A Look at the Best and Worst of the VMAs
We’ve all seen and heard about Miley Cyrus’s risqué (and distasteful?) performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday. While many of may be tsk-tsking her behavior and wardrobe choices, I think it’s worth going back and taking a look at the VMA’s fashion history. After all, MTV is the network that brought the world music videos, reality television and taboo topics broadcast on mainstream media. So a little skin, a little raunch and a little Miley-style outrageousness is, I think, to be expected (and probably secretly relished). We take a look at VMA fashion history from the ’90s to today.
Looking back
Fashion is an amazing avenue for expression. Besides the superficiality and materialism that can be associated with it, our choice of wardrobe is not merely utilitarian. Rebelling, inciting controversy, making a statement, showcasing beauty — fashion is used as a means of expression, and what better opportunity to do so than when you know millions of eyes will be watching you on the red carpet at the VMAs? Remember some of these unforgettable moments? Madonna’s tribute to Marie Antoinette. Lil’ Kim’s boobless, nipple covering dress. J.Lo’s puffy phase. Lady Gaga’s meat dress. They made VMA fashion history.
This year’s memorable moments
The ’90s were a good decade. I often look back and cringe at the thought of what the millennial decade will be remembered for years from now. But it’s easy to feel nostalgic and romanticize the past while criticizing the present. However, having 20-year-old Cyrus is not consoling! Whatever she was trying to express with her furry and fleshy outfits at this year’s VMAs, I don’t understand. Be that as it may, when another fashion blogger writes about the VMAs 10 years from now they may applaud Cyrus for exploring youth to the fullest or just having fun. Fashion’s all about taking chances and finding yourself … right?
Lady Gaga is expected to be eccentric and known to drop jaws with her multitude of outfits. Now it just feels old. What used to seem like purposeful, consciously controversial outfits now seem uninspired and even boring. I’ve seen half-naked women lots of times. Throwing on a seashell bra doesn’t make it any more interesting. Sorry, Gaga.
Keeping it classy
Fashion blogging isn’t all about being a style hater! There were more classy and chic looks on the red carpet than we can mention here. There were lots of crop-tops, long gowns with sexy side slits and a little edginess. One of my favorite dresses was Rita Ora’s Alexandre Vauthier Couture gown. The deep neckline and her long leg peeping from behind the side slit in her full feathered train was bold and elegant. Twitter was flooded with positive comments about Taylor Swift’s Hervé Léger dress by Max Azria during the VMAs. The singer we all knew as the young pre-teen with the sweet voice and lovey-dovey songs looked sexy and all grown up in her body-hugging, deep navy blue gown.
The edgier looks included those worn by sister and brother duo Willow and Jaden Smith. For kids so young, I love their trendiness and attitude. Selena Gomez’s revealing Versace dress with lace detail on the bust and a long side slit was also edgy and interesting. I’m usually not a Gomez fan, but I think she rocked this look! And always classy, Jennifer Hudson looked gorgeous in her houndstooth and leather dress.
No meat dresses or Lil’ Kim boob dresses this year, but we saw lots of class and elegance to make up for it. And between Cyrus’ furriness and Lady Gaga’s gaga-ness, I think this year’s VMAs are pretty much on par with the best of those in the ’90s. What were your most memorable moments?
Liz Parker is a NOVA girl with a long love affair with Washington, D.C. A self-proclaimed Washingtonian, she spends her days and nights coffee shop hopping and wandering around the city. She’s fascinated with street-style fashion and has a soft spot for thrift and vintage shops.