In the 32 years since the first Moonman was handed out, the VMAs have
provided the world with plenty of wild red carpet moments. Known for a
commitment to the outlandish, the Video Music Awards offer attendees the
chance to unleash their most unconventional outfits and many stars
follow suit, pushing the boundaries as far as they’ll go. Trendsetters
take risks that make headlines, exhibitionists challenge the censors
with risqué choices that keep fans talking, and everyone arrives in the
kinds of eccentric fashion you’d be unlikely to see at any other awards
show.
With everything from meat dresses to pasties on the menu, your average outrageous VMA moment requires a little extra legwork than you’d expect. But how do those jaw-dropping looks really come together? Here, we talk with the stylists and designers behind some of the VMAs’ most memorable looks of all time, to show what really goes into creating an iconic ensemble.
In the 32 years since the first Moonman was handed out, the
VMAs have provided the world with plenty of wild red carpet moments.
Known for a commitment to the outlandish, the Video Music Awards offer
attendees the chance to unleash their most unconventional outfits and
many stars follow suit, pushing the boundaries as far as they’ll go.
Trendsetters take risks that make headlines, exhibitionists challenge
the censors with risqué choices that keep fans talking, and everyone
arrives in the kinds of eccentric fashion you’d be unlikely to see at
any other awards show.
With everything from meat dresses to pasties on the menu, your average outrageous VMA moment requires a little extra legwork than you’d expect. But how do those jaw-dropping looks really come together? Here, we talk with the stylists and designers behind some of the VMAs’ most memorable looks of all time, to show what really goes into creating an iconic ensemble.
Lil’ Kim, 1999
Fernandez was initially contacted by Gaga’s then-stylist Nicola Formichetti to construct a meat purse for the evening, but their conversations led to the creation of an entire outfit made of matambre, a thin cut of beef similar to a flank steak. Working with flesh provided its own set of challenges, but for Fernandez—who had previously designed the meat bikini Gaga wore on the cover of Vogue’s Japanese men’s edition, the use of food as fabric wasn’t cause for concern. “I selected a cut of the meat that was greasy rather than bloody—I wasn’t worried about it rotting or fading.”
The outfit is now a piece of history, and has been preserved by taxidermists so that future generations can get to experience it for themselves. Hanging in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside The Beatles’s Sgt. Pepper uniform and one of David Bowie’s jumpsuits, the meat dress has gone further than anyone could have anticipated—except perhaps, Fernandez. “I felt this could be something big, [the dress] was provocative in itself. She was taking all the awards that night—all eyes were on her.”
Though Cyrus sported several looks on air, when it came time for her entrance, the choice was obvious. “At the end of the day, the crystal Versace look won for the red carpet. Miley felt strongly about it!” says Harouche. “It seemed to be the culmination of everything Miley wanted to project as host of the VMAs. It was commanding, provocative, and also a bit tongue and cheek.” Comprised of silver straps, chandelier-esque tear-drop prisms and not much else, it took a bit of styling magic to make the final version safe for television: “We had to be very careful with the shading of nude tulle underneath the crystals. We needed to make sure she was covered, but also needed to create the perfect “nude illusion.”
Miley’s opening number may have stolen the show, but for Harouche the fun came via the total package of wardrobe changes tied to the themes of each segment. “Personally, I loved every single look. Each one had a specific meaning and place for the show,” says Harouche, who cites the futuristic Prada and transparent Mamadoux dresses as equally deserving of attention. Still, she understands why people are still interested in the Versace number whole year later. “The crystal Versace look is so memorable because it was different than anything we’ve seen out there—Miley had to leave her mark on the VMAs.”
Source:vogue.com
With everything from meat dresses to pasties on the menu, your average outrageous VMA moment requires a little extra legwork than you’d expect. But how do those jaw-dropping looks really come together? Here, we talk with the stylists and designers behind some of the VMAs’ most memorable looks of all time, to show what really goes into creating an iconic ensemble.
With everything from meat dresses to pasties on the menu, your average outrageous VMA moment requires a little extra legwork than you’d expect. But how do those jaw-dropping looks really come together? Here, we talk with the stylists and designers behind some of the VMAs’ most memorable looks of all time, to show what really goes into creating an iconic ensemble.
