Cover MTV VMA 2025 was more than music—it was a fashion showdown. From Sabrina Carpenter to Ariana Grande, here are the stars who served jaw-dropping style. (Photo: Christopher Polk/Billboard/ Getty Images)
MTV VMA 2025 was more than music—it was a fashion showdown. From Sabrina Carpenter to Ariana Grande, here are the stars who served jaw-dropping style. (Photo: Christopher Polk/Billboard/ Getty Images)
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From bold creations to daring streetwear, these stars turned MTV VMA 2025 into a runway of unforgettable fashion moments
This year’s MTV VMAs was a showcase of daring, over-the-top style that broke all the traditional rules. From the red carpet’s avant-garde statements to show-stopping performance looks and after-party glamour, attendees understood the assignment: go bold or go home. The UBS Arena became a runway for music’s biggest names—Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga—each of whom showcased cutting-edge looks, vintage treasures and boundary-pushing designs that celebrated both individual artistry, music and collective creativity. Here’s a closer look at the standout looks that defined the night.
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Mariah Carey: a golden vision for a vanguard recipient
The legendary Mariah Carey was honoured with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, and she dressed every inch the musical royalty she is. Beaming backstage with her Moon Person trophy, Carey commanded attention in a form-fitting, long-sleeved bodysuit completely covered in crystals. The show-stopping ensemble was paired with knee-high crystal-encrusted boots plus nearly US$10 million worth of diamonds. With her signature honey-blonde waves styled to perfection, Carey delivered pure, unapologetic diva glamour—a reminder that she will always be music’s eternal songbird.
Conan Gray: avant-garde drama on the red carpet
Blurring fashion boundaries with fearless creativity, Conan Gray delivered one of the night’s most memorable red carpet moments. His ensemble by Erik Charlotte fused maritime fantasy with high drama, featuring a corseted navy top with dramatically voluminous puffed sleeves and a sailor-style collar. The look cascaded into a spectacular, multi-tiered skirt of ruffled navy and white lace. Towering white platform boots and a whimsical sailor’s cap completed this avant-garde masterpiece, solidifying Gray’s status as fashion’s most fearless young star.
Ariana Grande: ethereal grace in ballerina white
Styled by Law Roach, Ariana Grande lit up the MTV VMA 2025 red carpet in a custom Fendi dress before switching into three different outfits throughout the night. For her big win—Video of the Year—she closed the evening in a breathtaking all-white ensemble by Givenchy. The pop superstar channelled ballerina grace in a voluminous, multi-layered tulle skirt that created a dreamlike, cloud-like effect. With her hair pulled back in her signature sleek high ponytail and minimalist makeup, Grande’s look proved sometimes less truly is best.
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Doja Cat: playful mood in harlequin print
Fashion chameleon Doja Cat turned heads on the MTV VMA 2025 red carpet in a colourful Balmain mini dress. The structured piece featured a whimsical harlequin pattern and a daringly low neckline dripping with pink crystal embellishments, giving the effect of liquid jewels cascading down the bodice. With her voluminous blonde hair and razor-sharp cat-eye makeup, this was camp couture at its finest.
Lady Gaga: theatrical artistry in Marc Jacobs
No one delivers performance art quite like Lady Gaga, and her on-stage look was nothing short of extraordinary. Descending onto the stage in a formidable, black sculptural gown from the Marc Jacobs Fall 2025 collection, the Artist of the Year winner presented an immense textural masterpiece. The dramatic silhouette featured enormous, structured shoulders and a floor-sweeping train that moved with gothic poetry. Her hair was styled in a dramatic floral headpiece, while a bold red lip cut through the monochromatic drama.
Sabrina Carpenter: after-party sizzle in Bob Mackie
Above At her after-party, Sabrina Carpenter wore a vintage Bob Mackie dress originally worn by Cher. (Photo: @sabrinacarpenter / Instagram)
At her after-party, Sabrina Carpenter wore a vintage Bob Mackie dress originally worn by Cher. (Photo: @sabrinacarpenter / Instagram)
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Sabrina Carpenter wore a sheer red dress by Valentino on the red carpet, but it was her after-party look that truly stole the show. At her Studio 54-themed event, the singer celebrated in a vintage Bob Mackie dress that was originally worn by music icon Cher. Held together by a series of silver grommets and straps, the daring, deconstructed design created dramatic cutouts that were both sophisticated and rebellious. Her voluminous blonde curls and radiant smile were the perfect accessories for this celebration-ready ensemble.
Rosé: sophisticated sparkle in Oscar dela Renta
Blackpink’s Rosé, winner of Song of the Year for “Apt”, graced the MTV VMA stage in a strapless, sequin Oscar de la Renta gown. With her platinum blonde hair styled sleek and straight, and delicate jewellery accenting the look, Rosé brought a touch of international glamour to the star-studded event—representing K-pop with elegance.
Tyla: effortless cool for a breakout winner
Tyla marked her win at the MTV VMA 2025—taking home Best Afrobeats—with a daring Chanel moment. Originally worn by supermodel Claudia Schiffer, the top was reimagined as a mini dress, giving the piece a fresh, modern edge. She amped up the minimalist silhouette with gold jewellery, layering medallion-style necklaces and matching bracelets that delivered statement-making glamour. Her sharp, black bob ensured all eyes were on her as she celebrated this career milestone.
Paris Hilton: the queen of after-party glam
The original influencer Paris Hilton proved her style reign is far from over. Posing with sister Nicky and singers Latto and Ice Spice, Paris commanded attention in a show-stopping, crystal-and-chain embellished ensemble. The bodice featured intricate chain details draped over a sheer black top, creating her signature Y2K-meets-couture aesthetic. Futuristic sunglasses completed the look, proving that she’s still the life of the party and will always be dressed for it.
Katseye: a powerful and unified fashion debut
Above Katseye presented confidence in coordinated outfits for their MTV VMA debut. (Photo: @katseyeworld / Instagram)
Katseye presented confidence in coordinated outfits for their MTV VMA debut. (Photo: @katseyeworld / Instagram)
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Making their official MTV VMA debut, the six-member girl group Katseye announced their arrival on the major music stage with confidence. The members, who performed at the VMA preshow and won the Push Performance of the Year award, coordinated in an array of all-black ensembles with accents of silver and satin. From structured blazer dresses and corseted tops to shimmering silver minis and sleek satin pieces, each look highlighted individual personalities while presenting a united, powerful front.
After more than a decade in lifestyle media, Clifford has mastered the art of writing seriously about things that are fun—and writing fun things about people who take themselves very seriously. At Tatler Asia, he helped steer its flagship lists, Tatler’s Most Influential and Asia’s Most Stylish. And today, he leads T-Labs, Tatler Asia’s content innovation hub, where he continues the noble pursuit of lifestyle storytelling, spinning stories on wealth, entertainment, necessary style, Hallyu, Hollywood, beauty and more for audiences across Asia.
