Pop stars show off audacious red carpet fashion at the MTV Video Music Awards

Blackpink's Lisa looks fiery hot in her red outfit. Photo: Reuters

Understated elegance and by-the-book good taste have little place on the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Almost by definition, it has a rowdier, unruly spirit, dominated by young singers trying to chart their ascent to pop stardom. One way to do that is through a memorable style moment.

So on Sunday (Sept 27) night, artistes at the 42nd MTV Video Music Awards were typically audacious.

The women bared their midriffs, the men their chests.

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Dresses tended to be lingerie-inspired or in distressed tatters, or both. There was nary a suit in sight.

The ones that came closest in silhouette were all leather, as in Shaboozy’s head-to-toe look, or made from something resembling pony hair, as seen on Lucky Dae.

Fur – real or faux, it can't be confirmed – made bold declarations on the carpet, along with feathers and bedazzling of all kinds.

Colour, while trending elsewhere, was mostly absent, with a notable exception of a big red statement-maker from Blackpink's Lisa.

Charli XCX

Though it had plenty of attitude, the singer’s sleek, put-together look was another reminder that her “Brat” days are behind her.

Shaboozey

Those looking to pull off full leather looks take note – don’t leave out the tie.

Taylor Swift

Coming at the end of a rambunctious red carpet, this flattering, glamorous gown was a palate cleanser.

Taylor Swift keeps it classy for the red carpet. Photo: AP

Teyana Taylor

Does it border on a Halloween costume? Sort of. But the singer and actor has the presence to carry off almost anything on the red carpet.

Lisa

This was more than a pop of red. The Blackpink singer’s enormous furry red shawl recalled Rihanna’s famous heart-shaped Saint Laurent jacket.

Lucky Daye

The ease of pajamas with the polish of a suit. We particularly like the metal cinch at the waist.

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Sombr

Even with everything else going on here – and there’s a lot – the thing we most want to shout out is the eyeliner.

Normani

Flower brooches are having a moment. Normani gets bonus points for scale. – ©2026 The New York Times Company

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.