The MTV Video Music Awards are back for another year with more dancing, designer duds and drama (read: Johnny Depp's somewhat tone-deaf appearance as MTV's Moonman mascot).
It's the annual awards show that always manages to make headlines: think Beyoncé's pregnancy reveal, the iconic Madonna-Britney pash, Lady Gaga's dress made out of literal meat, Miley Cyrus infamously twerking on Robin Thicke and of course, Ye's notorious "Imma let you finish" mic-stealing moment.
Celebrities took to the black carpet for an evening of entertainment on Sunday (local time), honouring the best music videos of the past year. The ceremony, hosted by hip-hop heavyweights LL Cool J and Nicki Minaj alongside 'First Class' hitmaker Jack Harlow, was held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The star-studded lineup of performers included Eminem and Snoop Dogg, Jack Harlow, Lizzo, Måneskin and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, while the black carpet brought the show-stopping and yes, sometimes shocking fashion the VMAs promise to deliver year in and year out.
As with any high-profile event, people love to bring out their inner Tim Gunn and critique celebrities' expensive ensembles while wearing Kmart sweatpants and slippers, loudly declaring who failed to "make it work". Of course, this is exactly what I am doing right now, except add a pink fluffy dressing gown to the mix - so please take my observations with a pinch of salt.
As always, some stars shone bright and glittered in their garb. Others, well... didn't. Here's a round-up of some of the night's best and worst-dressed attendees.
Best dressed at the MTV VMAs 2022
Taylor Swift
Let's face it, T-Swizzle would look beautiful in a bin bag, but this glittering, chain-embellished Oscar de la Renta mini with matching Christian Louboutin shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewellery truly stole the show (instead of Ye, thankfully).
Lizzo
Lizzo really did look Good as Hell in her Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2022 creation, teamed with a navy lip and pops of gold jewellery. Yes, there's something about the gown that vaguely resembles a midnight blue, very expensive garbage bag, but Lizzo somehow makes it work. Extra points for the simple, slicked back 'do.
Lil Nas X
Perhaps my personal favourite, the 'Industry Baby' hitmaker's deliciously outrageous Christmas tree couture embodied all the best parts of VMAs fashion while still making a unique statement. Show-stopping with shock value, but still sexy (read: NOT Lady Gaga's meat dress), Lil Nas X rocked a feathered Harris Reed hoop skirt with a matching, extravagant headpiece and bare chest - washboard abs not required but highly recommended.
Becky G
Another one of my favourite looks, the songstress blew the black carpet away in a gorgeous, glittering Zuhair Murad gown, teamed with red nails and a bold red lip. Love, love, love.
Sabrina Carpenter
Perhaps not everyone's top choice, but I'm a fan of flower power, and this sparkling, sequinned Moschino creation has that in spades. Complete with a black headband - very on trend - and similarly '70s tousled waves, the singer and actress looked fun, flirty and yes, floral.
Chlöe Bailey
Chlöe, one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle, absolutely understood the assignment. The Zigman work of art offers an updated take on a classic silhouette, somehow giving old Hollywood glam, Art Deco disco ball and just enough va-va-voom for the VMAs. The sheer panelling is an interesting touch, and the minimal accessories compliment the gown without over-complicating the look. It's a big A+ from me.
Måneskin
I don't have much to say other than yes. Yes. Obsessed. Gucci-clad Italian glam rockers? Yes.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers
These funky monks get a mention just because - they're the bloody RHCP!? Also, their posing is unparalleled. Loving the bold suits - sneaker game also strong.
Worst dressed at the MTV VMAs 2022
Tate McRae
The Canadian singer and dancer strutted her stuff in a teal Niné two-piece, but honestly, if the mark was 'cool, cavewoman chic', she missed it - by a mile. There's something junglesque about this strange asymmetrical creation, but unfortunately, it's giving more 'caught in a sewing machine' than Tarzan and Jane. It's just not giving what it's supposed to be giving, you know?
Bebe Rexha
The singer-songwriter is beautiful, but this Vivienne Westwood gown is not it. The VMAs present perhaps the only opportunity for public figures to wear the weirdest, wackiest creations of their wildest dreams and it be waved off, rather than prompting murmurings of a breakdown. Bebe played it too safe and her lacklustre LBD was very much outshined by the other, more outrageous outfits.
J Balvin
While I'm well-aware that oversized suits are still a thing in the world of high fashion, there's a fine line between looking like the epitome of chic and looking like a child dressed in dad's workwear. We all remember Justin Bieber's meme-orable take on the trend at the Grammys earlier this year, and J Balvin may just be the next JB on the chopping block. Look, I feel duty-bound to remind you that ordering clothes online and at the last minute is a risky business. Is that what happened here with J Balvin's Louis Vuitton look? We shall never know.
Khalid
I really, really want to love it, but there's something that's not quite giving what it should be giving. The Versace look is certainly vibrant and suitably summery, and the clash of the colours is a nice surprise - but it just feels like it's missing something. Maybe an outlandish headpiece would have taken this fun 'fit from lukewarm to WOW? I'm not sure. I'm also glad I can only see a peep of the shoes, because honestly, that's enough.
Dylan O'Brien
I have seen a mixed response to this curtain-inspired co-ord and honestly, I'm not convinced. While the suit, by New York–based boho brand Bode, has an element of cool, I can't help but feel it's giving grandma's loungewear. The printed collared shirt, the gold chains and smattering of chest hair also feels a little bit too Tony Soprano for my liking - not saying the man couldn't dress, but is it VMAs material? To be fair, the ceremony was held in New Jersey.
