At the MTV VMAs, Music Artists Fill Hollywood’s Glamorous Shoes

When it comes to awards shows, it’s the music-focused events that bring the most surprises. Unlike actors, who depend on classic evening gowns, tuxes, stilettos, platforms and the like as the tried-and-true (and safe) wardrobe for the red carpet, music artists must bring their public personas with them to the stage, whether accepting an award or performing there.

Fashion is an essential part of how a music artist conveys that public persona, and there has to be some degree of flair, risk and provocation involved. Think of punk’s spikes, hip-hop’s swagger, pop’s sequined bodysuits (looking at both of you, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift — but also pretty much any other woman pop performer). And while they have plenty of outfit changes (even in a single show or tour), a music artist usually has something of a uniform that their fans will recognize. Signatures can include beauty looks, silhouettes, colors — and shoes. It’s the thigh-high boots that Mary J. Blige wears time and again, or the platforms that put Lady Gaga on top of the world.

At this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, there were plenty of uniforms, but a little less flair and risk than usual. Instead, many stars opted for dependable — but no less impactful — looks that gave off more of a classic Hollywood vibe. Given that the Hollywood strike is still in play, the awards show seemed to fill in for the industry’s currently glamour void. There were plenty of sparkly shoes to fill.

Shakira received the evening’s Video Vanguard award and showed up to the red (actually pink) carpet in a chainmail cutout and backless Versace gown with Piferi’s metallic platform, a look that ended up nearly matching the glittering, hip-shaking-friendly mini she wore for her performance later on in the evening. Shakira knows her uniform and was able to transmit her style message while showcasing a high level of classic glamour. And that hair just won’t give up.

Selena Gomez’s look also fell into the Hollywood glam category. The star’s red custom Oscar de la Renta gown, which featured thousands of bugle beads on a corset bodice with a climbing floral fringe felt both retro (Marilyn or Rita would certainly wear this) and fresh, especially paired with classic matching red Jimmy Choo sandals (the footwear brand was certainly the night’s winner). Gomez is both an actress and music artist and her look and effortless execution of it reflected her multi-hyphenate agility.

With her long list of red carpet looks, Cardi B has become a dependable style star, now known for both her innovation and reputation for championing emerging, diverse fashion talent (with the tireless work of her stylist Kollin Carter). For the VMAs, Cardi wore a super-embellished (and likely super-heavy) silver gown by designer Dilara Findikoglu. It was the matching silver wrist armor (historically known as vambraces) that took the look from classic glam to music star provocation.

The undisputed star of the night was Taylor Swift, of course, winner of nine awards (including Artist, Video and Song of the Year) and omnipresent on stage during the evening. Swift doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone at this point. But her Versace gown didn’t match her status as the powerhouse that she is. It was taken down a few notches further with underwhelming jewelry styling and hair that needed to give more. At this point in her career, Swift should be able to command more from and with fashion. A classic Hollywood moment — something she loves to try — would have been better for her, especially in this moment.

See more of the best dressed from the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards here.