The MTV VMAs 2024 red carpet was destined to serve up some unforgettable fashion moments. After all, it’s the same event that gave us Lady Gaga’s meat dress, Gwen Stefani’s fluffy bikini top, and the fever dream that was Miley’s Bangerz era. The theme? Emo goth reigned supreme, and let’s just say the execution was questionable. Last year, every pop girlie was wrapped in some version of a gown. This year, not so much. The gowns were in hiding, replaced by high-low cuts, minis and underthings.

Chappell Roan had been on everyone’s radar for weeks, especially after all the eccentric festival outfits she’s graced us with (Statue of Liberty drag? Perfection). The rising American singer didn’t score an invite to the Grammys last year but still stole the after-party spotlight with her pig-nose look, which doubled as the cover art for her single Good Luck, Babe!. So, naturally, tonight was her moment to solidify her place as a fashion maverick. And what did we get? A brown and swamp green dress, accessorised with a sword. It was very Camelot but as much as we love a renaissance look, it failed to elicit any gasps or whispered “wows”.

Dapper dudes steal the show 

But where the women fizzled, the men brought their A-game. Damiano David, who may have you squinting and asking “Who?”, stole the show in a brown three-piece suit with a colour-block tie and a brooch. For the unfamiliar, he’s the frontman of Maneskin, the Italian rock band taking over the world one power ballad at a time. His outfit was ‘50s fifties dapper from Italian house Etro. Hands down, one of the night’s best.

And then there’s DJ Khaled, a man you’d never expect to land on a best-dressed list unless we’re ranking Hawaiian shirts. But the producer proved the doubters wrong, stepping out in a surprisingly chic pink Bottega Veneta shirt and trousers. His signature sunglasses remained, but the man deserves credit where it’s due—he looked great.

Country crooner Teddy Swims also threw his hat into the fashion ring, opting for what appeared to be a maxi skirt (you read that right) and an oversized trench coat covered in black ink designs. It was giving ‘art teacher chic,’ and for some strange reason, it worked.

While everyone else went above and beyond to prove their style chops on the red carpet, Shawn Mendes decided to play it safe, which honestly, felt like a relief amidst all the chaos. In a sleek all-black Dolce & Gabbana suit, he looked casually cool with the open collar adding a relaxed vibe. Not groundbreaking, but sometimes simple is the way to go.

Surprisingly, one woman managed to break through the mediocre red-carpet haze—Paris Hilton. The socialite-turned-DJ-turned-everything-sparkly strutted down the carpet in a chainmail-esque dress. Some might argue that sparkly, sequin dresses are overdone, but Paris added a twist with distressing it with rips and tears in all the right places. It was like the lovechild of a disco ball and an Athenian warrior, courtesy of Celia Kritharioti.

Goth brides and tablecloth chic 

The worst outfits of the night seemed to have one thing in common: the grunge emo goth look, and it claimed more victims than it should have. First, we have Camila Cabello, who arrived looking like she’d been shopping for her gown in a haunted mansion. Her black lace Tony Ward Couture gown was topped off with a black tulle veil, making her resemble a goth bride. To complete the vibe, she dyed her hair black again. If that wasn’t enough, Benson Boone and Lenny Kravitz also succumbed to the trend, and let’s just say it wasn’t their best.

Then there was Lil Nas X, who strolled onto the carpet channeling a pink ‘90s superhero—complete with a cropped pink-and-white jacket, matching pants, and a helmet that made him look like he was ready to join the Power Rangers. Bold, yes. Appropriate for a major awards show? That’s debatable. 

While Taylor Swift may have snagged the majority of the night’s awards and made history, a category she didn’t win in was fashion. Someone needs to address the tartan (better known as the tablecloth looking material) monstrosity some call a dress. Styled by Christian Dior, no less, she stepped out in an olive tartan bustier top, black shorts, knee-high boots, and a matching tartan train. She completed the look with leather ties coiling up her arms instead of jewellery. 

Fortunately, her second look of the night—a custom MONSE mini dress—was far better. The sleeveless piece featured a dreamy garden landscape with an alien spaceship hovering overhead. Sequins everywhere and belt-like straps gave the dress a weirdly mesmerising futuristic vibe.

Monroe to missed marks 

And what would a red carpet be without a tribute or two? This year, Sabrina Carpenter gave us serious screen siren vibes in a sparkling alabaster gown, clearly a nod to Marilyn Monroe (and Madonna, who wore a similar look 33 years ago). It was elegant, it was classic, and it was a reminder that not everything needs to scream for attention to get it.

Tate McRae opted for a Britney Spears-inspired look, channeling the Princess of Pop’s iconic 2001 VMAs outfit. Her Roberto Cavalli lace mini dress, worn over black underwear, was an edgier take on Britney’s original ensemble. 

On the flip side, Halsey missed the mark entirely with her tribute to Elizabeth Hurley’s 1996 Versace dress. Animal prints are a pet peeve of mine, and her red leopard-print gown with glittering accents only confirmed why. The dress was designed specially for Hurley and hadn’t been worn since.

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