OpinionSeptember 4, 2020
If you have a Twitter account, you’ve probably heard about MTV’s Video Music Awards that happened over the weekend. Despite a worldwide pandemic, the show must go on, right? COVID-19 changed things a bit — including the use of social distancing and masks as an accessory — but celebrities still served looks while accepting hard-earned awards.
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Graphic by Nicolette Baker

If you have a Twitter account, you’ve probably heard about MTV’s Video Music Awards that happened over the weekend.

Despite a worldwide pandemic, the show must go on, right? COVID-19 changed things a bit — including the use of social distancing and masks as an accessory — but celebrities still served looks while accepting hard-earned awards.

So, here’s the rundown, ICYMI.

Let’s start with one of the most attention-grabbing (and my favorite) trends of the night: chrome.

Chloe x Halle did it best. I don’t use the phrase “epitome of cool” lightly, but this is definitely a case that calls for it. They performed their hit, “Ungodly Hour,” in metallic silver leotards fashioned of a fabric similar to metal or tinfoil. The outfits were futuristic and unexpected, and blended perfectly with the pair’s smooth voices.

If anyone spots anything chrome, let me know! I’m now on the lookout for anything that would copy the two performers’ killer ensembles.

By the way, I’m absolutely living for Lady Gaga’s numerous wild looks during the show. It makes me nostalgic for her early 2010’s content — will we be seeing a revamped version of the meat dress anytime soon?!

Take a page out of Mother Monster’s book: try something a little out of the box! Also: wear a face shield (or mask)! She did an incredible job of blending her face covering into her outfit in a way that made it feel completely natural.

Megan Thee Stallion won Best Hip-Hop for “Savage” (I know, I’m doing the TikTok dance, too). She accepted the award while popping champagne in a black tee and a glitzy chain necklace — a great fashion takeaway! A little sparkle can take basic ‘fits from lounge to lux, and can make your back-class style look effortlessly chic.

I wasn’t a huge fan of Ariana Grande’s purple skater skirt and crop top combo — it’s overdone, and honestly, predictable for her. However, I’d absolutely steal her chunky platform boots from the “Rain on Me” performance in a heartbeat. Ah, imagine stomping up Cardiac Hill in those — the dream!

A lot of viewers critiqued Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball”-esque performance and outfit in “Midnight Sky.” Honestly, though? She knows herself and her brand. Miley has a very specific fashion look and performance style, and if you don’t vibe with it, that’s totally fine, but let her live.

I don’t have nearly enough space to break down every major fashion icon of the night, but these artists were the highest trending online! If you don’t have cable — let’s face it, all of us share one singular Netflix account — clips from the awards show are still available on MTV’s website.

Take a look, and let me know what you thought of this year’s VMAs! As always, catch me at @nbakerARROW.

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