The MTV VMAs took place Sunday night and this year was especially good. Even though Britney Spears performed at the notorious award show for the first time in nine years (after that disastrous performance in 2007) and Kanye West had four minutes on stage to talk about whatever he wanted, it was Beyonce’s and Rihanna’s appearances (and outfits) that got everyone excited. The two biggest pop stars in the world don’t show up to every award show so when they do, you know they’re going to kill it. Because they never disappoint. And when it comes to style and presence, these are two powerhouses that always bring it 100%. Now to the night’s most talk about looks.
Beyoncé in Francesco Scognamiglio Couture
Nominated for the most awards of the night, Beyoncé made one of her best red carpet appearances ever in this stunning and elaborate couture gown by Italian designer Francesco Scognamiglio. The dress was just featured at Scognamiglio’s debut couture collection during Fall 2016 Couture week – see it here. Topping off the sheer, skin-tight crystal gown was a diamond embellished belt and an unbelievable sweeping feathered collar that got everyone talking. Some people referred to this as the “Muppet dress” but I loved it. It was dramatic and fancy. It was Beyonce’s night and she dressed for it.
Naomi Campbell in Brandon Maxwell
One the best part of the VMAs red carpet this year was Naomi Campbell (one of the original supers) and specifically her red sparkly lips. Perfection! The surreal lip colour, by famed make-up artist Pat McGrath, trended on social media and was such a hit that McGrath’s website crashed this week due to the immense popularity (and now the colour is already out of stock). Campbell also rocked a short dress by popular New York designer Brandon Maxwell, and you could tell she knew she looked amazing. Shocker.
Rihanna in Green Fringe Jumpsuit
Only on Rihanna, right? The superstar had a record number of changes throughout the night while performing (click here to see), but she didn’t walk the red carpet. Luckily she saved the best look for last, spotted on her way to the after party. Who else could wear a sheer lime green beaded and fringe bodysuit with a plunging neckline and look this effortlessly amazing?! She accessorized with giant diamond hoops and an incredible green beaded layered choker. Loooved it.
Kim Kardashian in vintage John Galliano
Apparently Kim pulled this Galliano number from her own closet. And I must admit, well played. It’s short, sexy and couldn’t show off her figure better. I also liked how the right shoulder was pulled down past the elbow (obviously the work of Kanye). Thigh high strappy sandals, easy hair (the wet look that Beyoncé perfected on the cover of Vogue last year) and relatively simple makeup (for Kardashian standards) complete the look that’s perfectly suited for the VMAs.
Britney Spears in Julian Macdonald
Britney’s red carpet looks have never screamed good taste. Because of that, fashion lovers don’t watch her style the same way they would with Beyoncé, Rihanna or even Lady Gaga or Madonna. Having said that, this short one shoulder black dress with a slash cut-out is a fairly solid choice for Britney’s standards. But it doesn’t look super well made and it reminded me of what Donatella Versace has been doing for years (case in point here). So if you’re going to go with a Versace look, at the very least go with the real thing.
Nicki Minaj in Bao Tranchi
I can’t say I care a whole lot about what Nicki Minaj wears. But considering she’s often so over the top sexy, this seems relatively tame. It’s a pretty colour but I’m kind of over the ‘body-baring cutout bodice with sheer panel’ look. We’ve seen it for so long, it doesn’t feel fresh in the least. It looks like a dress you’d see on Amber Rose, which isn’t a compliment. And in all fairness, the black pantsuit Amber wore the same night was cooler (click here to see).
Hailee Steinfeld in Balmain
There weren’t a lot of bright colours on the red carpet so this colourful Balmain mini was a refreshing change and stood out from many of the other pale and/or monochrome looks throughout the night. Long sleeves and a high neckline helped balance out the super short length. It was fun and fresh without trying too hard and fit the actress/singer perfectly. Good choice for the VMAs.
Hailey Baldwin in Georges Chakra Couture
Hanging with a cool crowd has served Alec Balwin’s daughter well because she seems to go to a lot of award shows (and I’m not sure what she does). This sheer jumpsuit with beaded feather detailing wouldn’t work on everyone but suited the event and she pulled if off. The tousled wavy hair was also on point. But a friend told me she’s not pleasant so thumbs down for that.
Rita Ora in Marc Jacobs
Another red carpet regular and can’t tell you why she’s famous other than for being famous. Obviously this look is a fail (majorly unfortunate) and it feels like she’s trying too hard. But I have to give a shout out to that silver fox fur-accented leather jacket. Too bad it was styled badly because that jacket paired the right outfit could have made for one of the night’s best looks.
That’s all, folks. Stay tuned for my thoughts on all the Venice Film Festival looks coming soon. It’s sure to be fancy. As always, thanks for reading.
Casey Wagar 
