The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards lived up to its reputation as the cultural barometer for style and taste. Musicians clad in track suits and tailored suiting shared the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J. Monday night, reflecting fashion’s mixed mood this fall.
Diplo and Lil Nas X kept the “Yeehaw Agenda” narrative rolling in custom cowboy-inspired looks. Diplo wore a tie-dyed suit by The Elder Statesman, embroidered by Austin, Texas-based chain-stitching company Fort Lonesome. Lil Nas X served Liberace vibes with a sparkly silver suit, ruffled lace shirt and metallic cowboy boots.
With Missy Elliott receiving the Video Vanguard Award, the styling of ’90s hip-hop was top of mind. Elliott celebrated the night in a custom track suit embellished with gold slitter. Straight out of a ’90s R&B video, Normani performed in a lilac velour mini skirt and crop top. Big Sean paired a black velour track suit with gold jewelry, which Victor Cruz opted for a nylon version.
Other stars opted for a more elevated look on the red carpet. Queen Latifah wore an orange suit trimmed with fringe. J Balvin wore relaxed tailoring from Off-White. And Rick Ross wore a Gucci overcoat with a camel-colored sweater and matching trousers. Meanwhile, Lizzo and Taylor Swift sparkled in glammed-up designer fashion. Swift sported a crystal-covered Versace mini dress, while Lizzo wore a red sequin gown and feather boa by Moschino.
Lenny Kravitz brought the best denim moment of the night, dress in his signature boocut jeans, denim vest and layers of bohemian accoutrements.
And in a strange moment of “who wore it best,” both H.E.R. and Tana Mongeau showed up with a live snake as arm candy.
