Paris Hilton, Sabrina Carpenter, and Megan the Stallion were in full ‘90s and Y2K mode.
Just when you thought the celeb scene in New York quieted down with the end of fashion week, think again! The city is still in full swing after MTV hosted its annual VMAs last night. Given that it was the 40th anniversary, the stars took the hint and arrived in looks that brought everyone back to the cable channel’s video music-filled, TRL-afternoons heyday. Some favorites? Paris Hilton took a modern-day twist on that iconic birthday look while Chappell Roan belted on stage in a chic Joan of Arce-esque outfit. Other celebs like Margaret Qualley made it a date night, while Halsey went archival in a rare red dress. As for the men? No one does it better than Lenny Kravitz, who decided the vibe was tie mandatory, shirt optional. So, while they might have given out awards for performances and videos, here are our awards for the ten best looks of the night.
1. SABRINA CARPENTER IN VINTAGE BOB MACKIE
While her album Short n Sweet featured heavy on the lingerie, Sabrina Carpenter decided to go more Marilyn Monroe by way of Madonna in a vintage Bob Mackie dress that Madonna first wore back in 1991.
2. LISA IN MUGLER & LOUIS VUITTON
No surprise here: Lisa looked so good she had to be on here twice. After walking the VMA’s carpet in a hooded Mugler creation, she swapped into a custom Louis Vuitton dress to accept the Best K-Pop award for Rockstar.
3. SHAWN MENDES IN DOLCE & GABANNA
Before debuting his new country-esque song, the singer wore this chic all-black suit, showing that sometimes less is more.
4. HALSEY IN VINTAGE VERSACE
The singer went the extra mile and matched her hair to her dress, looking gorgeous in this leopard vintage Versace dress that was originally worn back in 1996 by actress Elizabeth Hurley.
5. LENNY KRAVITZ IN SAINT LAURENT
No shirt? No problem. The ageless wonder that is Lenny Kravitz pulled off this all-leather look, proving that not everyone needs a button-down on the red carpet.
6. PARIS HILTON IN CUSTOM CELIA KRITHARIOTI
Paris went back to 21, pulling off this modern day take on her iconic birthday outfit. She’s clearly sliving!
7. DOECHI IN THOM BROWNE
Known for her quirky style, she keep it true to herself in this black and white Thom Browne look.
8. MARGARET QUALLEY IN CHANEL
It was date night for the Antonoffs. Before taking her seat next to Taylor Swift, the actress wore a simple yet chic black Chanel dress.
9. MEGAN THEE STALLION AS BRITNEY CIRCA 2000s
There were a lot of Britney homages last night, some better than others. The winner? Host, Megan Thee Stallion, who recreated 2001’s I’m a Slave 4 U complete with snake and all.
10. CHAPPELL ROAN IN RABANNE
No one’s having a better year than Chappell Roan. To accept the VMA Award for Best New Artist, she opted for this Joan of Arc-esque silver look by Rabanne, with a speech taken straight from the pages of her diary.