When it comes to the red carpet at the MTV VMAs, skin is in. From ultra-plunging necklines to sheer skirts, no outfit is too risqué or revealing for music’s wildest night.
Case in point? Rose McGowan, who turned heads and dropped jaws in this completely see-through dress and exposed thong when she attended the awards with Marilyn Manson in 1998.
“Those kinds of looks were happening on the runway at the time, but I think she was the person who took it from the runway to the red carpet,” designer Maja Hanson, who created the revealing ensemble, told Page Six Style exclusively in 2020.
“I don’t remember anyone doing it before her. Other people have worn similar things since then, but she was the first to really have that ‘wow’ moment.”
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Amber Rose later channeled McGowan’s iconic look with this draped-chain getup by Laurel DeWitt in 2014.
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Who could forget Lil’ Kim’s purple embellished jumpsuit and matching pasty from 1999? No wonder Diana Ross couldn’t resist copping a feel.
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At the 2022 VMAs, Måneskin bassist Victoria De Angelis seemed to pay tribute to Kim with her asymmetrical Gucci top and heart-shaped silver pasty — which
wound up censored during the glam rock group’s performance.
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Megan Fox stole the show at the 2020 VMAs in her illusion Mugler dress and bedazzled thong. We’re pretty sure her then-boyfriend, Machine Gun Kelly, was a fan.
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When Britney Spears ripped off her suit mid-performance in 2000, viewers momentarily thought she might be nude underneath. In reality, she was wearing this embellished bra top and pants. Talk about a sparkly striptease!
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From the scarf daringly worn as a halter top to the denim skirt so short it could technically qualify as a belt, everything about Christina Aguilera’s outfit at the 2002 VMAs was “dirrty.”
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Mother Monster as mermaid? At the 2013 awards, Lady Gaga stripped down to this seashell thong bikini while performing “Applause.”
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Can’t be tamed, indeed: Miley Cyrus dressed up like an S&M chandelier in this custom Versace getup — which essentially amounted to silver suspenders, matching thigh-high boots and a crystal loincloth — when she hosted the 2015 VMAs.
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In 2021, Jennifer Lopez
got all laced up in a David Koma crop top-and-miniskirt set.
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Ciara kicked the naked dress trend a “level up” in this embellished, super sheer Givenchy in 2013.
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Rita Ora left little to the imagination in this barely-there black Jean Paul Gaultier gown in 2018.
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It’s Charli, baby! Charli XCX dared to bare in a see-through black lace look by Shawna Wu in 2021.
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In 2004, Brooke Hogan let it all hang out in this bedazzled bikini top and matching mesh maxi skirt.
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In 2018, Blac Chyna gave viewers an eyeful in this pink chainmail Laurel DeWitt bra and skirt combo, complete with peekaboo thong.
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Ashanti showed up in this strappy Michael Costello number with only half a skirt in 2021.
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Nicki Minaj showed off her “good form” at the 2018 VMAs in a nude thong bodysuit and completely see-through skirt from Off-White.
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Normani gave viewers a little added motivation to hit the gym in 2019, when she flaunted her enviable abs in this crystal-covered Nicolas Jebran gown.
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Heidi Klum said “Auf wiedersehen” to undergarments in this gold Dundas gown in 2017.
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Jennifer Lopez flaunted her famous curves in silver Charbel Zoe in 2014.
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The 2020 VMAs might’ve been a more low-key affair due to the COVID-19 pandemic — but thanks to Miley Cyrus and her sheer mirror-embellished Mugler gown and matching gloves, the red carpet still felt like a party.
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In 2023, Bebe Rexha put her best assets behind her, showing off her booty with a leather dress featuring cheeky cutouts and a horse tail.
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The “Nasty” girl herself, Tinashe, really put her body on display in 2023 with this X-rated mesh gown with nothing but tape underneath.
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Addison Rae made the leap from TikTok star to pop star with her song “Diet Pepsi” — and channeled a showgirl in 2024.
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