Skip to content

Top Navigation

EW.com EW.com
    • All TV
    • TV Reviews
    • TV Reunions
    • Recaps
    • What to Watch
    • Animated
    • Comedy
    • Crime
    • Drama
    • Family
    • Horror
    • Reality
    • Sci-fi
    • Thriller
    • All Movies
    • Movie Reviews
    • Trailers
    • Film Festivals
    • Movie Reunions
    • Movie Previews
    • All Music
    • Music Reviews
    • All What to Watch
    • What to Watch Podcast Episodes
    • TV Reviews
    • Movie Reviews
    • All BINGE
    • EW's Binge Podcast Episodes
    • Recaps
    • Survivor
    • This is Us
    • RuPaul's Drag Race
    • Ozark
    • The Masked Singer
    • The Blacklist
    • The Walking Dead
    • Better Call Saul
    • All The Awardist
    • The Awardist Podcast Episodes
    • Oscars
    • Emmys
    • Golden Globes
    • SAG Awards
    • Grammys
    • Tony Awards
    • All Books
    • Book Reviews
    • Author Interviews
    • All Theater
    • Theater Reviews
  • Podcasts
  • Gaming
    • All Events
    • Comic-Con
  • Celebrity
  • Streaming

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe

Explore EW.com

EW.com EW.com
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Your guide to 2022's biggest tours

      Your guide to 2022's biggest tours

      From Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny to the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Weeknd, here are all the artists who can't wait to get on the road again. Read More
    • Your guide to the 2022 TV premiere dates

      Your guide to the 2022 TV premiere dates

      Read More
    • The 20 most anticipated books of 2022

      The 20 most anticipated books of 2022

      Read More
  • TV

    TV

    See All TV
    • TV Reviews
    • TV Reunions
    • Recaps
    • What to Watch
    • Animated
    • Comedy
    • Crime
    • Drama
    • Family
    • Horror
    • Reality
    • Sci-fi
    • Thriller
  • Movies

    Movies

    See All Movies
    • Movie Reviews
    • Trailers
    • Film Festivals
    • Movie Reunions
    • Movie Previews
  • Music

    Music

    See All Music
    • Music Reviews
  • What to Watch

    What to Watch

    See All What to Watch
    • What to Watch Podcast Episodes
    • TV Reviews
    • Movie Reviews
  • BINGE

    BINGE

    See All BINGE
    • EW's Binge Podcast Episodes
    • Recaps
    • Survivor
    • This is Us
    • RuPaul's Drag Race
    • Ozark
    • The Masked Singer
    • The Blacklist
    • The Walking Dead
    • Better Call Saul
  • The Awardist

    The Awardist

    See All The Awardist
    • The Awardist Podcast Episodes
    • Oscars
    • Emmys
    • Golden Globes
    • SAG Awards
    • Grammys
    • Tony Awards
  • Books

    Books

    See All Books
    • Book Reviews
    • Author Interviews
  • Theater

    Theater

    See All Theater
    • Theater Reviews
  • Podcasts
  • Gaming
  • Events

    Events

    See All Events
    • Comic-Con
  • Celebrity
  • Streaming

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Gallery
  3. VMAs Style Through the Years: Bad, Worse, and WTF?!

VMAs Style Through the Years: Bad, Worse, and WTF?!

Rose McGowan's bizarre body armor, Lady Gaga's tartare couture, Macy Gray's walking billboard, anything from the '80s, and more shock frocks
By Lindzi Scharf Updated August 20, 2015 at 06:31 PM EDT
Skip gallery slides
FB

1 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

1

Image
Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

2

Image
Credit: MTV/MTV1415/Getty Images

2 of 26

3 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Rose McGowan, 1998

MTV Video Music Awards | Chains, mesh, and Marilyn Manson... oh my! At the 1998 ceremony, Rose McGowan managed to outdo the shock rocker in this barely-there ensemble. ''I woreÂ…
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic (2)

Chains, mesh, and Marilyn Manson... oh my! At the 1998 ceremony, Rose McGowan managed to outdo the shock rocker in this barely-there ensemble. ''I wore it to cause an uproar, but I'll confess that I did change into another dress after walking up the red carpet,'' the actress told Maxim in a 1999 interview. ''Those little strands in the back would have given me griddle butt if I'd sat down.'' Our favorite detail? The leopard G-string, which perfectly coordinated with her former fiancé's animal print suit.

3 of 26

Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

4 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Alexander Antebi (aka Conquistador), 2012

With most of the big name stars choosing to play it safe, Alexander Antebi of the band Conquistador stood out from the crowd — andÂ…
Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

With most of the big name stars choosing to play it safe, Alexander Antebi of the band Conquistador stood out from the crowd — and not in a good way — with his neon pink cat suit, white accessories, and epic facial hair. And forget the usual hand-on-hip, or over-the-shoulder move, the singer unveiled his own signature red carpet pose.

