While the VMAs has essentially become a starter event for newly hatched influencers to walk their first carpet, MTV often invites some actually famous people, which is nice. Though there weren’t tonnes of standout red carpet looks this year, a small batch of stars did remind us why this particular award show continues to be a source of fascination in the style stakes. It’s the ceremony that gave us Lady Gaga’s meat dress, Lil Kim’s purple nipple pasty, Britney’s albino python and Pamela’s furry pink hat, so forgive us for continuing to get our hopes up each year.

For 2025, Sabrina Carpenter reminded us why she’s the premier pop princess of the moment, arriving to the red carpet in a corseted red lace gown complete with a lilac faux stole. The look, which Carpenter swiftly changed out of to perform, was a custom piece designed by Valentino creative director Alessandro Michele and styled by long-time collaborator Jarred Ellner. Michele won big elsewhere on the red carpet too, kitting out Sombr in an embroidered suit from Valentino’s recent Resort 2026 collection, and also US band The Marías in pieces from AW25.

Elsewhere, Ice Spice kept the archival trend alive by going for a vintage Ralph Lauren corset and patchwork skirt from SS03, Tyla opted for archival Chanel originally worn by Claudia Schiffer on the SS93 runway, Latto picked out a statuesque vintage Versace gown in gold, while Lola Young accessorised with vintage Chanel jewellery.

Scroll through the gallery above for all the best looks