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MTV Video Music Awards 2022: The best fashion from the red carpet
Lizzo, Taylor Swift and Lil Nas X were among the stars who impressed on a red carpet dominated by dark shades, exposed midriffs and gender-neutral menswear.
Compared to Hollywood awards ceremonies, the VMAs often see attendees let loose and show their personalities, usually choosing fun, flashy or experimental outfits over formal suits and dresses. Fashion history has also been made here, like Lil’ Kim’s purple one-sleeve bodysuit and sea nipple paste in 1999 or Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress in 2010.
This year’s event, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, saw performances from Bad Bunny and Nicki Minaj, with Jack Harlow and LL Cool J. Celebrity fashion watchers also had plenty to celebrate as style darlings, including Taylor Swift, Lil Nas X and Becky G, arrived in show-stopping ensembles.
Many stars wore dark shades to match this year’s “black carpet” — although they livened up the outfits with accessories inspired by fetish wear, such as the singer’s chunky leather choker Dove Cameron, or pops of color, like Sabrina Carpenter’s rainbow embellishments.
The stars also went bare, with celebs including Ashley Graham, Tate McRae and Blackpink’s Jennie all flashing their midriffs. Meanwhile, Maneskin’s Anitta and Victoria de Angelis paid homage to Lil’ Kim’s famous 1999 VMAs outfit with fashionable nipple covers.
Some of the men of the evening also bared their torsos. And gender-fluid fashion brought some levity to the menswear ensembles, with Maneskin’s Ethan Torchio donning a see-through corset, Conan Gray stepping into the past in a lace Harris Reed outfit and Bob the Drag Queen twirling in a white skirt, which he matched with a blazer and waistcoat.
Lizzo arrived early on the red carpet and raised the bar, stepping out in a new Jean Paul Gaultier couture creation. Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Becky G wore a colorful figure-hugging ensemble adorned with tarot card illustrations inspired by stained glass and multiple side cutouts. Credit: Catherine Powell/Getty Images
Model Ashley Graham was the picture of confidence in a black dress that cinched in dots across her body to reveal her midriff. Credit: Evan Agostini / Invision / AP
Singer Conan Gray was a vision in white, wearing a whimsical Harris Reed ensemble with a train and lace-trimmed blazer. Credit: Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images
Sofia Carson was the picture of elegance in a black hooded column dress with off-the-shoulder puffed sleeves. Credit: Evan Agostini / Invision / AP
Nominee and host Jack Harlow ditched the standard black suit and opted for a chocolate leather ensemble, complete with an unusual high-neck shirt in a similar shade. Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Wearing a silver zigman dress, Chloe Bailey wowed as she walked – with her toned bust and leg slit bringing the drama. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Tate McRae brought the ’90s vibe in a brown two-piece, which she accessorized with jewelry from David Yurman. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Bob the Drag Queen wore a gray blazer, matching vest and a voluminous white skirt. Credit: Evan Agostini / Invision / AP
Maneskin’s Ethan Torchio, Victoria De Angelis, Damiano David and Thomas Raggi brought their gender-fluid style to the black carpet, with heart-shaped nipple covers, see-through capes and see-through corsets. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Sabrina Carpenter opts for a shimmering black Moschino dress featuring a rainbow floral pattern and a cut-out waist. Credit: Evan Agostini / Invision / AP
Singer Dove Cameron was a study in contrast in her strapless gown, which combined elements of florals and leather trim — and a black choker to finish it all off. Credit: Andres Kudacki/AFP/Getty Images
All eyes were on singer Samy Hawk in his graffiti-inspired leather jacket and bright green hat. Credit: Catherine Powell/Getty Images
Blackpink members Lisa, Jisoo, Jennie and Rosé arrived in complementary all-black outfits Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Bright green featured on the VMA carpet, with rapper Latto wearing a neon-hued lace mini dress. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Host LL Cool J went with a tried and true look, opting for an all-black ensemble, beanie, sunglasses and custom ‘Cool J’ finger cleaner. Credit: Andres Kudacki/AFP/Getty Images
In an obvious homage to Lil Kim’s famous 1999 VMAs outfit, Anitta dared to bare in a red asymmetric corset and artistic nipple cover from Schiaparelli Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2022. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Always one to elevate menswear, J Balvin’s ivory approach to suiting featured wide-leg trousers and a double-breasted blazer. Credit: Evan Agostini / Invision / AP
A sculptural quilted gown worn by Chloe Fineman was one of the most experimental looks of the night, featuring coral embellishment and accessorized with a metallic micro bag. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Actor Colton Haynes was impossible to miss in an acid green suit with a rolled blazer, diamond brooch and platform shoes. Credit: Evan Agostini / Invision / AP
Lil Nas X was a strong contender for best dressed, wearing a sculptural Harris Reed ensemble that featured a feathered skirt frame and headpiece. Credit: Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images
Main image: Taylor Swift (Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images)
