The MTV Video Music Awards, as nostalgic as they can sometimes seem, are still a platform for cementing the stars of tomorrow, no matter if music videos are watched far more online than on TV these days. Their nature as a platform for rising talent makes the V.M.A.s a reliable venue for fresh faces — and for the types of fun and freaky fashion risks that people young and old might avoid at more traditional award shows.
Some of those statements on the red carpet at the 41st V.M.A.s on Sunday included feathery pastel boas and hats, bedazzled coffee cups and a Labubu dressed like the Moon Person statuette given to V.M.A. winners. At this year’s ceremony, they included Ariana Grande for video of the year; Lady Gaga for artist of the year; Rosé and Bruno Mars for song of the year, “APT.”; and Alex Warren for best new artist.
It was a night heavy with over-the-top fashion, but these 10 looks were hard to forget.
Doja Cat: Most Dollywood Glamour!
On the carpet, the rapper and singer said that her bouncy blond waves and busty Balmain harlequin dress were nods to the 1980s. They also seemed to be channeling the style codes of Dolly Parton.
Sombr: Most Sad Boy!
Known for his melancholy ballads, the singer evoked that reputation in a black Valentino jacket with embroidered lapels that, from afar, looked a little like the two sides of a broken heart.
Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter: Most Prom Night!
Seeing Ms. Grande, in her polka-dot Fendi dress, beside Ms. Carpenter, in her lacy red Valentino gown and purple boa, brought to mind two high-school BFFs posing in their finery at a big school dance.
Audrey Nuna: Most Volume!
Wearing a poofy floor-skimming puffer coat and big bowlike braids in her hair, the singer, who voices a member of the fictional band Hunterix in the film “KPop Demon Hunters,” commanded space — and attention.
Ice Spice: Most ‘Bridgerton’!
The rapper’s upswept hair and corseted ensemble from the Ralph Lauren archives had the romantic colors and bygone style of the period drama’s costumes.
JHart: Most Hands!
One observation about the singer-songwriter’s 2200CC “four arm” jacket: Its appendages mostly drew attention away from his ruffled pants.
Tate McRae: Most Breath of Fresh Air!
Revealing as it might have been, on a red carpet with a lot of loud looks, the singer’s airy white Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown functioned as a sort of palette cleanser.
Lenny Kravitz: Most Lenny!
Any up-and-coming star hoping to hone a distinctive look would benefit from studying the musician, who is a master of pulling off high fashion — in this case a windowpane-check Saint Laurent suit — with rock ‘n‘ roll flair.
Moon Person Labubu: Most Sign of the Times!
Made by the artist and designer Marko Monroe, who carried it on the V.M.A.s carpet, the doll had the shine of Naomi Osaka’s bedazzled versions at this year’s U.S. Open. To some, it might be more covetable than an actual Moon Person statuette.
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