Stepping into the VMAs, where anything can happen — and this year, Black celebs reminded fans we can rock anything. The 2023 VMAs got underway on Tuesday night, and as fans enjoyed highly anticipated performances and appearances by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Wayne, Diddy, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, and more, here at theGrio, we are still reflecting on some of the style choices from the Video Music Award’s pink carpet.
Cardi B
Ahead of her energy-packed “Bongos” performance alongside Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B showcased her creative eye on the red carpet. In a custom Dilara Findikoglu gown, covered in metal duck clips — a coveted tool in Black hair salons — Cardi B subconsciously honored her place as most women’s natural hair goals and fashion inspiration.
“I’m a creative,” said Cardi B during the VMA pre-show interview. “I have to be creative with everything, my clothes, my pictures. I’m just a creative person, so my visions just have to come to life.”
Megan Thee Stallion
“Body-ody-ody-ody-ody-ody-ody-ody”. As the Houston Hottie eases her way back into the music scene, the rapper served sheer bawdy and glamour in an all-black custom Brandon Blackwood gown and Jacob & Co. jewelry.
Nicki Minaj
As the evening’s host, Nicki Minaj, “Muva to the Barbz,” stepped out in her version of bridal Barbiecore in Dolce and Gabbana.
Doja Cat
It’s only September, but Doja Cat appeared to already be in the Halloween spirit as the rapper walked the carpet in a spidery look by Ap0cene with Monse accessorized with jewelry by Maria Tash and Nicole Rose.
Explore more Black fashion moments from the evening below:
Prince Derek Doll attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Dometi Pongo attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards(Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Coco Jones attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in in Moschino FW23 Ready-To-Wear (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Ayra Starr attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five attend the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Doechii attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards(Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
GloRilla attends the 2023 MTV Music Video Awards (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Tinashe attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Saweetie attends the MTV Music Video Awards in Area Fall 2023 couture(Photo by John Nacion/WireImage)
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
Myles B. O’Neal attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
NLE Choppa attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
Don Toliver attends the MTV Music Video Awards (Photo by John Nacion/WireImage)
Young Prince attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
Kaliii attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV)
Pretty Vee attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in Kuai Li(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV)
Offset attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Ts Madison attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for MTV)
L-R) Bianca Belair and Montez Ford attend the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Tiffany Haddish attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in Jason Wu(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
Cyn Santana attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
Tayshia Adams attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
Yung Miami attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in in Han Kjobenhavn (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for MTV)
Billy Porter attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic)
Saucy Santana attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for MTV)
Sexyy Red attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
(L-R) Angelina Claudinelle Jean, Wyclef Jean and Claudinette Jean attend the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV)
L-R) Yo Gotti and Angela Simmons attend the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV)
Ashanti attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV)
Toosii attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV)
Timbaland attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV)
Flo Milli attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV)
Chloe Bailey attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in Roberto Cavalli FW 2023 Ready-To-Wear (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
Tommie Lee attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV)
Nessa attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Haniyah Philogene is a multimedia storyteller and Lifestyle reporter covering all things culture. With a passion for digital media, she goes above and beyond to find new ways to tell and share stories.
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