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    1. Fashion
    2. Celebrity Style

    The Wildest VMA Red Carpet Looks Ever

    It's not known as the most out-there awards show for nothing.

    By Ashka Shen
    Published 23 August 2017 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Clothing, Fashion, Fashion model, Leg, Footwear, Dress, Street fashion, Collage, Trousers, Fashion design,
    (Image credit: Getty)
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    There are awards shows, and then there are the MTV VMAs, at which celebrities and their stylists let their freak flags fly more openly than pretty much anywhere else outside their own homes. Ahead, see the most outré outfits to ever walk music's red carpet.

    Lady Gaga (2010)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Lady Gaga (2010)

    Had to. Also because of what it looked like five years later.

    Dave Navarro (2003)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Dave Navarro (2003)

    Before there was the cold shoulder shirt...there was the cold bicep.

    OutKast (2001)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    OutKast (2001)

    And this is why some people think statues should be erected of them. Where can I get Big Boi's pants, by the way? 

    Destiny's Child (2001)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Destiny's Child (2001)

    Love how they are arranged in descending order of carwashiness. 

    Madonna (1990)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Madonna (1990)

    Madge for Dangerous Liaisons: The Remake.

    Lil' Kim (2000)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Lil' Kim (2000)

    One might think she tripped and fell into some construction fencing on the way there. 

    Pamela Anderson (1999)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Pamela Anderson (1999)

    While Pam stopped at the carnival. 

    *Nsync (2000)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    *Nsync (2000)

    All of their hair. Three out of five of their sunglasses. And JC CHASEZ'S COAT OMG. 

    Christina Aguilera (2002)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Christina Aguilera (2002)

    Truly iconic.

    Pink (2000)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Pink (2000)

    The pose really makes it, doesn't it? 

    Macy Gray (2001)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Macy Gray (2001)

    Before there were targeted Facebook ads...

    Macy Gray (2001)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Macy Gray (2001)

    There was your own body/billboard.

    B2K (2002)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    B2K (2002)

    Altogether, they're probably wearing the equivalent of, like, two cows' skins.

    Gwen Stefani (1998)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Gwen Stefani (1998)

    The weirdest thing is every single part of this outfit is either firmly back or on its way in 2017. Scary. 

    Lenny Kravitz (2004)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Lenny Kravitz (2004)

    At least these pants didn't split.

    Rose McGowan and Marilyn Manson (1998)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Rose McGowan and Marilyn Manson (1998)

    The naked dress that really started it all.

    Rose McGowan and Marilyn Manson (1998)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Rose McGowan and Marilyn Manson (1998)

    And shut it down, at the same time.

    Amber Rose (2014)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Amber Rose (2014)

    Because Hollywood loves nothing more than referencing itself.

    Riff Raff and Katy Perry (2014)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Riff Raff and Katy Perry (2014)

    What did I just say? 

    Fergie (2006)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Fergie (2006)

    She is the Duchess, after all.

    Alicia Keys (2001)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Alicia Keys (2001)

    This is amazing for the amount of different textures alone.

    LMFAO (2011)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    LMFAO (2011)

    Dress for every awards show like it's your last. Because it very well could be.

    Nicki Minaj (2011)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Nicki Minaj (2011)

    Like Diana Vreeland said, "the eye must travel from one's cotton-candy beehive to one's stuffed-animal foot thingy (paraphrased)."

    Dennis Rodman (2000)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Dennis Rodman (2000)

    This is exactly where we're heading in fashion, and frankly, I do not mind it. 

    Miley Cyrus (2013)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Miley Cyrus (2013)

    Also the events that occurred while she was wearing this outfit. 

    Nicki Minaj (2012)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Nicki Minaj (2012)

    The seaming effect is very nice, actually.

    Lady Gaga (2009)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Lady Gaga (2009)

    [Phantom of the Opera theme plays.]

    Lil' Kim (1999)
    (Image credit: Archives)

    Lil' Kim (1999)

    Never forget.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Ashka Shen
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