The MTV Video Music Awards has a long history of bringing out the most memorable, over-the-top fashion on the red carpet.
And as expected, there was no shortage of incredible looks at this year’s VMAs as well. Some of the industry’s most notable artists brought their fashion A-game to the event held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday.
While Gothic-glam looks and black and navy ensembles were everywhere at the venue, sparkling gowns, and neon summer palettes also made it to the red carpet.
We’ve rounded up some of the most interesting looks at the 2022 MTV VMAs below. Who do you think was best dressed?
1. Dove Cameron in Paco Rabanne
Dove Cameron has transitioned from a Disney Channel actress to an accomplished singer, having won the Best New Artist award at the VMAs.
Opting for bondage-goth, Cameron graced the black carpet in a leather and floral dress designed by Julien Dossena for Paco Rabanne’s Spring 2023 collection.
Dove Cameron opts for bondage-goth in Paco Rabanne Spring 2023 leather and floral dress (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
The $1,990 slim-fit dress features a waist-cinching wide leather belt and a strapless leather neckline with two cutouts between the buckles. The rest of the dress, from the bodice down to the floor-length raw hem, boasts red floral embroidery.
Keeping the bondage theme going, Dove accessorized with a black leather buckle choker and added a pair of tiny hoop earrings and a few dainty rings.
Best New Artist winner Dove Cameron styles her dark tresses in pigtail braids and wears gothic makeup with dark eyeshadow and mauve lipstick (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Styled by Marta Del Rio, the Descendants star slipped into a pair of peep-toe sandals and sported statement 3D nail art.
Dove, who performed her hits Boyfriend and Breakfast, had her dark tresses styled into braided pigtails and her face painted with gothic-inspired makeup featuring dark smokey eyeshadow and dark mauve lip color.
2. Anitta in Schiaparelli and GCDS
First-time MTV VMA nominee Anitta made history as the first Brazilian winner at the VMAs.
She took home the Best Latin award for her song Envolver from her fifth studio album, Versions of Me.
Taking to the stage to pick up her gong, the 29-year-old singer proudly said in her speech: “For whoever doesn’t know this, tonight it’s history, it’s the first time of Brazil here.”
Anitta poses in a fiery red Schiaparelli Fall 2022 dress with a 3D heart on her left boob (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Paying homage to her home country, Anitta chose two fiery red outfits for the evening.
Arriving at the Prudential Center, Anitta turned heads in a Schiaparelli Fall 2022 red ensemble featuring a structured corset with a daring webbing effect representing a 3D heart.
“I loved this dress from the moment I saw it walking down the Schiaparelli runway at their Paris couture show. I knew I needed to wear it,” Anitta told Vogue.
“I especially loved the detailing on the heart, how it covers my chest like veins. The veins detailing over my heart signifies my love for Brazil.”
Anitta picks up Best Latin award with long, wavy extensions, glittery pink eyeshadow, and winged eyeliner (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Styled by Ron Hartleben, she paired her asymmetrical bustier top with a fitted velvety skirt, black tights, and metallic red platform sandals from D’accori.
Adding avant-garde elements to the look, the Me Gusta singer accessorized with a geometric cuff and Tiffany & Co 3D earrings.
Her slicked-back tresses, winged eye-makeup, and glossy nude lips rounded out her red-carpet look.
Anitta performs her hits and collaborations in a see-through red mesh GCDS bodysuit (Credit: Doug Peters / EMPICS / PA Images / INS / Cover Images)
Later, Anitta commanded attention in a red mesh bodysuit after she was introduced by Blackpink for her much-awaited performance.
She appeared braless underneath the risqué see-through number by Italian brand GCDS, which also showed a glimpse of her underwear.
Anitta appears braless underneath her red mesh bodysuit that put her underwear on display (Credit: Doug Peters / EMPICS / PA Images / INS / Cover Images)
3. Latto in Lado Bokuchava
Latto received nominations for Best New Artist, Video for Good, and Best Hip Hop at the 2022 VMAs.
Although she did not bag any awards, the 23-year-old rapper made quite an impression when she stepped on the black carpet in a neon green mini dress from Tbilisi-based ready-to-wear label Lado Bokuchava’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection.
