What makes a pop star nowadays? If having an outstanding voice is no longer the deciding factor since the arrival of boys and girls bands in the 90’s, if stage presence can be emulated through fireworks and other decoys, one trick that always seem to work is having a distinctive, provocative style. Take Lady Gaga, for instance. It is only when she started to sport her increasingly daring fashion statements that she became such an attention worthy creature, landing covers of Vogue and other prominent magazines. Celebrity stylists are now as much a determining factor in someone’s career as their agents. Every new red carpet becomes a stage where fashion personas takes form. Over the years, the MTV Video Music Awards have become notorious for the over-the-top celebrity looks, from mesh net dresses, to meat ensembles. This year’s edition held in Brooklyn, New York—hipster capital of the world—was once again filled with controversial performances and outrageous styles.
Some stars make their own fashion rules. Let’s take Lil’ Kim, for example. The artist has earned her stripes and generally wears whatever she wants; she proved it again with this shiny black and yellow catsuit paired with yellow maxi-heeled boots from Christian Louboutin and a giant belt. Her consistency is admirable—and while it might not always be very tasteful, it is admirable nonetheless. At the VMAs, she channeled a wrestler-chic vibe.
Taylor Swift keeps it quiet
Taylor Swift, who has been notorious for her dashing outfits, once again delivered on the red carpet with a head-to-toe Hollywood glamour look in Hervé Leger.
It didn’t (t)werk very well
Cut to Miley Cyrus. Disney teen sensation turned wannabe provocateur. She sported a Maasai-Mariachi-Spandex number on the red carpet courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, styled with two tiny top ponytails courtesy of an ill advised hairdresser. This was followed by a raunchy duet with Robin Thicke which left viewers, well…stunned.
