Music award shows of the late 20th century were littered with major fashions. But earlier red carpet risks and ridiculousness have since slipped our memories, fading in the dust of Lady Gaga and her infamous meat dress. In spirit of tonight’s MTV VMAs, we remind you of the best of the worst ~forgotten~ outfits to ever grace the VMA red carpet.
7. Rose McGowan, 1998
Rose ranks in at number 7, only because conventional norms say that baring it all in a transparent beaded mesh number and a cheetah-print g-string is a huge fashion faux pas. Personally, I dig it. Partially because I appreciate a bit of sparkle and skin, but mostly because these were her provocative Marilyn Manson years. And thus, her choice in clothing (or lack there of) can be justified as totally acceptable.
6. Janet Jackson, 1997
When was it ever over okay to match your hair with your shirt? Further to that, when was it ever okay to emulate Ronald McDonald’s fro?
5. Britney Spears, 2002
BritBrit just looks like a really bad stripper. It’s just… the worst.
4. Christina Aguilera, 2002
I can’t even begin to explain all of the things wrong with this outfit. But I do remember thinking Christina Aguilera was extremely talented during her “Dirrty” days, so I suppose kids like me were to blame for whatever this is.
3. J.Lo, 2000
Before Kim and Kanye, there was J.Lo and P. Diddy (and Sean John clothing), lest we forget.
2. Lil Kim, 1999
Luckily, Lil Kim (ie: the original Nicki Minaj) was able to recover enough fabric to cover her left nip before wearing this dance costume out in public.
1. Macy Gray 2001
Talk about shameless self-promotion. Or having zero shame in general. (WTF?!)
The MTV VMA Red Carpet airs today at 7ET/4PT on MuchMusic. Will there be assless dresses and nip slips? Probably. But you’ll have to watch to find out.
Tagged britney spears, christina aguilera, Janet Jackson, jennifer lopez, Lil' Kim, Macy Gray, MTV, MTV VMAs, red carpet, Rose McGowan, Throwback Thursday