Latto puts on a busty display in a neon green Lado Bokuchava Spring/Summer 2022 plunging blazer and mini skirt (Credit: Doug Peters / EMPICS / PA Images / INS / Cover Images)
She put on a busty display in the $725 “Shibari” blazer, made of vegan leather with a plunging neckline, padded shoulders, and cutouts at the side seams.
Never one to shy away from showing some flesh, Latto teamed her revealing blazer top with a matching $270 “Twentythree” low-rise mini skirt.
Latto makes a case for summer monochromatic as she pairs her neon green outfit with matching The Attico heels featuring geometric-shaped heels (Credit: Doug Peters / EMPICS / PA Images / INS / Cover Images)
She continued with the monochromatic theme of her look with The Attico “Devon” neon green square open-toe mules set on geometric block heels.
The Attico ‘Devon’ Neon Green Patent Mules, $790 at Mytheresa
The Devon mules are crafted from neon green patent leather and feature pyramid heels and square open toes
To complete her look, Latto accessorized with statement crystal earrings and carried a matching embellished round clutch.
For her glam, the Big Energy hitmaker wore neutral makeup with fake lashes. She then pulled her blonde tresses into an updo with loose strands framing her face.
Latto wears neutral makeup with fluttery eyelashes and a wispy updo (Credit: JOHN NACION / startraksphoto / Cover Images)
4. Becky G in Zuhair Murad
Nominated for Best Latin, Becky G went the medieval route for the evening.
Although she lost to Anitta, the 25-year-old singer and actress still managed to capture attention in a tarot-inspired Zuhair Murad Fall 2022 Couture dress as she went up the stage to present the Best Hip Hop award to Nicki Minaj.
Becky G goes medieval in Zuhair Murad tarot-inspired sequined dress with leg-baring cutouts down the sides (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Cover Images)
Ensuring all eyes were on her, Becky G showcased a glimpse of her cleavage and toned legs in the ornate gown that hugged every inch of her curves.
The gown is entirely covered in multicolored sequins and beads, featuring a medieval tapestry design. It also has side straps and daring cutouts from the hips down to the legs.
Styled by Morgan Pinney, Becky G finished off her ensemble with Lorraine Schwartz red drop earrings and Jimmy Choo silver sandals.
Becky G coordinates her outfit with her red lipstick and fake pointy nails (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Cover Images)
5. Sofia Carson in Carolina Herrera
Purple Hearts actress Sofia Carson was the epitome of gothic glamour at this year’s VMAs.
Opting for an all-black look, the 29-year-old actress wore a column gown with a sheer sweetheart bustier bodice and oversized cocoon hood by Carolina Herrera.
Sofia Carson embraces gothic glamour in a Carolina Herrera column dress with a sweetheart neckline and an oversized cocoon hood (Credit: Doug Peters / EMPICS / PA Images / INS / Cover Images)
Her dark tresses were parted in the middle and pulled back into a low bun, allowing her to showcase her David Yurman star-shaped earrings, selected by her stylist Nicolas Bru.
Sofia, who presented the Best K-Pop award to Lisa of Blackpink, kept her makeup simple with subtle smokey eyeshadow, fluttery lashes, and nude lipstick.
Sofia Carson amps up the gothic look with center-parted dark updo, smokey eyes, and nude lip color (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
6. Lili Reinhart in Fendi
Look Both Ways’ Lili Reinhart went the romantic goth route in a black lace gown from Fendi’s Spring 2022 collection.
Presenting the Moon Person to Taylor Swift for Best Longform Video, the Riverdale star couldn’t be missed in the see-through sheer lace dress, designed with lips and floral patterns.
It boasts a cleavage-baring plunging cutout on the front, long sleeves, and a high neck with a long pussy bow draped down the front.
Lili Reinhart channels romantic goth in a Fendi Spring 2022 black lace dress with lips and floral embroidery (Credit: Doug Peters / EMPICS / PA Images / INS / Cover Images)
Styled by Mimi Cuttrell, Lili accessorized the look with Anita Ko Single Double Draped diamond rope earrings, sold individually for $3,850.
She also wore several dainty silver rings and rounded out her look with Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudistsong’ sandals in black patent.
Makeup artist Carolina Dalí-Trites used lash extensions and smokey eyeshadow to enhance Lili’s eyes. She said her “inspiration was grunge, bedroom eyes with a touch glamour.”
Meanwhile, hairstylist DJ Quintero styled the actress’ shoulder-length hair straight with a center parting.
