The Best Dressed Stars At The 2019 VMAs
Ah, the MTV VMAs, or Video Music Awards, how we love thee. Throughout the years, the VMAs have provided audiences near and far with drama that will continue to be discussed for ages, as well as important cultural touchstones that we'll almost certainly be explaining to our great grandchildren in 60 years as we zoom around in our flying cars. Okay, maybe we're being a little over-the-top — but hey, isn't "over-the-top" kind of the whole vibe of the VMAs?
From that unforgettable Britney/Christina/Madonna kiss to the incident that sparked the never-ending Kanye West vs. Taylor Swift feud, to Miley Cyrus completely shedding her Hannah Montana persona and twerking on Robin Thicke, the VMAs are almost always newsworthy. Unsurprisingly, the 2019 VMAs was no exception. From Swift's dazzling opening number and Lizzo's show-stealing performance to Missy Elliott finally being recognized for her catalogue of iconic music videos, the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony was something to behold — as were the red carpet ensembles donned by your favorite celebrities. Here's a look at some of the best dressed stars at the 2019 VMAs.
Taylor Swift wowed in colorful Versace at the 2019 VMAs
Fresh off the release of her highly-anticipated seventh studio album, Lover, Taylor Swift arrived to the 2019 VMAs wearing all of the colors and a whole lot of confidence. Dressed by stylist Joseph Cassell (via The Hollywood Reporter), Swift lit up the red carpet in a vibrant, multicolor Versace ensemble, consisting of a sharp-shouldered, embellished blazer worn over a sparkling, hot pink bodysuit. Cassell paired the eclectic look with thigh-high Louboutin boots, and Swift donned a pair of statement-making green hoop earrings, as well as various fashionable gemstone rings.
Swift, who was nominated for a bevy of awards, took home the Moon Person awards for Video for Good and Visual Effects — but the biggest moment of the night happened when the star won Video of the Year for "You Need To Calm Down." Joined onstage by a multitude of her collaborators on the star-studded video, Swift reminded her fans to sign the Equality Act petition for LGBTQ+ rights, which is featured at the end of her award-winning music video.
"Voting for this video means that you want a world where we're all treated equally under the law," Swift said to cheers and applause.
Lizzo worked the 2019 VMAs red carpet
According to Variety, comedian Melissa McCarthy is in early talks to play Ursula in the upcoming live-action remake of Disney's The Little Mermaid. However, as much as we love McCarthy, we'd be lying if we said we weren't hoping that Lizzo would be the one to tackle to iconic role of the singing, sinister sea witch. After all, the "Juice" songstress definitely has the pipes — and she's already proven with this November 2018 video that she can totally pull off that blonde, bouffant 'do, those pencil thin eyebrows, and Ursula's signature lavender skin.
In fact, Lizzo's stunning ensemble on the 2019 VMAs red carpet felt like a bit of a last-ditch Ursula audition. While not platinum blonde, the singer's hair was styled in a retro bouffant updo similar to the Disney villain's, and her fire engine red Moschino gown featured a sweetheart neckline and mermaid silhouette. To pull it all together, the star wore a larger-than-life feather boa around her shoulders — which could totally be interpreted as a sultrier take on Ursula's tentacles.
Ursula or no Ursula, there's no doubt that Lizzo was feeling herself throughout her VMAs appearance and show-stopping performance. Girl, same.
At the 2019 VMAs, Gigi and Bella Hadid totally twinned
Gigi and Bella Hadid are two of Hollywood's most famous sisters — and the siblings were serving serious twinning vibes at the 2019 VMAs.
For starters, Bella Hadid hit the red carpet sporting her newly blonde hair, which perfectly matched the color of Gigi's long, golden blonde mane. In fact, "golden" was pretty much the duo's theme for the evening, as both sisters' outfits consisted of various gold-tone pieces. Never one to shy away from a menswear moment, Gigi Hadid wore a Tom Ford ensemble featuring a nude corset top and metallic gold trousers. The model, whose budding romance with Bachelorette star Tyler Cameron has been the talk of Tinseltown, accessorized with multiple gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
For her part, Bella Hadid looked like the star of a modern-day I Dream of Jeannie reboot. Wearing her blonde locks in a high pony, the model donned a nude skirt and crop top ensemble, which featured a golden leaf motif and — you're going to want to sit down for this — suspenders. Hey, if they looked this good on everyone, you better believe we'd be stocking our wardrobes full of suspenders, too.
Camila Cabello looked like a gorgeous goddess at the 2019 VMAs
In the months preceding the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes — Cabello's "Señorita" collaborator and rumored beau — seemed to take pleasure in driving fans crazy by playing coy and teasing their will they/won't they romantic relationship. The two artists are basically a modern day Ross and Rachel, which is why the 2019 VMAs crowd lost its collective mind when Cabello and Mendes leaned in for an iconic Ross-and-Rachel kiss while performing "Señorita" live for the very first time. Alas, in true Cabello and Mendes fashion, the two stopped short of actually locking lips — leaving fans (as well as celebrity friends Joe Jonas and Taylor Swift) wide-eyed and screaming.
