VMA’s Vibe Check: Star Power Meets High Fashion
Get ready, fashion lovers, because the 2025 MTV VMAs red carpet was a full-on masterclass in celebrity style! If the performances had us dancing, the fashion had us screaming with delight. This year’s lineup was a beautiful blur of archival treasures, futuristic visions, and some seriously playful pop culture moments. The stars delivered a lineup of looks that were breathtakingly detailed, blending archival treasures, futuristic silhouettes, and playful glamour. Let’s break down the most memorable outfits, from the couture to the captivating! Let’s dive into the looks that turned the carpet into our favorite runway.
FKA Twings in Matières Fécales
The Look: FKA twigs solidified her status as the queen of avant-garde glamour in a stunning Matières Fécales two piece. The look was a breathtaking mix of fantasy and raw artistry, perfectly capturing her otherworldly style. A blood-red crop top and trousers set that felt more conceptual art than fashion.
Accessories: Her braided hair was sculpted into functional headphone shapes, bands, wires, and speakers, crafted entirely from her own hair. The look was completed with Christian Louboutin, collab platform heels, a nose ring, and a metallic dental grill.
Hair & Makeup: The hairstyle was the standout: extraordinary braids formed headphone visuals. Makeup featured bleached brows, warm-toned eyes, and a bold brick-red lip for maximum contrast.
Why It Resonated: In a sea of nostalgia and homage, FKA twigs reminded everyone that fashion can transcend style, it can be immersive performance art, challenging and visionary.
Doja Cat in Balmain – PF24
The Look: Doja Cat leaned into pure fantasy with a pastel harlequin Balmain mini dress. The silhouette was sharp, playful, and futuristic, structured shoulders, fitted bodice, and glistening crystal embellishments in shades of lilac, yellow, and fuchsia.
Accessories: The pièce de résistance? A $5,995 Judith Leiber lipstick-shaped clutch, dripping in crystals, paired with Chopard diamond jewelry. Doja finished it off with buttery-yellow Pleaser platforms that nodded to both pop kitsch and high glamour.
Hair & Makeup: Her platinum blonde hair was styled into a voluminous ’80s-inspired blowout, equal parts Barbie and rock goddess. Beauty was bold: cherry-red lipstick (later revealed in edible chocolate form for a cheeky carpet moment), dramatic lashes, and luminous skin that glowed under the flashbulbs.
Why It Resonated: Doja understands red carpet as performance art. Her look wasn’t just about clothes, it was about narrative. The edible lipstick stunt and over-the-top references to beauty culture amplified the playful Balmain aesthetic. She turned nostalgia and camp into an art form and had everyone talking.
Lady Gaga in Marc Jacobs – AW25
The Look: Gaga reminded everyone why she’s the ultimate red carpet disruptor. She appeared in a sculptural Marc Jacobs gown from AW25, a gothic-romantic creation of cascading black ruffles layered over hints of purple lace. The Victorian silhouette, puffed sleeves, fitted bodice, sweeping train it was pure drama.
Accessories: Gaga accessorized minimally but deliberately. A towering floral headpiece tucked into her updo became both crown and statement. Jewelry was understated, allowing the architectural gown to remain the focal point.
Hair & Makeup: Her beauty look was daring: bleached brows, fiery copper eyeshadow, a glossy red lip, and porcelain skin. Her hair was swept into a voluminous updo with blunt bangs, amplifying the drama of the headpiece.
Why It Resonated: Gaga’s return to the VMAs was brief but seismic. This was gothic couture at its most theatrical, exactly the kind of risk-taking fashion the VMAs have always thrived on. It was less about looking pretty and more about embodying an experience, reminding fans that Gaga never just wears clothes, she becomes them.
Ariana Grande in Fendi – RS26
The Look: Ariana traded her signature mini skirts for a sleek, mature moment in a reworked Fendi RS26 look. The look was soft yet powerful, clean tailoring, dreamy pastel polka dots, and an chic vibe that still matched her playful spirit. Her iconic ponytail cascaded down, keeping a touch of her classic style. The dress featured a sweetheart neckline with a column silhouette that skimmed her with a back split. Def Ariana’s signature “sweet but sultry” aesthetic.
Accessories: She paired the gown with platform black stilettos, and minimal styling, of diamond studs.
Hair & Makeup: Ariana’s hair was an ultra-long ponytail, her trademark, but refined and modernized with glossy, mirror-like shine. Makeup leaned fresh: a sculpted cat-eye with soft brown liner, glowing skin, rosy blush, and her signature nude-pink lip with a hint of gloss.
Why It Resonated: Ariana’s look balanced evolution with identity. She stayed true to her iconic ponytail-and-pastel charm while embracing a grown-up sophistication. It was a masterclass in personal branding, recognizably Ariana, but elevated for the next era of her career.
Ciara in Schiaparelli – SS25
The Look: Ciara commanded the carpet in Schiaparelli SS25, a look that blurred the line between surrealism and red-carpet glamour. The dress was a sculpted a voluminous red top with oversized neckline and a mini skirt, classic Daniel Roseberry Schiaparelli drama. Such a powerful and ultra feminine look.
Accessories: She kept the surrealist edge alive with simple but statement jewelry, gold earrings and a gold bangle. Her clear metallic toes heels were a perfect understated addition to a very strong and GORG look.
Hair & Makeup: Ciara wore her hair in a sleek ponytail with a razor center part, letting the glossy length cascade down her back, simple but commanding. Her makeup brought warmth and radiance: bronzed skin, sculpted cheekbones, smoky eyes with gilded highlights, and a glossy mocha nude lip.