4 of 26

Advertisement

5 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Christina Aguilera, 2002

MTV Video Music Awards | Goodbye, Genie in a Bottle. Hello, ''Dirrty'' girl. Aguilera erased her squeaky clean teen image and unleashed her inner-vixen in 2002 with an eyebrow-raising lookÂ…
Credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage

Goodbye, Genie in a Bottle. Hello, ''Dirrty'' girl. Aguilera erased her squeaky clean teen image and unleashed her inner-vixen in 2002 with an eyebrow-raising look that included dyed hair extensions, a super short denim skirt, and a barely there halter top that helped coin a new term. ''I was giving reverse cleavage,'' she told Rolling Stone in 2002. ''If I was in a back alley at midnight and wearing a get-up like that, I could see, yes, that's a little bit hookerish. But I'm at a damn awards show! I'm an entertainer! I'm playing a part.'' And so began the assless chaps Stripped phase.

5 of 26

6 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Lil Kim, 1999

MTV Video Music Awards | Lil Kim — let's call her Nicki Minaj 1.0 — sported a purple wig, platform shoes, and a sequined one-shouldered jumpsuit to present the awardÂ…
Credit: Trevor Gillespie/Getty Images

Lil Kim — let's call her Nicki Minaj 1.0 — sported a purple wig, platform shoes, and a sequined one-shouldered jumpsuit to present the award for Best Hip-Hop Video in 1999. Diana Ross took one look at the performer's exposed pastie-covered breast and just had to touch it. ''She was just basically giving me a motherly tap like, 'Don't you know you have a boob hangin' out?' '' Kim told Australia's The Vine. ''Hey — I'm a trend-setter!'' Indeed, the controversy preceded Janet Jackson's ''Nipplegate'' performance at the Super Bowl.

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

7 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Paula Abdul, 1987

MTV Video Music Awards | Straight up, someone should have told Paula Abdul to change! Not yet a household name, the American Idol star looked like a fish out ofÂ…
Credit: Scott Weiner/Retna Ltd.

Straight up, someone should have told Paula Abdul to change! Not yet a household name, the American Idol star looked like a fish out of water at the 1987 ceremony in a sparkling turquoise jacket, bra, and pants. A year later, the choreographer danced into our hearts with her first album Forever Your Girl — opening the door for a whole new decade of bad outfits.

7 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

8 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Gwen Stefani, 1998

MTV Video Music Awards | Singer, mother, designer, and former fashion victim. These days, Gwen Stefani has impeccable taste, but at the 1998 show, the No Doubt front woman madeÂ…
Credit: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Singer, mother, designer, and former fashion victim. These days, Gwen Stefani has impeccable taste, but at the 1998 show, the No Doubt front woman made a fashion misstep in her hideous black pant/skirt combo, decorative bindi, and wild baby blue hair and fur triangle top. ''It's not real fur,'' she reassured reporters, while petting herself. ''Since we're not doing anything and just hanging out, I had a lot more time to think about my outfit.'' Oh, really.

8 of 26

Advertisement

9 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Nicki Minaj, 2011

MTV Video Music Awards | No, Nicki Minaj was not kidnapped by a Japanese anime gang, but her 2011 wardrobe was inspired by the cosplay culture. The performer wore anÂ…
Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

No, Nicki Minaj was not kidnapped by a Japanese anime gang, but her 2011 wardrobe was inspired by the cosplay culture. The performer wore an Amato Couture pink corset, Shojotomo Japan shorts, thigh high socks and a cotton candy wig. ''Tokyo inspired this outfit,'' she told the press backstage. ''Harajuku is something I have been absorbing for a long time.'' Um, Gwen Stefani much?

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

10 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Stacy Ferguson, 1998

MTV Video Music Awards | Long before she became Fergalicious and wed Josh Duhamel, Stacy Ferguson was part of the female pop trio Wild Orchid. In 1998, the singer hitÂ…
Credit: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Long before she became Fergalicious and wed Josh Duhamel, Stacy Ferguson was part of the female pop trio Wild Orchid. In 1998, the singer hit the VMA red carpet wearing a metallic tube top and spandex pants, which she paired with a black cowboy hat, platform flip flops, and braids. ''I'm proud of the work we did then,'' she has said of her time in the girl group. ''We worked just as hard as the Black Eyed Peas but without the same success.'' Fine, but any fashion regrets?

