Every year, millions of people tune in to watch the VMAs awards. This year, on Wednesday, September 11, 4 million people tuned in to the award show being held at the UBS Arena in New York City. The VMAs have been around for 40 years, starting in 1984, making 2024 its 40th anniversary! The show doesn’t have a dress code, just a general “Old Hollywood” feel, but nothing mandatory. Some of the attendees brought that vibe, although others did not. Four outfits made especially large waves at the VMAs, and fans had a lot to say about them.
04. Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello turned heads at the VMAs wearing a Tony Ward-designed gown. “The way the black compliments her skin tone… she looks really good,” Madi Kares, a high school senior, expressed. The tan, sheer dress with the intricate black detailing captured people’s attention. Some fans, however, expressed that it looked like she was going to a funeral, with a black veil and layered cross necklaces.
Camila won 2 VMAs this year, Pop Video and Trending Video, bringing her to a total of four. Camilla has been in the spotlight for years, and this outfit is proving to us that she deserves to stay there.
03. Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan came dressed to fight for her VMA this year at her first-ever appearance at the award show. Roan’s Joan-of-Arc reference, or “Roan-of-Arc”, was made by Y/Project, with her long, see-through, multi-toned dress and her large cross necklace. “I have to say… Chappell Roan’s outfit is super cool…” senior student, Abby Meier, said.
The sword-wielding artist performed her hit single, Good Luck, Babe! At the award show and ended up bringing home her first VMA. Her outfit showed us why she has had such a sudden rise to fame; her originality and creativity.
02. Taylor Swift
The international Pop superstar stunned on the red carpet on the 40th VMA anniversary wearing all Christian Dior. Swift’s leather gloves and boots brought a sense of rebellion to her outfit, which many fans thought could be hinting at her long-awaited album remake, Reputation (Taylor’s Version). “I feel like she’s trying to lean into reputation, but it’s just to get people talking about it. She’s a tease,” senior Hayden Jebitsch noted.
Taylor ended her night with a total of thirty VMAs, tying the record, after winning seven this year. Taylor’s ability to break records is something to be respected, and her ability to look good while doing it just adds to the list of reasons why she deserves her stardom.
01. Sabrina Carpenter
The Popstar dropped jaws in her Marilyn Monroe-inspired look. Dressed in vintage Bob Mackie, Sabrina brought to life that “Old Hollywood” dress code reference. “I love the classic elegance of Sabrina Carpenter’s dress, hair, and makeup… it reminds me of Marilyn Monroe,” Meier stated. “Sabrina’s is classic and pretty”, another senior student, Riley Lannon added.
Sabrina brought home one VMA for song of the year for her hit single Espresso. Sabrina’s been on the rise for a long time, but her fashionable appearance has proved her recent shot to the charts’ number one spot.
Every outfit at the 2024 VMAs was detailed and notable, but these four were surrounded by the craze. Social media buzzed about these designs, and after taking a deeper look into each, it’s apparent why.
