The 2025 MTV VMAs red carpet once again proved why this event is as much about fashion as it is about music. From Sabrina Carpenter's daring Valentino lace to Tate McRae's ethereal sheer gown, Ariana Grande's vintage-inspired Fendi, and Lady Gaga's gothic Marc Jacobs showstopper, the night was packed with unforgettable style statements. Whether embracing archival couture, pushing boundaries with avant-garde drama, or reimagining sheer and metallic trends, these stars turned the VMAs into a runway of cultural moments. One thing is certain: the 2025 VMAs solidified its place as the year's most daring fashion stage, where music icons and rising stars alike redefine what it means to be best dressed.

1. Sabrina Carpenter in Sheer Valentino

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US singer songwriter Sabrina Carpenter attends the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025.

Sabrina turned heads in a sultry, sheer red lace gown by Valentino paired with a lavender feather boa and Tiffany & Co. jewelry—an unforgettable blend of elegance and edge.

2. Doja Cat's Harlequin Spectacle

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US rapper Doja Cat attends the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025.

Doja Cat channeled '80s flamboyance in a pastel harlequin-patterned mini-dress by Balmain, towering platform heels, and a playful Judith Leiber clutch shaped like a tube of lipstick—with which she cheekily applied and even ate the product on the red carpet.

3. Ariana Grande's Polka-Dot Perfection

Ariana Grande
US singer-songwriter Ariana Grande attends the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025.

Styled by Law Roach, Ariana embraced retro charm in a vintage-inspired custom Fendi polka-dot gown, complete with matching accessories including Swarovski jewelry.

4. Tate McRae's Sheer Goddess Moment

Tate McRae
Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae attends the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025.

Tate McRae turned heads in a custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown—a super sheer design featuring an icy-white bra top with plunging sweetheart neckline, twisted spaghetti straps, and a trailing see-through skirt cleverly revealing a pair of cheeky white underwear

5. Tyla's Vintage Chanel Revival

South African singer-songwriter Tyla
South African singer-songwriter Tyla poses in the press room with the Best Afrobeats award "PUSH 2 START" during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025.

Tyla left her pants at home and opted for a vintage Chanel corset from Spring/Summer 1993, adorned with Pandora jewelry—a chic nod to high-fashion nostalgia.

6. Ciara's Sporty Schiaparelli

US singer Ciara attends the MTV Video Music Awards
US singer Ciara attends the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025.

Ciara brought powerful style with a red Schiaparelli bomber-meets-mini-dress look, brilliantly blending sporty and couture elements.InStyleEssence

7. Lenny Kravitz's Rock 'n' Roll Edge

Lenny Kravitz
US singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz attends the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025.

Channeling rock star elegance, Lenny Kravitz appeared shirtless under a checked Saint Laurent ensemble—bold and effortlessly cool.Page SixInStyle

8. Ice Spice in Vintage Ralph Lauren

US rapper Ice Spice MTV
US rapper Ice Spice attends the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025.

Ice Spice embraced nostalgia in a vintage Ralph Lauren outfit—an early-2000s inspired look that felt both playful and nostalgic.

9. Lady Gaga's Gothic Couture Finale

Lady Gaga
US singer, actress Lady Gaga arrives for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025.

As the evening's coup de théâtre, Lady Gaga closed the night in a dramatic Marc Jacobs gothic tulle gown—perfectly fitting for the Artist of the Year.

Originally published on Fashion Times