10 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

11 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Britney Spears and Michael Jackson, 2002

MTV Video Music Awards | Bad fashion is Toxic. On hand to present Michael Jackson's segment in 2002, Britney Spears sported an odd S&M leather dress with strappy boots thatÂ…
Credit: Beth Keiser/AP

Bad fashion is Toxic. On hand to present Michael Jackson's segment in 2002, Britney Spears sported an odd S&M leather dress with strappy boots that echoed the look of Jackson's own sparkling military boots — his take on the Sgt. Pepper era. Before handing over the statue, Spears said, ''This is someone who has inspired me.'' Clearly.

11 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

12 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Lenny Kravitz, 1993

MTV Video Music Awards | The ''Are You Gonna Go My Way'' singer appeared to have taken a few style cues from the MTV Moon Man at the 1993 show.Â…
Credit: Anna Krajec/Getty Images

The ''Are You Gonna Go My Way'' singer appeared to have taken a few style cues from the MTV Moon Man at the 1993 show. How would the rocker describe his eclectic style? ''I call it urban nomad — a world traveler from the jungle to the desert to the city,'' he told Redbook. ''I've been through every kind of style, and some have been scary!''

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

13 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Lady Gaga and Cher, 2010

MTV Video Music Awards | Only Lady Gaga could find a way to upstage Cher. The 2010 Video of the Year winner accepted her award from the legend in herÂ…
Credit: Mike Blake/Landov

Only Lady Gaga could find a way to upstage Cher. The 2010 Video of the Year winner accepted her award from the legend in her now infamous meat dress. I'm not sure which was more shocking...Gaga's (not so) edible creation or Cher's decision to dig out the Bob Mackie leotard-thong she wore in the 1989 video for ''If I Could Turn Back Time.''

13 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

14 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

MC Hammer, 1990

MTV Video Music Awards | The early '90s were indeed Hammer time. At the 1990 ceremony, the rapper typerwritered onto the scene in his signature harem pants. His look mayÂ…
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

The early '90s were indeed Hammer time. At the 1990 ceremony, the rapper typerwritered onto the scene in his signature harem pants. His look may have inspired the baggy pants phenomenon, but they don't hold up against the test of time.

14 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

15 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Howard Stern (as Fartman), 1992

MTV Video Music Awards | It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Howard Stern. I'm not sure what was more offensive, that yellow spandex belly-bearing costume or the flatulent soundÂ…
Credit: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Howard Stern. I'm not sure what was more offensive, that yellow spandex belly-bearing costume or the flatulent sound effects that accompanied his entrance. Luckily, audiences didn't see Fartman's flabby behind — only co-presenter Luke Perry had that pleasure.

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

16 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Lil Kim, Mya, Christina Aguilera, & Pink, 2001

MTV Video Music Awards | The ladies took home the 2001 Video of the Year award for ''Lady Marmalade,'' but they didn't earn any style points. Luckily, their harmonies wereÂ…
Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

The ladies took home the 2001 Video of the Year award for ''Lady Marmalade,'' but they didn't earn any style points. Luckily, their harmonies were more in sync than their hodgepodge of fashion no-no's from denim on denim to Rapunzel-like hair extensions

16 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

17 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson, 1999

MTV Video Music Awards | On again, off again couple Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee made a memorable appearance together at the 1999 show. And not in a good way.Â…
Credit: Evan Agostini/Getty Images

On again, off again couple Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee made a memorable appearance together at the 1999 show. And not in a good way. The Baywatch star paired a frilly pink Mad Hatter-style fascinator with sparkling sheer pants, while her sex tape co-star wore a neutral trench coat — and maybe nothing underneath? — on the red carpet.

17 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

18 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Jennifer Lopez, 1998

MTV Video Music Awards | America's next country music star? Lopez hadn't even released her debut album, but she didn't do her image any favors when she wore a creamÂ…
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

America's next country music star? Lopez hadn't even released her debut album, but she didn't do her image any favors when she wore a cream blazer and jeans with a white sports bra and grey cowboy hat. Yee-huh?

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

19 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Macy Gray, 2001

MTV Video Music Awards | We get the message, Macy. In 2001, the quirky singer pulled a Sound of Music , turning pink drapes into a walking billboard of aÂ…
Credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage; Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect

We get the message, Macy. In 2001, the quirky singer pulled a Sound of Music, turning pink drapes into a walking billboard of a dress. She had a couple nominations for her collaborations with Common and the Black Eyed Peas, but this look had me thinking about anything but her talent.

19 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

20 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Julie Brown, 1989

MTV Video Music Awards | I get that it was the '80s, but Julie Brown's hat looked like the cap from a Pepto Bismol bottle. The comedian joined Richard MarxÂ…
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

I get that it was the '80s, but Julie Brown's hat looked like the cap from a Pepto Bismol bottle. The comedian joined Richard Marx to present at the 1989 show in this black and hot pink dress complete with long black gloves. The white tights and red hair are all sorts of wrong, but what better way to ring in the end of the Valley Girl era?

