This year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) was quite the spectacular program –– but I’m pretty sure that we’re all aware that the show began as early as the red carpet was laid outside the UBS Arena in New York City.
As with every high-profile event or gala such as this one, one thing that fans, spectators, and participants look forward to would be the fashion show that unfolds on the red carpet. The MTV VMAs have already been in the foreground of some of the most iconic moments of celebrity fashion over the years, which is why all eyes are dead set on this year’s festivities. Yet from what we’ve seen of the 2024 VMAs, the music industry’s biggest and brightest stars came together to serve a whole lot of looks that both enamor and enrapture those paying attention — resulting in a spectacular display of style that fits perfectly with all of these artist’s imagery and personas.
With all the stellar set of looks that we’ve seen from last night’s event, Billboard Philippines lists down our picks for the ten best looks that we’ve seen from the red carpet — ranging from vintage designer looks, classic styles, and custom pieces, to themed ensembles that make for some of the most memorable outfits that we’ve seen from VMA history. Check out our picks below.
Halsey
Courtesy of Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
With fiery red hair, pop singer Halsey wore a one-of-a-kind red hot cheetah print gown designed by Versace. Originally made for and worn by English supermodel Elizabeth Hurley in 1996, the “Colors” hitmaker breathed new life into the dress as it fit perfectly with her brand-new era.
Shawn Mendes
Courtesy of Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
Shawn Mendes made a strong case for those who like wearing all-black ensembles with his custom wool Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo. With his flared pants and unbuttoned silk shirt, he exuded a carefree nature that is still stylish in its own right — proving that sometimes minimalism can work wonders when making a statement.
Tyla
Courtesy of Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
Best Afrobeats awardee and Grammy winner Tyla paired a fringe corset top and mini skirt straight from Area Clothing’s runway show at New York Fashion Week straight onto the red carpet. While the look might not fit everyone, it looked effortless on the “Water” hitmaker, thanks to the fabulous pairing of the turquoise necklace and coral sandals that closed off the USA’s summer season with finesse.
Lil Nas X
Courtesy of Noam Gelai/Getty Images
Lil Nas X always knows how to put on one heck of a show — even when it comes to his series of red-carpet looks. His outfit to this year’s VMA Awards was no exception, as the pink and white motorcycle rider-inspired getup stood out as one of the most eye-catching fits of the night. Embellished with a big bedazzled buckle belt and an abstract helmet, the look channeled Rosaliá’s Motomami and Sanrio’s Hello Kitty at the same time.
Camilla Cabello
Courtesy of Getty Images
Described by Cabello herself as a ‘funeral gown’ to her old self, this lacey Tony Ward couture gown looked stunning for the “I Luv It” singer. The black veil fit perfectly with her newly dyed hair, while the trio of cross-shaped necklaces fit right into her “Godspeed” mindset.
Doechii
Courtesy of Andrew Kelly/Reuters
Fresh off the release of her latest mixtape, rising rapper Doechii stunned on the 2024 VMAs carpet wearing a complete Thom Browne ensemble. With a gorgeously tailored jacket, a black skirt with white stitching, knee-high socks, and platform heels, the “Alter Ego” singer embraced a preppy and playful look that stood out as one of the night’s best looks.
Damiano David (Måneskin)
Courtesy of Getty Images
Måneskin’s Damiano David channeled classic menswear fashion with his jacquard three-piece suit — perfectly fit with wide-leg pants and peak lapels by Italian fashion house Etro. The light print paired with the stunning brown color livened up the look to make it more distinct than the usual suit and tie, showcasing the same flair that is found in Måneskin’s wardrobe. Yet with credit to David’s clean-cut grooming this time around, the entire look shined as one of the best male ensembles of the night.
Lisa
Courtesy of @MTV
BLACKPINK‘s Lisa has always been a stunner, but her choice of wearing Mugler on the 2024 VMAs carpet is one that turned heads all around the world. The dramatic hooded custom corset gown featured a lot of clashing elements like the gloves and superhero-like bodice, but luckily it all came together in the final outfit that felt right at home on the “Rockstar” singer. Aside from looking classy, the gown exuded a sense of regal confidence that perfectly fits Lisa’s unique aura, making it one of the best looks of the night.
Sabrina Carpenter
Courtesy of @MTV
Sabrina Carpenter dazzled in old Hollywood glamour, wearing a strapless vintage Bob Mackie gown. Originally worn by Madonna to the 1991 Oscars, this stunning gown was personally lent by the Queen of Pop to the “Espresso” hitmaker, who then made the look her own. The 25-year-old blonde bombshell’s signature bangs were paired with minimalist diamond jewelry that indeed showed that diamonds can be a girl’s best friend.
Chappell Roan
Courtesy of @MTV
Chappell Roan channeled her inner ‘Roan of Arc’ in a goth-inspired Y/Project gown, accessorized by a large cross pendant and dramatic nails emerging from chainmail fingerless gloves. Armed with a medieval sword and braided hairstyle not far from what you’d see on the Lord of the Rings movies, the “Good Luck, Babe!” singer pushed her theatrical capabilities to new heights, making for a wonderful display of grandeur and camp all at once.