Lili Reinhart wears fake lashes with subtle smokey eye-makeup and glossy pink lipstick (Credit: JOHN NACION / startraksphoto / Cover Images)
7. Dixie D’Amelio in Alexandre Vauthier
Dixie D’Amelio, who introduced Italian glam rock band Måneskin, kept things classic in a sparkling black halter gown by Alexandre Vauthier.
Giving a perfect amount of shimmer, the dress is decked out in black crystals all over and boasts a classic evening gown silhouette, complete with a high halter neck and a sexy low back.
It also has ruched detailing around the hip that cascades into a floor-sweeping ruffled skirt.
Dixie D’Amelio keeps things classic in a sparkling black halter gown by Alexandre Vauthier (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Allowing her gown to shine on its own, the TikTok star styled her look with just a pair of tiny hoop earrings, silver rings, and black pumps, curated by her stylist Mimi Cuttrell.
She amped up the glamour with kohl-rimmed eyes, winged eyeliner, and pink lipstick, done by Carolina Gonzalez, while hairstylist Laura Polko pulled her dark tresses into a wispy updo.
Dixie D’Amelio highlights her eyes with kohl-rimmed makeup and wears her dark hair in a wispy updo (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Cover Images)
8. Ashley Graham in Houghton by Katharine Polk
Model Ashley Graham graced the VMAs stage to present the Best Latin award to Anitta.
Making sure her presence was felt, the body-positivity icon proudly showcased her curvy figure and stretch marks in a black cutout dress from Houghton by Katharine Polk.
Her form-fitting outfit features all-over ruching, a halter neck, cutouts along the torso and waist, and crystal-embellished pins.
Ashley Graham flaunts her stretch marks in a Houghton by Katharine Polk black cutout dress (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Cover Images)
Elevating the glamour, Ashley wore dramatic smokey eye makeup, nude lipstick, brushed-up brows, and a wavy hairstyle.
Ashley accessorized the revealing number with Lorraine Schwartz drop earrings, rings and matching Paris Texas “Holly Nicole” heels.
These heels have crystal embellishments, crossover straps, tie-fastening ankle straps, and 4.3-inch stiletto heels.
Ashley Graham amps up the glamour with dramatic smokey eye-makeup, brushed-up brows, and wavy hairstyle (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Cover Images)
Paris Texas ‘Holly Nicole’ Sandals, $513 at Farfetch
The light-catching Paris Texas Holly Nicole sandals boast crystal embellishments on the crossover front straps and tie-fastening ankle straps
9. Sabrina Carpenter in Moschino
Sabrina Carpenter, the rumored older blonde girl in Olivia Rodrigo’s Driver’s License, opted for a retro but edgy floral look.
Not one to shy away from a skin-baring outfit, the 23-year-old singer donned a black sequin Moschino dress that clung perfectly to her figure.
Decked out in floral sequin embellishments in multiple colors, the form-fitting dress boasts a cleavage-baring keyhole cutout and large cutouts on the sides.
Sabrina Carpenter goes retro in a Moschino sequin halter dress with multicolored floral sequins, a keyhole, and side cutouts (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
The Girl Meets World star kept things retro with a black headband by Jennifer Behr, selected by stylist Jason Bolden.
She then complemented the look with ‘60s winged eyeliner, heavy lashings, metallic eyeshadow, and pink lipstick, care of Carolina Gonzalez.
As for her hair, Jennifer Yepez styled Carpenter’s long blonde hair in thick waves cascading down her shoulder.
Sabrina Carpenter wears icy metallic eyeshadow, false eyelashes, and thick black Jennifer Behr headband (Credit: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Cover Images)
10. Chloe Bailey in Zigman
Giving off “alien superstar” vibes, Chloe Bailey made a busty appearance on the black carpet in a custom futuristic dress by Zigman. It’s entirely covered in silver sequins and trimmed with mirror metallic silver leather.
Showcasing her assets, the gown features a structured corseted bodice with see-through fishnet paneling, sequined shoulder straps, and a sweetheart neckline. It comes with a draped sequined skirt with a thigh-high split that allowed Bailey to parade her legs.
She completed her head-to-toe silver look with open-toe Jimmy Choo heels.
Chloe Bailey makes a busty appearance in a silver corset top with mesh panels and a sequin-embellished skirt with a thigh-high slit (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
With the help of her stylist Jennifer Udechukwu, Chloe styled her already striking outfit with JustDesi diamond stud earrings and H.Crowne 2023 rings and bangle.
