From punk rebels to horror icons, Taylor Swift to Chappell Roan, the 2024 VMAs red carpet showcased standout fashion moments that demanded attention
When it comes to the Video Music Awards (VMA), the red carpet isn’t just a prelude to the show—sometimes, it’s the main event. This year at its 40th anniversary, the stars were dressed to slay, strut, and steal the spotlight. Here are MEGA’s top picks that made heads turn, jaws drop, and cameras flash.
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Taylor Swift
Who said punk was dead? Taylor Swift revived it with a sharp Dior look. Swift kept her edge sharp and her vibe unapologetic. There’s no bad blood here—just a perfect mix of spikes, leather, and a smirk.
Tyla
Leave it to Tyla to remind us that summer doesn’t have to end with a vibrant yellow fringe dress by Area that would make the sun jealous. Complemented by a turquoise necklace and hot pink sandals, it’s like she walked straight out of a tropical cocktail, making us all thirst for more.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion dove headfirst into an updated aquatic fantasy. In an inverted mermaid silhouette by Nicole + Felicia Couture, Megan redefined the undersea glam with scales traded in for drama.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter took us straight back to ‘90s glam in a white satin Bob Mackie evening gown, dripping in sequins and beads. Referencing Madonna’s 1991 Academy Awards look, Sabrina gave us that throwback we didn’t know we needed—classic, glamorous, and undeniably iconic.
Halsey
Halsey’s red animal print gown was a full-blown revival of Elizabeth Hurley’s ‘96 moment, but with an added dose of drama. Swarovski beads dripping off of silk chiffon? Yes, please. Halsey knew exactly what she was doing when she pulled this out of the archives and gave it a 2024 twist—proving that some fashion moments deserve several lives.
Suki Waterhouse
Suki Waterhouse embodied every femme fatale fantasy in her Dolce & Gabbana look. With cut-outs that teased and textures that tantalized, she was equal parts sultry and stylish. The feathered jacket was the cherry on top, making her look like she just stepped out of a sexy music video—dangerous, but you’d take the risk.
Anitta
Anitta took lingerie from the bedroom to the VMA stage with a custom Dolce & Gabbana look that oozed sex appeal. She gave us sheer, lace-up corsetry, and a veil that was all about seduction, but Anitta kept it classy, balancing the line between boudoir and bombshell with perfection.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan gave us the best of all worlds with a gothic, medieval, burlesque horror show all rolled into one. The Y/Project dress—floor-length, sheer, and striped—was like something out of a Tim Burton fever dream. It was the perfect combo of pretty and petrifying, with just enough burlesque to keep things cheeky.
Coco Jones
Coco Jones shined in a Lever Couture gown composed of silver mesh ribbons. One-shouldered and out-of-this-world, she looked like she’d just descended from a disco ball spaceship, ready to command the stage.
Lisa
Lisa slithered onto the carpet in her signature snake necklace, wearing a custom Mugler look. In an ivory corset adorned with shimmering accents, Lisa looked like a sci-fi queen from a distant galaxy. Mugler and Lisa are a match made in heaven—or maybe outer space.
This year’s VMAs exhibited time and again that the stars don’t just show up; they show out. From several major references that throwback to iconic fashion moments, these celebrities know their history and add their unique twist to their looks. And we’re already anticipating what they’ll bring next year.