via @nikita_dragun
MTV’s Video Music Awards have been host to some of pop culture’s iconic moments, from the Britney/Madonna kiss during the Like a Virgin/ Hollywood medley in 2003, to the 2009 ceremony where Kanye West jumped on the stage, promising to let Taylor Swift finish her acceptance speech for “Album of the Year,” after he announced that Beyoncé had one of the best albums of all time. The outfits have been no less memorable, from Lil’ Kim’s often-imitated purple pasty moment in 1999, Rose McGowan and Marilyn Manson’s 1998 naked dress and leopard suit looks, to Dennis Rodman’s 1995 diamanté tank top and belly chain.
We took the liberty of rounding up some of the outrageous trends from this year’s ceremony, including a couple of looks we would recommend to enter the pantheon of VMA history:
Snakes
Samuel L. Jackson would have had a field day on this red carpet as not one, but two women paid homage to Britney Spears’ 2001 I’m a Slave 4 U performance by walking into the awards ceremony with live snakes around their shoulders. YouTube star Tana Mongeau went for the more classic pale python, while singer-songwriter H.E.R paired a darker python with a floral suit and her signature dark shades.
Subs
Nikita Dragun brought a plus three to the VMAs. While the beauty blogger wore a nude dress with a slit up to her waist and a pink marabou feather boa, eyes were drawn to the leashes she had in her hand, which were attached to three washboard-abbed men styled in diamanté collars, sunglasses, black gloves and trousers. Dragun recently went through a messy public breakup—this is one way to move on.
Cowboys
With the viral crossover success of Old Town Road we knew we’d be seeing some western wear, but just didn’t know that it would be this good. While Lil Nas X wore a silver Prince-style getup on the red carpet, he took to the stage in a flaming red suit, complete with bull-riding embroidery, and cowboy hat. His Achy Breaky Heart duet partner, Billy Rae Cyrus, went more casual with a leather jacket, and black hat. Meanwhile, Swedish DJ Diplo went for a white western suit, which he paired with a mesh tank top and thick silver chain.
Space
Ava Max and Todrick Hall both donned Mars Rover appropriate outfits to the ceremony. While the songstress went as a caped crusader, donning head-to-toe metallic fabric and a strange iridescent over-the-suit garter belt. The Drag Race choreographer opted for an ‘80s inspired silver suit, paired with high-tops and pastel pink dreadlocks.
16th century paintings
For the MTV red carpet, designer Ed Marler turned to the 16th century tapestry series The Lady and the Unicorn to create FKA Twigs’ look. The artwork depicts a noble woman and a unicorn in tableaus representing the senses and earthly pleasures. While the tapestry was used as a literal print on the oversized jacket, the metallic mini dress underneath was finished with woven details.