Sparkles and sequin embellishments took the runways of Valentino, Jil Sander and Rick Owens by storm last season. The stars at MTV’s Video Music Awards, which took place in Newark, New Jersey on Tuesday, are now partaking in the trend.
Shakira, Olivia Rodrigo and Selena Gomez were among the celebrities who opted for shiny ensembles. Ahead, WWD recounts the best and brightest looks at this year’s VMAs.
Shakira
Shakira at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12 in Newark, New Jersey.
Gilbert Flores for Variety
Shakira sparkled in a gold chainmail gown by Versace, which featured side cutouts and a thigh-high slit. The Video Vanguard honoree, who was styled by Nicolas Bru, accessorized with diamond rings.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12 in Newark, New Jersey.
Gilbert Flores for Variety
Olivia Rodrigo’s glittering Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown was adorned with 150,000 Swarovski crystals. The singer added on a pair of sparkly open-toe platforms by Roger Vivier. Stylist Danielle Goldberg, who also dresses Lily Aldridge, Laura Harrier and Kaia Gerber, curated Rodrigo’s look for the event.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12 in Newark, New Jersey.
Gilbert Flores for Variety
Selena Gomez sought the stylings of Erin Walsh, who put together the singer’s botanical Oscar de la Renta ensemble. Gomez’s sparkling halter dress featured floral motifs covered in scarlet beads, matching the shade of her satin open-toe pumps by Jimmy Choo. She also added on a matching set of diamond jewelry by Pasquale Bruni, which included a bracelet, cocktail ring and statement earrings.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12 in Newark, New Jersey.
Gilbert Flores for Variety
Sabrina Carpenter stepped out in a ruched sheer lilac gown featuring a bedazzled bustier and floor-length train. The singer’s diamond and platinum Jacob & Co. jewels included emerald and ashoka cut bands, as well as a three carat heart pendant necklace.
Sofia Carson
Sofia Carson at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12 in Newark, New Jersey.
Gilbert Flores for Variety
Sofia Carson opted for head-to-toe sparkle in a cobalt ensemble from Alexandre Vauthier’s fall 2022 couture collection. Carson’s look consisted of a long sleeve dress with statement shoulders, which was embellished with increasingly larger paillettes, matching her pair of pointy sock boots.
Saweetie
Saweetie at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12 in Newark, New Jersey.
Gilbert Flores for Variety
Saweetie gave “Flintstones” fashion a modern twist, wearing a crystallized cutout gown from Area’s fall 2023 couture collection. The rapper, who was styled by Marta Del Rio, completed her look with metallic pink pumps and a pair of diamond hoops.
Since 1984, MTV’s Video Music Awards have celebrated the biggest artists of the year. The 40th VMAs, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, are hosted by Nicki Minaj and feature a brand new category: Show of the Summer. Shakira will receive the coveted Video Vanguard Award, while P Diddy is being honored with the Global Icon Award.