It does not take long for the VMA red carpet to morph from a chic fashion runway into a full-blown spectacle of the most outlandish and quirky costumes. Every year, this notorious awards show makes sure to feature both show-stopping ensembles and cringe-worthy fashion missteps, which generates an endless stream of content ideas for the internet for months on end. As the 2024 musical gala draws closer, the excitement to see what sartorial extravagance the artists will put on display this year is reaching the sky’s height. 

This naturally brings to mind a nostalgic callback to the most iconic fashion moments in VMA history so far.

Anyone pondering why Lady Gaga would make a perfect Harley Quinn should take a look at her fashion record. Gaga has never shied away from embracing a touch of crazy. From sporting fishbowls as headgear to transforming into a giant inflatable spiked star, she has built a name for herself with her wild wardrobe choices. But it was her meat dress at the 2010 MTV VMAs that truly shocked the world.

Gaga chose an ensemble crafted entirely from raw beef, This audacious dress, which Gaga revealed on Ellen DeGeneres’ Daytime show was a statement against a military policy, still stands as more iconic than some careers in the music industry. 

Madonna is known for reinventing the fashion at the VMAS. More than forty years ago, the Queen of Pop took the stage at the MTV VMAs and delievered one of her most unforgettable performances. She mocked the traditional white wedding gowns of ceremonies and sang a song about a virgin- while wearing an iconic white lace bustier dress, pearl jewelry, and her famous “Boy Toy” belt.

As she made her way down from the cake, the unbelievable became reality. The songstress began to shed her bridal attire- first the shoes, then the veil; and finally, she let down her hair in a boudoir style, making for one of the most iconic fashion moments in VMA. 

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This outfit and the performance got a reboot in 2003 again by none other than Britney Spears. 

Everyone knows about Britney Spears’ iconic VMA performance outfits. But this one stands out as an iconic tribute to Madonna, that has been recreated multiple times at the award show. Spears channeled the wedding dress vibe from Madonna’s legendary 'Like a Virgin' performance from 1984, taking the stage with the Queen of Pop herself and Christina Aguilera.

Not only did their performance break the internet, but Spears’ white lace ensemble also became a statement piece, which Ice Spice recreated a decade later at the 2023 VMAs. However, while Spears had just a touch of lace at the bottom of her skirt, the rapper went all out with a full lace-tiered tutu.

It is hard to imagine the VMAs without Taylor Swift these days. The best part about her fashion choices is the cool Easter eggs she might- or might not- drop each year. But when it comes to one of her most iconic looks at the VMAs, the one-shoulder Kaufman Franco gown she wore in 2009 takes the crown. 

While the 2009 VMAs became memorable for Taylor Swift for more than one reason, this outfit, besides being a stunner on its own, became the symbol for her unforgettable and controversial moment with rapper Ye, aka Kanye West.

Throughout Ye’s career, there have been several moments that made fans wonder why he did not end up in fashion- although he kind of did. Back at the 2004 VMAs in Miami, Ye hit the carpet with John Legend, dressed in a smooth pale pink suit with an old-school Rat Pack feel.

While the rapper’s style has taken a more eccentric turn in recent years, if he shows up at the VMAs, it would be interesting to see what he brings to the table.

The ultimate trendsetter of early 2000s fashion, Paris Hilton fully embraced the shipwrecked vibe with at the 2002 VMAs. The media personality and businesswoman wore an ultra-pink red carpet look that became a signature of the era.

Hilton brought the shipwrecked trend to life with her iconic VMA look with asymmetrical skirts, belly-baring tops, and lots of pinks.

Beyoncé is the perfect blend of a music legend and fashion icon. From her early days with Destiny's Child to ruling the charts as a solo artist, even her style has naturally evolved along with her trajectory. However, what has remained the same is the slay quotient. Back in 2000, Beyoncé hit the VMAs with group members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, with coordinated leather outfits.

Beyoncé’s dress featured a corset bodice and rhinestone details, paired with silver hoop earrings and black heels. Their matching ensemble is still remembered as a classic Y2K fashion moment.

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What do you think about these iconic fashion moments at the VMAs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!