Daring Outfits That Turned Heads At The MTV Video Music Awards
The first MTV Video Music Awards took place in 1984, and attendees had just one style rule to follow: there were no rules. That freedom to go wild has endured ever since, and it’s resulted in some of the most outrageous getups in fashion and pop culture history. We’re talking dangerously sheer dresses, cowboy costumes, a gown made of raw meat… you get the picture. So, keep scrolling for the most daring outfits to appear on the VMAs red carpet – so far, anyway.
The right fluff
Coco Chanel once famously gave the following advice to help women obtain her effortless, classy style. “Before you leave the house,” the legendary designer said, “look in the mirror and take one thing off.” We assume that Pamela Anderson didn’t know of that quote before attending the 1999 VMAs in sequined pants, a corset, and a fluffy, oversized top hat. Either way, Pam, you rocked it!
Kim-oh-no
Busta Rhymes is no stranger to colorful clothes, but the outfit he wore to the 1997 VMAs is in a league of its own. The hip-hop star made waves with his cherry-colored, intricately patterned kimono, paired with matching pants and shoes. And 20 years on, Cosmopolitan named the ensemble as one of the most outrageous outfits ever to be seen on the red carpet, although the magazine also felt that the “kimono… should have never seen the light of day.” We totally beg to differ.
Spaced-out silver
There’s an otherworldly vibe to Lenny Kravitz’s outfit from the 1993 VMAs. The jumpsuit-esque silhouette and shiny silver fabric make him look like an explorer from out of space. And the fact that he’s holding the iconic MTV Moonman just adds to the extraterrestrial chic. He might need to switch the platform heels for a more practical boot, but other than that, the star is space ready. Lenny, is there something you’re not telling us?
Masked and multicolored
Lady Gaga’s not really one to dress subtly at the VMAs – or anywhere else, for that matter. And this look from the 2020 ceremony is a case in point. After winning the award for Best Collaboration – an honor she shared with Ariana Grande for their tune “Rain on Me” – Gaga collected her statuette in a bright pink gas mask and psychedelic frock with spikes that resembled those on a lionfish. As you do.
