The first MTV Video Music Awards was held in 1984, and has playfully merged the worlds of music and fashion ever since. Kindred in its spirit, this year’s was a little different in light of the pandemic. Regulations saw the awards ceremony staged in various locations throughout New York City and with some parts pre-recorded in order to limit crowds. Nonetheless, the absence of a large-scale physical audience did not stop the stars from dressing up in bold and breathtaking outfits.

From Lady Gaga dressed in an Area spacesuit-inspired silver jacket and Muscarella bubble helmet, to Miley Cyrus and Madison Beer each pairing Mugler sheer dresses with vintage-inspired opera gloves, the red carpet offered up a familiar spectacle. Colour was paramount, from Joey King’s Versace dress featuring a green and red rose motif to Nicole Richie’s Cong Tri lime green gown with an elegant long train and Sofia Carson’s bright red Giambattista Valli peplum dress.