, that was striking was the fashion showcased at this event. Some of the most talked about looks have evidently been Carpenter’s red lace gown by Valentino, Doja Cat’s bold mini dress, and last but not least, Grande’s four dresses for one night, styled by Law Roach.
The first look featured very in-style polka dots. She had a long dress with three contrasting black on white, and white on black dotted layers. This was a custom Fendi design, and this is what she walked the red carpet in. Her second look was a glimmering black gown with dramatic shoulder puffs designed by Tamara Ralph. She wore this to announce Mariah Carey’s “Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award,” which was her first of two VMAs she won for the night and for the entirety of her career so far. Grande’s third dress featured a corset waist with a black abstract design over a white base. It was a ball gown by Steve O Smith, and she wore it to accept her “Best Pop Award”. Her fourth and final style of the night was a white dress with a big fluffy tutu with matching white pumps, which she wore to accept her second award of the night, which was for “Video of the Year”.
With all of these glamorous looks, she was styled with a sleek, slick-back hairdo with minimal and non-alarming accessories. The elegance of such simplicity is notable due to its contrast with the boldness of the silhouette, design, or texture of each dress.
Her numerous changes may be evidence of her “elitism” in the celebrity world at the moment. With the release of “Wicked” reigniting her acting career, and her 2024 album “eternal sunshine,” which is kickstarting her return to touring.
Furthermore, many viewers were surprised to see TikTok influencer Alix Earle appear at this event. This is pretty huge considering her original rise to the spotlight was in 2022, but was restricted to social media. It is clear that she has worked her way to the top, becoming an inspiring beacon throughout her speech at Harvard Business School, her current appearance on Dancing with the Stars, and now making an appearance at the VMAs as a presenter.
Another momentous attending star was Sabrina Carpenter. Nominated for nine awards, Carpenter won three, including “Best Pop Artist”, “Best Album”, and “Best Visual Effects”. She also performed her single “Tears” in support of transgender rights. She danced at a high speed in pouring water, which many compared to Britney Spears, in unison with members from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”. This performance left jaws on the floor with the sharp, eye-catching choreography.
Another significant performance of the night was by KATSEYE. The group, consisting of six women, has been a hot topic in recent pop culture due to the highly praised GAP jeans advertisement. Many people and dance teams across the world have been recreating the choreography from the commercial, including the Los Osos Dance Team.
At the VMAs, though, they sang and danced to a song of theirs entitled “Gnarly” as their debut appearance, and won the “Push Performance” award for their song “Touch”.
Another first-time winner was well-known social media star turned pop star, Tate McRae, who took home her first two VMAs for “Song of Summer” and for editing. She also performed at the event, which marked her VMAs debut, much like KATSEYE.
The night in total distributed 30 awards while being watched by 5.5 million viewers in the United States, who all witnessed the stunning fashion, the humorous presenters, and the lively performances.