Many of the 2022 VMAs looks were underwhelming, except for these

The VMAs (MTV Video Music Awards) have always been a place for fashion and music cultures to intersect.

Historically, the VMAs have had our mouths agog a few times ( cue stressful memories of Lady Gaga’s meat dress) and our eyes starry (Rihanna’s 2016 Alexandre Vauthier gown still lives in our minds rent-free).

This year however, the boldness of the VMAs’ fashion seemed to have gotten confused with loud pieces that didn’t always make sense, and the artistry of some looks just wasn’t at that elevated level as we’ve seen them before in my opinion.

Nonetheless, there were a few looks that served their bold places, as dark reimagined classics battled against colourful, sometimes questionable, quirkiness.

Two looks everyone is talking about, are Lizzo and Taylor Swift’s. Their pieces followed inspirations that were worlds apart, but the energy exuded was similar – these ladies, two of the biggest names in the industry, did not come to play.

Swift added another moon man for Video of the Year to her mantlepiece in a stunning Oscar de la Renta mini, oozing 1920s charm, while other icons like Lizzo adorned Jean Paul Gaultier Couture in a strapless gown that screamed queen energy as she took home the ‘Video for Good’ award.

All in all, while the VMA’s looks may have left onlookers seeking a little more, here are some ensembles that definitely made a statement:

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s 1920s glamour in Oscar de La Renta captured a very literal dazzling take on a mini dress. We’ve seen these glistening threads before on longer pieces, but cutting things short amplified the twinkling beads in a way that suits Swift’s style to a tee.

Sofia Carson

Sofia Carson’s hooded black Carolina Herrera gown was the dark horse of the event, merging Catholic visuals with mystic feminity. Although not groundbreaking, it was a perfect fit for Carson’s siren energy.

Lizzo

There are very few people who can pull off a look quite so bold and demanding of attention, and Lizzo leads all of them in this Jean Paul Gaultier strapless, dark waterfall gown. The dark lip, the sleek hair and Lizzo’s signature lengthy gloves all flowed in synergy to make the moment Lizzo’s.

Becky G

A mosaic of tarot cards sparkled its way through the awards, hugging Becky G’s figure perfectly in a Zuhair Murad-designed gown with crystal accents. Zuhair Murad’s dress saw daring side cut-outs that gave the look that extra flavouring of bold in a look that would’ve been the ultimate fit for the MET gala’s 2018 ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’ theme in its controversy.

Chloe Bailey

Choe Bailey’s silver Zigman corset dress was the epitome of feminine armour. The slit, bodice and shimmer were the perfect ingredients for dressing like a goddess playing to a subtle futuristic nod.

Blackpink

Blackpink came, saw and conquered in simple looks, with coordinated pieces showcasing different designers and brands tailored to each of the girl group member’s personal tastes.

Lisa adorned Celine in a strapless jumpsuit, Jisso gave dark floral aesthetics with her Dior number, Jennie flaunted a Chanel two-piece set, and Rosé relished in a turtleneck mini dress by Saint Laurent.

Nicki Minaj

The playful and powerful queen made her mark in hot pink.

If anyone was going to make our barbiecore dreams come true, it was always going to be Nicki Minaj whose barbs army would’ve expected no less in the era of hot pink. Nicki was awarded the ‘Video Vangaurd Award’ AKA the ‘Michael Jackson Video Vanguard’ award, which is presented exclusively to artists who have made impactful contributions to music video culture over their careers.

 

DJ Diamond Kuts

Another take on barbiecore arrived on DJ Diamond Kuts dressed in Amelia Symone. It paid a perfect homage to TikTok culture on the red carpet, offering something truly reflective of this year at the awards from head to those go-go booted toes.

 

Sabrina Carpenter

Moschino made a playful presence on Sabrina Carpenter bringing some much-needed colourful accents to the awards. The look was the epitome of cute in the way a Disney Princess might be tempted to draw inspiration from. The look nodded to 1960s and 1970s trends, which the early 2020s have been remixing and reimagining unashamedly.

Anitta

Anitta’s scarlet Schiaparelli corset dress was a dominating look with red-hot zest. The internet has been divided over whether or not the corset should’ve opted for the cut-out look despite the gorgeous detailing, but overall the dress brought imagination to the table and saw Anitta become the first Brazilian to win a VMA.

 

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