VMAs Fashion Moments We'll Never Forget
The MTV red carpet has seen everything from bikini tops to meat dresses.
Calling MTV's Video Music Award style irreverent would be a bit of an understatement. It may not be the Oscars, but in its over three decade history, the MTV carpet has seen everything from crazy cut-out dresses to bikini tops, matching looks, and even meat dresses—with a Tom Ford suit or Dolce dress thrown in for good style measure. Click through to take a look back through the most memorable and iconic VMAs red carpet looks over the years.
Madonna, 1984
The Like a Virgin singer debuted one of her most iconic looks of all time—a white lace bustier dress complete with matching gloves and a belt reading 'BOY TOY'—at the 1984 show.
Cyndi Lauper, 1988
The singer showed off a sparkling bra in this little black mini dress look.
Christina Applegate, 1989
Going for an unexpected '50s glamour moment, the actress wore this ultra-feminine floral look back in 1989.
Kim Basinger, 1990
Kim Basinger brought Sandy's iconic Grease finale outfit to life on the MTV red carpet.
Cindy Crawford, 1992
The supermodel stunned in a cut-out, bondage-inspired Versace look at the '92 VMAs.
Courtney Love & Kurt Cobain, 1993
In one of their final red carpet appearances together, Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain brought their daughter Frances Bean to the VMAs. While Courtney opted for a glam, Marilyn Monroe-inspired look, Kurt went for a beatnik-esque outfit and red shades.
Sharon Stone, 1993
Going full-on glam, Sharon Stone took the VMA red carpet up a notch with this showstopping gown.
Cindy Crawford, 1993
The super took note from Madonna and went for an all-black sheer gown and two cross necklaces.
Drew Barrymore, 1995
The actress famously wore daisies in her hair with this sexy bombshell look.
TLC, 1995
The girl band went for a matching shipwrecked look at the 1995 awards.
Sofia Coppola, 1995
The director went for a bold, risk-taking look in this sheer nightgown layered over a white tank and black panties.
Gwyneth Paltrow, 1996
Bringing a suit moment to the typically more playful red carpet, Gwyneth stood out in a red velvet suit.
Mariah Carey, 1997
The singer showed some serious skin in this now iconic cut-out gown.
Rose McGowan, 1998
And who could forget the most naked VMA red carpet moment of all time? The actress bared it all in a black sequin look that left little to the imagination.
Gwen Stefani, 1998
During her No Doubt days, Gwen Stefani wore this memorable alien-inspired look with blue hair that matched her fur bikini top.
Lil' Kim, 1999
In one of the most iconic VMA red carpet moments of all time, Lil Kim shut it down in this daring one-shouldered jumpsuit and matching sequin nipple pasties.
Gisele Bundchen, 2000
Making her VMA debut, Gisele hit the red carpet in this chic turtleneck gown.
Aaliyah, 2000
The late R&B singer stunned in an eye-catching animal print gown back in 2000.
Jennifer Lopez, 2000
Wearing Sean John and a matching white bandana, JLo helped define the early 2000s style with this look.
Destiny's Child, 2001
Upping the girl band style game, Destiny's Child went for it in these colorful looks designed by Beyonce's mom, Tina Knowles.
Jennifer Algoo is the Visuals Director at Harper's BAZAAR. She is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts and has previously worked at Patrick McMullan Co. as well as completing internships at Martha Stewart Weddings, Vogue and CosmoGirl! Magazine. Jennifer covers royal, celeb and art content as well as overseeing all visual assets on BAZAAR.com. When she's not obsessing over the royals you can find her attempting to solve cold cases as an armchair detective, traveling and experimenting with new recipes.
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