Focusing on three main ladies in this part two of our VMA 2025 couture coverage, we find none in latex. But surely, they made fashionistas and fans alike salivate with their incredible red carpet looks as well as stage costume fashions.
In no particular order…
Sabrina Carpenter walked the red carpet in a sheer crimson-colored lace Valentino dress, a furry pink boa thrown across her arms. Then changing into a bra with silver fringe, paired with black sequined bottoms under equally sparkly black tights, the 27-year-old gave a rousing performance, part in support of the trans community, performing her new song “Tears.” Joined by such notable drag queens as Denali, Willam, Symone, Laganja Estranja, the dancers held signs aloft during the performance announcing their solidarity.
Stirring stuff to be sure.
Lady Gaga, who both attended the show (much to the surprise of all) then spirited away for a performance she was scheduled for the same night (and that she started late because of the VMAs) offered a pre-recorded full-on goth performance, then showed up to grab a bunch of MTV statue ‘moon men.’ Gaga was dressed in a voluminous gothic Marc Jacobs Fall 2025 ensemble made of ruffle lace and embroidery, with massive sleeves. Adding to the effect was the perfect accessory of a black floral headpiece tucked into her hair.
There really is no one quite like Lady Gaga.
Winning the 2025 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award (as well as Best R&B) Mariah Carey was dressed by designer Wilfredo Rosado for the night. Supposedly wearing ten million dollars worth of diamonds, Mariah stepped out first in a silk gold robe, featuring feathers. As her performance began in earnest, she removed the robe to reveal herself wearing a gold bodysuit with equally gold knee-high boots.
Mimi rules.
And yes, although we said we’d focus on three ladies here, no VMA 2025 couture reporting would be complete without mentioning the sailor/pirate ensemble Conan Gray wore this night. Designed by Erik Carlotte, the ‘gown’ featured a jacket with puff sleeves, a drop-waist corset, ruffle skirt, under which one could easily spy the fantastic white platform Hallgrath boots Conan was wearing. And of course, he had a matching hat to go with it all.
Conan really made the night!