Hairstylist Nicole Newland styled Bailey’s tresses in ponytail braids, while makeup artist David Velasquez highlighted her beauty with neutral makeup and fluttery fake lashes.
Chloe Bailey keeps her glam look sultry simple with neutral makeup and fluttery false eyelashes (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimag / Cover Images)
11. Bebe Rexha in Vivienne Westwood
Presenting Lizzo with the Video for Good award, Bebe Rexha oozed evening glamour as she went up the stage in a low-cut black Vivienne Westwood dress.
The “Iwona” gown, available for $2,121 at Matches Fashion, is made from mid-weight stripe-jacquard satin crepe. It features a draped silhouette, a fitted corset bodice with a flattering low-cut neckline, and a risqué thigh-high slit.
Bebe Rexha breaks the boobs or legs fashion rule as she shows off both in a Vivienne Westwood draped gown with a low-cut corset bodice and a thigh-high slit (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Stylist Sam Woolf elevated Bebe Rexha’s elegant look with a diamond choker necklace, a “B” pendant necklace, stud earrings, and statement rings.
She then added several inches to her 5’4” height with a pair of black patent platform sandals.
Bebe Rexha exudes elegance as she wears her blonde hair down in waves and adds glittery eyeshadow and false lashes to her look (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Cover Images)
12. Lil Nas X in Harris Reed and Marko Monroe
Not only did Lil Nas X take home three out of his seven nominations at the VMAs, but he also slayed the red carpet.
The Old Town Road rapper bared his torso and wore a pair of shimmering black pants, a sculptural feathered ballgown overskirt, and a matching statement feather headpiece from Harris Reed, a British-American designer known for his gender-fluid designs.
Lil Nas X slays in a Harris Reed upcycled feathered skirt and a matching headpiece (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Stylist Hodo Musa added a few bling to Montero’s look with De Beers diamond jewelry.
In an Instagram post, Reed shared that Lil Nas X’s outfit was part of his February 2022 collection: 60 Years A Queen made from “up-cycled feathers and black sequins.”
Lil Nas X styles his sculptural skirt with a matching feathered headpiece and De Beers diamond jewelry (Credit: Doug Peters / EMPICS / PA Images / INS / Cover Images)
During the ceremony, the 23-year-old Black queer singer wore a cutout dress, custom made by costume designer and celebrity stylist Marko Monroe.
He appeared naked underneath the long-sleeved black dress that was entirely covered in cutouts with silver ring trims.
Lil Nas X ramped up the edge by pairing it with thick platform boots.
Lil Nas X picks up three Moon Person trophies in a custom Marko Monroe cutout dress with silver rings (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
13. Conan Gray in Harris Reed
Making his in-person VMAs debut was Conan Gray, who performed his hits, Disaster and Memories, on the Extended Play Stage.
Like Lil Nas X, the 23-year-old singer went topless and instead wore an upcycled wedding dress, also from Harris Reed, son of Oscar-winning film producer Nicholas Reed and model Lynette Reed.
Conan Gray goes topless in a Harris Reed white lace dress and black pants with Marc Jacobs platform boots (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Cover Images)
Styled by Katie Qian, Conan’s outfit featured a white blazer with a sheer lace-trimmed train, flared black pants, and towering silver platform boots by Marc Jacobs.
He further styled the ethereal number with a Dries Van Noten neckpiece, a Swarovski pendant necklace, and a pair of Anabela Chan black diamond shard earrings.
Conan Gray wears his natural curls and styles his look with a Dries Van Noten neckpiece (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Cover Images)
Emceed by LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj, and Jack Harlow, the 2022 MTV VMAs saw Taylor Swift lead the night’s big winners, taking home three major awards for All Too Well (10 Minute Version). She won Video of the Year, Best Longform Video, and Best Direction.
Other artists who took home the top honors include Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny for Artist of the Year, Harry Styles for Album of the Year and Best Pop, Billie Eilish for Song of the Year, and former Disney star Dove Cameron for Best New Artist.
K-Pop artists, including global sensation BTS, performance powerhouse Seventeen, and K-Pop queens Blackpink, each bagged a Moon Person trophy as well, including Group of the Year, Push Performance of the Year, and Best Metaverse Performance, respectively.