The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards began Sunday evening with stars like Blackpink and Lizzo taking to the red carpet.
The VMAs are a more relaxed event than Hollywood’s award ceremonies. Attendees tend to choose funky, experimental, or playful outfits over formal suits and gowns, which is a contrast to Hollywood’s ceremonies. Here, fashion history was also made with Lil’ Kim’s purple jumpsuit and seashell nipple pastie in 1999 and Lady Gaga’s famous meat dress in 2010.
The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey hosted the event this year. It featured performances by Nicki Minaj and Bad Bunny, as well as Jack Harlow and LL Cool J hosting. Celebrity fashion watchers had plenty to celebrate when style icons like Taylor Swift, Lil Nas X, and Becky G showed up in stunning ensembles.
Many stars wore dark colors to match the “black carpet” this year, but they brought their outfits to life using fetishwear-inspired accessories such as Dove Cameron’s thick leather choker or Sabrina Carpenter’s rainbow embellishments.
Stars were also brave enough to show off their midriffs, including Ashley Graham, Tate McRae, and Blackpink’s Jennie.Victoria de Angelis and Anitta of Maneskin, on the other hand, made an apparent nod to Lil Kim’s 1999 VMAs look with trendy nipple covers.
Some men showed off their torsos at the event.Gender-fluid fashion also brought a softness to the menswear ensembles. Conan Gray strutted in a Harris Reed outfit, Maneskin’s Ethan Torchio wore a sheer corset and Bob the Drag queen wore a white skirt. He paired it with a plaid blazer, waistcoat, and blazer.