-
1998: Rose McGowan
Photo: Shutterstock
Rose McGowan set the stage for stars rocking the "naked dress" when she stepped out at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards in a barely-there look. Over two decades later, the "Charmed" star revealed that the dress was a political statement against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
-
1998: Gwen Stefani
Photo: Shutterstock
Gwen Stefani looked out of this world that same year in a blue fur bikini top with hair to match. From the face gems to the skirt-and-pant combination with platform flip-flops, it was a lot to digest.
-
1999: Pamela Anderson
Photo: Shutterstock
Of all the iconic looks at the VMAS, Pamela Anderson's white corset, sequin pants and, more notably, fuzzy pink hat, remains one of the most memorable. Stars, including Kacey Musgraves and Kim Kardashian, have paid tribute to the hat with their own versions since.
-
2002: Christina Aguilera
Photo: Shutterstock
Christina Aguilera proved she was the OG queen of Y2K fashion when she attended the 2002 MTV VMAs in a scarf top and micro-mini denim skirt that left little to the imagination.
-
2003: Missy Elliot
Photo: Shutterstock
While we don't believe she was headed to the golf course, Missy Elliot certainly looked the part in a plaid ensemble after winning an award for her song "Work It".
-
2010: Lady Gaga
Photo: Shutterstock
Lady Gaga certainly turned heads when she attended the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in the famously dubbed "meat dress", which was made of raw beef. Following the ceremony, Gaga explained that the dress was a statement about one's need to fight for what one believes in and highlighted her distaste for the United States military's don't-ask-don't-tell policy.
-
2011: Nicki Minaj
Photo: Shutterstock
Nicki Minaj served up one of the wackiest looks of all time in 2011, when she stepped out in a Harajuku-like ensemble, which included a futuristic Amato Couture bodice paired with leg warmers, a tutu, an ice cream necklace and a multi-coloured wig.
-
2014: Katy Perry
Photo: Shutterstock
In 2014, Katy Perry and rapper Riff Raff paid tribute to Britney Spears and Justin Timerblake's matching denim ensemble at the American Music Awards in 2001. Luckily, Britney approved.
-
2015: Miley Cyrus
Photo: Shutterstock
Miley Cyrus set the outrageous fashion bar pretty high when she hosted the MTV VMAs in 2015 and stepped out in some eye-popping looks, including this bejewelled chandelier-like skirt with suspenders and tin foil in her hair to match.
-
2017: Nicki Minaj
Photo: Getty Images
Before taking the stage to perform "Swish Swish" alongside Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj showed off her new two-tone hairdo in this bubblegum pink Vex Latex bodysuit, which she paired with Harry Kotlar diamonds.
-
2018: Amber Rose
Photo: Getty Images
Amber Rose brought out her inner devil in this red latex costume that she said was inspired by Madonna. Of course, the fiery look would not be complete without the matching whip.
-
2021: Megan Fox
Photo: Shutterstock
Continuing the naked dress trend, Meghan Fox brought it back in 2021 in this sparkly, sheer Mugler number when she joined her beau Machine Gun Kelly at the awards.