Why It Resonated: Ciara delivered strength and sensuality. The Schiaparelli look married art with feminine strength, showing her as both muse and icon. It resonated because it felt unapologetically powerful, a woman in control of her narrative, using fashion as armor.
Jessica Simpson in Christian Siriano – RS25
The Look: Jessica marked her first VMA appearance since 2006 in a sheer, tulle-cutout Christian Siriano gown with visible corset boning and strategic skin panels that offered both allure and grace.
Accessories: She kept it sleek with statement chain-link earrings and delicate rings, and finished the look with strappy black heels.
Hair & Makeup: Sporting a sharp high ponytail, her artistry included dramatic eyeliner, fluttery lashes, and a glossy nude-pink lip, classic glam with a modern twist.
Why It Resonated: Jessica’s return felt triumphant yet refined, melding vulnerability and confidence, it was a mature reboot that played to her legacy while embracing her evolution.
Tyla in Vintage Chanel – SS93
The Look: Tyla made history by transforming a Karl Lagerfeld era Chanel top from SS93 into a daring micro-minidress. The piece, cream with sharp black trim and chain accents, originally graced Claudia Schiffer on the runway. On Tyla, it became modern, flirty, and powerful. She grounded the archival treasure with sleek black briefs peeking underneath, giving the ensemble both edge and security.
Accessories: The accessories took center stage, Pandora’s Talisman collection dripping from her neck, wrists, waist, and even her ankle. Gold coins, layered chains, oversized hoops, and chunky rings created a maximalist shimmer that played beautifully against Chanel’s classic minimal lines. Black pointed-toe Christian Louboutins added polish without stealing the spotlight.
Hair & Makeup: Her asymmetrical bob was parted sleekly, adding a sculptural frame to her face. Makeup was bold yet sultry: smoky eyes, lush lashes, and a glossy nude lip. A green manicure injected a playful pop of color.
Why It Resonated: Tyla’s look was a lesson in reinvention. She showed how archival fashion can be reborn for a new era, infusing Gen Z playfulness and maximalist accessories into a timeless Chanel classic. It screamed confidence and cemented her as one of the night’s breakout style stars.
Tyla in Oscar de la Renta
The Look: Rosé lit up the stage, and her win for Song of the Year, in a strapless Oscar de la Renta column gown from Spring 2026. Rendered in shimmering butter-yellow sequins and cascading with delicate fringe, the silhouette hugged her frame before teasing movement with every step. The gown perfectly blended elegance with dance-floor drama, making it both eye-catching and radiant.
Accessories: To match the sparkle of her dress, Rosé chose dazzling diamond earrings, adding a luxe glow that framed her face with effortless grace. Simple, striking, and perfectly tuned to the rest of her look.
Hair & Makeup: Her hair was styled in long, sleek waves that fell past her shoulders, an elegant contrast to the vibrant hue of her dress. Makeup was kept fresh and luminous, allowing her natural beauty to shine through and complement her golden ensemble.
Why It Resonated: Rosé’s look stood out not just for its aesthetic, but for what it represented: a shimmering moment of solo achievement. As the first K-pop soloist to win Song of the Year at the VMAs, her fashion choice mirrored her milestone, a vibrant blend of stage energy and timeless glamour.
Sabrina Carpenter in Valentino
The Look: Sabrina arrived in a vibrant red, floor-length translucent Valentino gown with sequined floral lace detailing, a nod to Old Hollywood bombshell glamour, complete with a lavender feather boa draped across her shoulders.
Accessories: Her glam included red platform heels that matched the dress’s hue and added height, balancing drama with elegance.
Hair & Makeup: Her hair cascaded in voluminous Hollywood waves with a side bang. Makeup leaned warm and radiant: bronzed cheeks, glittery gold eyeshadow, and a mauve lip that elevated the retro energy.
Why It Resonated: Sabrina’s retro-modern blend made her red carpet presence feel both nostalgic and fresh, an homage to glam legends with contemporary flair.
Justine Skye in DSquared²
The Look: Portraits from the red carpet captured Justine in a striking floor-length DSquared² gown, Her figure was on display in silver sequins with a plunging neckline, and split up to there. She looked GORG!
Accessories: Her silver sandals, diamond hoops and bracelet were a perfect minimal styling for this daring look.
Hair & Makeup: Her curly blond hair was such a cute afro styling, with a smokey eye and shimmering lip. Makeup leaned warm and radiant: bronzed cheeks, glittery gold eyeshadow, and a muted lip that elevated the retro energy.
Why It Resonated: Her look was elegant but edgy at the same time. Justine brought chic grace to a night of bold fashion statements.
Tate McRae in Ludovic de Saint Sernin
The Look: She wore a stunning custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin dress in sheer white. The dress featured a twisted bodice with a playful flowing chiffon skirt. The silhouette was a playful mix of edgy and ultra-feminine. The look that was a bit of a miss. She looked like she was headed to a her beach wedding with her swimsuit bottoms glaring through. The top of the dress was pretty but all in all the look was not elevated.
The Details: The dress was made of a beautiful, sheer fabric, and she accessorized with a pair of white platform sandals that didn’t really do much for the look.
Hair & Makeup: Her beauty look was fresh and clean. She wore her hair in loose, effortless waves that cascaded down her back. Her makeup featured a simple matte lip, perfectly matching her youthful and confident attitude.
The 2025 VMAs red carpet was not as much of a fashion fury as I would have liked. The looks I loved were a delicious mix of archival Chanel, futuristic Balmain, theatrical Marc Jacobs, sleek Fendi, surreal Schiaparelli, and playful Siriano. Each star delivered a distinct vibe, proving that when it comes to fashion, the VMAs remain one of pop culture’s most exciting and unpredictable playgrounds.
CHECKED!
