In this day and age, how does one stand out at a Hollywood soiree? When your style can make or break your career, it’s vital to leave your mark on the red carpet, but as we’ve seen in recent years, the ultimate sartorial flex hasn’t been in fresh-off-the-runway couture or custom designer looks, but pieces from the archives—as exhibited at this year’s MTV VMAs.
Musicians are famed for their no-holds-barred glamour, and with so many icons under one roof, the fashion at this year’s awards ceremony was as extra as you’d imagine. But when you’re at the top of your game, who better to turn to for style inspiration than the legends that came before you? Well, that seemed to be the memo for the 2024 MTV VMAs red carpet.
Ahead, see the archival looks spotted on the red carpet and their original wearers.
Sabrina Carpenter
Having won the award for ‘Song of the Year’ for her hit, ‘Espresso,’ Sabrina Carpenter opted for Old Hollywood glamour. Only, the look wasn’t just inspired by this era but was actually once donned by another blonde bombshell.
Designed by Bob Mackie—Cher’s go-to designer—the strapless pearlescent gown was initially custom-created for Madonna, who wore it to the 1991 Academy Awards.
Though the legendary songstress turned up the drama with a white fuzzy shawl, opera gloves, and piles of diamonds, Carpenter took a more demure approach with a few rings and a lariat necklace. She did manage to put her own stamp on the look with a bedazzled manicure, too.
Tate McRae
Canadian singer Tate McRae skyrocketed to fame at the age of 13 as a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, so it makes sense that she would look up to the Pop Princess herself, Britney Spears, who famously got an early start in showbiz.
Though Spears has almost too many memorable style moments to log, her black lace Dolce & Gabbana mini that she wore to the 2001 MTV VMAs is undoubtedly embedded in our brains. So, as far as looks worth replicating go, it was a no-brainer for McRae, who paid homage to the icon at the same event in a near-identical look by Roberto Cavalli.
Two decades prior, Spears’ look was a little more controversial than it is now, but McRae spiced things up with a high-cut brief peeking out under the revealing lace.
Halsey
With a fiery wig and ombre manicure to match, Halsey stunned on the MTV VMAs red carpet in a red leopard print gown featuring a flattering bias cut, high neck, and bejewelled accents all along the body.
But if the Versace dress looked vaguely familiar, you might’ve recognised it from one of the many times actress Elizabeth Hurley repped the Italian designer. This particular look, designed by Gianni Versace himself before his tragic passing, was worn to the grand opening of a new Versace Boutique on 5th Avenue, New York City, in 1996, with ex Hugh Grant in tow.
Halsey would’ve been just two years old when the dress was first worn, and despite its history, it hasn’t been dusted off since.
Despite its distinct 90s aesthetic, it’s safe to say that this ensemble is a timeless party look. Halsey also followed Hurley’s lead with minimal accessories, allowing the bold print to do all the talking.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.
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