Before her steamy performance with Mendes, Cabello walked the VMAs red carpet looking like some kind of angelic Grecian goddess on her wedding day. The star wore a flowing white gown, which featured a long train, barely-there spaghetti straps, and some seriously sultry cutouts. Cabello opted for natural-looking makeup and pushed her long, wavy locks behind her shoulders, revealing a pair of dazzling diamond drop earrings.
Alison Brie dared to show some skin at the 2019 VMAs
Move over, Jennifer Lawrence – we'll always love you, but Alison Brie is quickly taking first place in our hearts for being the most relatable (and downright hilarious) red carpet queen.
In a 2019 VMAs red carpet interview with Access Hollywood's Lilliana Vazquez, Brie reminded viewers that she still has the offbeat comedic chops that fans fell in love with on NBC's Community. "Some men just walked by without shirts on, and only collars," Brie observed. When Vazquez responded by jokingly calling the fellas "human accessories," Brie quipped, "I like that! ... I brought my breasts — the best accessory."
Brie, the star of Netflix's wildly popular series GLOW, was obviously poking fun at the plunging neckline of her little black dress, which seemed to catch the attention of French Montana later in the evening while the two were presenting the award for Best Latin Video. Once again proving her down-to-earth sense of humor, Brie joked off her awkward interaction with the rapper by posting a picture of her sparkly, sheer Elie Saab dress to Instagram, adding winking-face emojis and captioning the photo, "Umm...my eyes are up here!"
Keke Palmer celebrated her birthday at the 2019 VMAs
Keke Palmer had a lot to celebrate at the MTV Video Music Awards — and, as always, the star did it with her signature flair and style.
In addition to serving as the date of the 2019 VMAs, Aug. 26, 2019 also happened to be Palmer's 26th birthday. Naturally, the multitalented birthday girl made the red carpet her runway, donning a canary yellow, jewel-encrusted dress designed by Yousef Aljasmi. The eye-catching gown flattered Palmer's figure to a T, and featured a high neck with long sleeves. Palmer kept her accessories simple, except for the large, glittery block phone with which she repeatedly posed for photographers.
No word on exactly who Palmer was calling on that giant, golden block phone — but if we had to make a guess, we'd say she was probably calling to deliver some exciting news to a BFF. Earlier that day, it was officially announced that Palmer would be joining ABC's Strahan and Sara as a full-time host (via The Hollywood Reporter), even inspiring a new name for the daytime talk show: GMA3: Strahan, Sara, and Keke. Talk about a happy birthday!
Halsey's rainbow hair played a big part of her 2019 VMAs look
If there's one celebrity from whom you can always expect something unique on the red carpet, it's Halsey. The "Bad at Love" songstress consistently surprises us with each awards show appearance — and, while we never think it's possible to love one of her outfits more, we always find ourselves having a new favorite Halsey look with every red carpet she graces. Of course, the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards was no exception.
The singer arrived to the 2019 VMAs on Monday evening wearing a near-indescribable, you-had-to-see-it ensemble that only Halsey could pull off. Along with a two-piece black lingerie set, Halsey donned a super sheer, red gown featuring a slit so high that the dress had to be held together with a wide, black corset belt. The star accessorized her barely-there, feathery look with a pair of strappy black heels and drop earrings.
Like many celebs at the VMAs, Halsey kept her makeup simple and natural, opting to let her long, dark hair fall behind her shoulders. However, she did add a special Halsey touch by dying her hair's part the color of a rainbow. We can't wait to see what this gal wears next.
Hailee Steinfeld proved that red is definitely her color at the 2019 VMAs
Unfortunately, we don't have our own awards to hand out to our favorite celebs. However, if we did, Hailee Steinfeld would absolutely take home our trophy for "Most Old Hollywood Glam." The red carpet at the 2019 VMAs is usually known for its eclectic showing of colorful, sparkly, sometimes otherworldly outfits — but, while we're definitely fans of a statement piece, we do appreciate a throwback to the Hollywood of yesteryear. And, if anyone can pull off old Hollywood glam, it's Steinfeld.
The multitalented Steinfeld, who is starring as Emily Dickinson in the upcoming Apple TV+ series Dickinson, was on fire in a floor-length, bright red dress featuring sheer panels, floral motifs, a scoop neck, and double thigh-high slits. The star accessorized with shimmering white gold rings, and her brunette locks were loosely curled and pushed behind her shoulders.
As for her makeup, Steinfeld sported a bold, red lip and rosy cheeks, even painting her nails to match her dress. After seeing the actress/singer wearing that iconic blood-red ballgown in the Dickinson trailer, we've officially decided that Steinfeld owns the statement-making shade.