Lil’ Kim, 1999
There’s really only one person who could pull off a breast-baring purple jumpsuit and glittering sequined pasty: Lil’ Kim. When she stepped onto the stage at the 1999 ceremony, she created an instantly iconic moment thanks to her bold outfit and the swagger with which she wore it. The custom piece by Misa Hylton-Brim has since set the standard for attention-grabbing awards-show fashion, but its creation stemmed from a desire to represent Kim’s personality, rather than a need for provocation. “Our process had always been a natural flow of creativity and ideas,” says Hylton-Brim. “From the start, I really got into Kim and who she is, I got into her music. I created a visual story, something out of the ordinary and unique to anything experienced thus far. Those are the magical moments that make a lasting impression.”
Crafted from a fabric typically used for wedding saris, the lavender-and-silver piece with its holographic shell pattern was a lot of look, (especially on the 4’11” star) but the maximalism matched her uninhibited persona. “The fashion statement Lil’ Kim made is the epitome of authentic style, courage, and standing in your power,” says Hylton-Brim. “Everyone had a front row view to see the beauty of being totally free in your artistic expression.” While there have been imitations and loving tributes—fellow provocateur Miley Cyrus adopted the look for Halloween—the original remains unmatched, and 17 years later, is still a subject for discussion. “It has been a gift that continues to give,” says Hylton-Brim. “So many trends and interpretations have been inspired. The ripple effect of these ideas are global.
Lady Gaga, 2010
The prize for most controversial VMAs dress ever isn’t even really a contest. Only one of the attendees has worn food, after all. In 2010 Lady Gaga donned her infamous meat dress, sparking protests from PETA, and a stunned look from Cher (no stranger to outrĂ© fashion), the garment has been derided and admired in equal measure—which suits its creator, designer Franc Fernandez, just fine. “I think it’s great the visceral reactions about it still haven’t faded,” says Fernandez, whose custom creations have been worn by everyone from Katy Perry to the Scissor Sisters. “When I sewed her into the piece backstage and saw her on the monitors minutes later, it sunk in it would become a big conversation.”Fernandez was initially contacted by Gaga’s then-stylist Nicola Formichetti to construct a meat purse for the evening, but their conversations led to the creation of an entire outfit made of matambre, a thin cut of beef similar to a flank steak. Working with flesh provided its own set of challenges, but for Fernandez—who had previously designed the meat bikini Gaga wore on the cover of Vogue’s Japanese men’s edition, the use of food as fabric wasn’t cause for concern. “I selected a cut of the meat that was greasy rather than bloody—I wasn’t worried about it rotting or fading.”
The outfit is now a piece of history, and has been preserved by taxidermists so that future generations can get to experience it for themselves. Hanging in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside The Beatles’s Sgt. Pepper uniform and one of David Bowie’s jumpsuits, the meat dress has gone further than anyone could have anticipated—except perhaps, Fernandez. “I felt this could be something big, [the dress] was provocative in itself. She was taking all the awards that night—all eyes were on her.”
Miley Cyrus, 2015
If you’re running the show, you’d better bring the goods—and when Miley Cyrus took on hosting duties last year, she pulled out all the stops. Cyrus and her stylist Simone Harouche created more than 10 ensembles, all united by their audacious spirit. Given the importance of her role, Cyrus and Harouche opted for one-of-a-kind pieces meant to get a reaction. “Let’s not forget that historically, the VMAs have turned out some majorly iconic looks,” says Harouche. “We were working with some of Miley’s favorite designers, like Versace, Viktor & Rolf, Prada, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Manish Arora, The Blonds, and many more. Everything was custom made for Miley based on our ideas we proposed.”Though Cyrus sported several looks on air, when it came time for her entrance, the choice was obvious. “At the end of the day, the crystal Versace look won for the red carpet. Miley felt strongly about it!” says Harouche. “It seemed to be the culmination of everything Miley wanted to project as host of the VMAs. It was commanding, provocative, and also a bit tongue and cheek.” Comprised of silver straps, chandelier-esque tear-drop prisms and not much else, it took a bit of styling magic to make the final version safe for television: “We had to be very careful with the shading of nude tulle underneath the crystals. We needed to make sure she was covered, but also needed to create the perfect “nude illusion.”
Miley’s opening number may have stolen the show, but for Harouche the fun came via the total package of wardrobe changes tied to the themes of each segment. “Personally, I loved every single look. Each one had a specific meaning and place for the show,” says Harouche, who cites the futuristic Prada and transparent Mamadoux dresses as equally deserving of attention. Still, she understands why people are still interested in the Versace number whole year later. “The crystal Versace look is so memorable because it was different than anything we’ve seen out there—Miley had to leave her mark on the VMAs.”
Source:vogue.com
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