20 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

21 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Dennis Rodman, 1995

MTV Video Music Awards | Oh, Dennis Rodman, how we miss you. In 1995, Rodman rocked red hair, a stomach-bearing silver top, and subtle belly chain. It's so wrong it'sÂ…
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Oh, Dennis Rodman, how we miss you. In 1995, Rodman rocked red hair, a stomach-bearing silver top, and subtle belly chain. It's so wrong it's almost right. Almost. The only major flaw? He should have treated us to a wardrobe change. Surely, he could have borrowed a little something from ex-girlfriend Madonna.

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

22 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Rebecca Romijn, 1998

MTV Video Music Awards | Someone call PETA, Rebecca Romijn skinned Cousin Itt! In 1998, the then host of MTV's House of Style was a major fashion fail in thisÂ…
Credit: Jim Smeal/WireImage

Someone call PETA, Rebecca Romijn skinned Cousin Itt! In 1998, the then host of MTV's House of Style was a major fashion fail in this black strapless dress made of real horse hair. ''Somewhere there's a bald horse running around in a field,'' she joked.

22 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

23 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Busta Rhymes, 1999

MTV Video Music Awards | Orange you glad I didn't say banana? Oh, wait. I did. But I call it like I see it. Busta Rhymes slipped into this yellowÂ…
Credit: Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Orange you glad I didn't say banana? Oh, wait. I did. But I call it like I see it. Busta Rhymes slipped into this yellow rubber halter top and pants combo for the 1999 ceremony.

23 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

24 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Destiny's Child, 2001

MTV Video Music Awards | The R&B trio channeled Pocahontas at the 2001 show when they picked up Best R&B Video for their hit ''Survivor.'' The girls wore orange fringedÂ…
Credit: George De Sota/Getty Images

The R&B trio channeled Pocahontas at the 2001 show when they picked up Best R&B Video for their hit ''Survivor.'' The girls wore orange fringed costumes accessorized with chunky turquoise jewelry and matching boots. Bootylicious? Hardly.

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

25 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

David Lee Roth, 1984

MTV Video Music Awards | David Lee Roth attended the very first VMA's in this Hawaiian-inspired outfit. The only problem? The show took place on the island of Manhattan, notÂ…
Credit: Ron Galella/WireImage

David Lee Roth attended the very first VMA's in this Hawaiian-inspired outfit. The only problem? The show took place on the island of Manhattan, not Maui. The Van Halen lead singer broke it off with his band a year later. Was it something that he wore?

25 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

26 of 26

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Cindy Crawford and Magic Johnson, 1992

MTV Video Music Awards | The original House of Style host joined basketball star Magic Johnson backstage at the 1992 show. The model looked gorgeous in this appropriately '90s dominatrix-styleÂ…
Credit: (2) Ron Galella/WireImage

The original House of Style host joined basketball star Magic Johnson backstage at the 1992 show. The model looked gorgeous in this appropriately '90s dominatrix-style ensemble, but maybe she could have given her friend a few pointers. A crushed velvet purple vest, purple shirt, and PURPLE pants? Leave all that purple on the basketball court!

26 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Lindzi Scharf

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 26 1
    2 of 26 2
    3 of 26 Rose McGowan, 1998
    4 of 26 Alexander Antebi (aka Conquistador), 2012
    5 of 26 Christina Aguilera, 2002
    6 of 26 Lil Kim, 1999
    7 of 26 Paula Abdul, 1987
    8 of 26 Gwen Stefani, 1998
    9 of 26 Nicki Minaj, 2011
    10 of 26 Stacy Ferguson, 1998
    11 of 26 Britney Spears and Michael Jackson, 2002
    12 of 26 Lenny Kravitz, 1993
    13 of 26 Lady Gaga and Cher, 2010
    14 of 26 MC Hammer, 1990
    15 of 26 Howard Stern (as Fartman), 1992
    16 of 26 Lil Kim, Mya, Christina Aguilera, & Pink, 2001
    17 of 26 Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson, 1999
    18 of 26 Jennifer Lopez, 1998
    19 of 26 Macy Gray, 2001
    20 of 26 Julie Brown, 1989
    21 of 26 Dennis Rodman, 1995
    22 of 26 Rebecca Romijn, 1998
    23 of 26 Busta Rhymes, 1999
    24 of 26 Destiny's Child, 2001
    25 of 26 David Lee Roth, 1984
    26 of 26 Cindy Crawford and Magic Johnson, 1992

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message
    EW.com

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Meredith© Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EW.com. All rights reserved. Printed from https://ew.com

    View image

    VMAs Style Through the Years: Bad, Worse, and WTF?!
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.