Rundown of the MTV VMAs 2016

We all know that the MTV Video Music Awards is one occasion where artistes show off their more…risqué (read: revealing) outfits on the red carpet. Historically speaking, celebrities would grace the event with barely-there dresses, peekaboo jumpsuits, a meat dress, or just some strategically-placed straps (remember Miley Cyrus for last year’s VMAs?). But last Sunday proved otherwise. Instead of crazy outfits, neon wigs and colourful makeup, most of the A-listers opted for a more understated and glamourous look. Don’t get me wrong, there were still a few ensembles that would’ve raised an eyebrow (or two), but for the most part “chic” seemed to be the theme.

Back to Black
A LOT of the celebrities took to the classic route and went with an all-black ensemble. Ariana Grande was in a gorgeous Alexander Wang crop top with high-waisted pants while Britney showed off her body in a simple yet sexy Versace dress. Hailey Baldwin stood out in a sheer beaded jumpsuit by Georges Chakra and all 5 members of Fifth Harmony were vibing vampy goths in their coordinated ensemble. Oh, and let’s not forget the men. Future graced the carpet in an elegant monochromatic tuxedo and Ansel Elgort sported an uncharacteristically badass Dior Homme outfit complete with chains, pins and buckles.

Neutral Makeup & Slicked-back Hair
Much like the understated and glamourous outfits on the red carpet, the 2016 VMAs saw our favourite musical artistes in similar hair and makeup. Smoky eyes, nude lips and slicked-back hair seemed to be the night’s look du jour, similar to Louis Vuitton’s recent Fall 2016 fashion show. Up-and-coming Swedish sensation Zara Larsson, Rita Ora and the Queen Bey herself rocked the red carpet with these sultry looks.

Not only did Beyoncé win the most coveted moonman for Best Video of the Year, she took home the most number of awards including Best Pop Video, Best Female Video, Best Breakthrough Long Form Video, Best Choreography, Best Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Editing. PHEW. She’s the Queen for a reason and damn, she showed us why she deserved to be at the top with the genius that is Lemonade. Say what you will about the controversies surrounding her groundbreaking visual album, you can’t deny the powerfully deep narrative that Beyoncé journeys to explore themes such as womanhood, infidelity (ahem ahem) and racial segregation in America. From the camera angles, costume changes to the dancers’ strong movements, saying her live performance at the VMAs was an impressive feat seems a gross understatement. My favourite part was right at the end when the dancers formed the symbol for femininity to symbolise the Queen’s celebration of female empowerment.

All of Rihanna’s Outfits

If Beyoncé is Queen, then Rihanna would be the Princess. Taking home the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award (at a very young age of 28), it seems the world can’t get enough of Ri-Ri. Drake, her rumoured boyfriend, presented her with said award and they even shared a kiss on stage! She performed a total of 4 times with a medley of her hits…but what drew my attention were her outfits. I was expecting something more risqué and avant-garde but I was pleasantly surprised that Ri-Ri kept it chic and glamourous. Here are the 4 looks by this talented fashion chameleon:

So there you have it…the rundown of this year’s MTV VMAs. Now you can show off to your friends when they ask you about it (even if you haven’t watched the show)! Click here for the complete list of winners!

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