At the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards, Rita Ora and Iggy Azalea surprised many by taking a more sophisticated approach to red carpet fashion. Instead of the typical flashy cocktail dresses or revealing, attention-grabbing outfits often seen at the EMAs, the British singer and Australian rapper both opted for dramatic, floor-length black gowns.
While black can sometimes seem like a safe or understated choice, their bold designs—with daring necklines, cutouts, and thigh-high slits—proved anything but ordinary. Let’s take a closer look at how each star elevated classic black with their own unique twist.
Rita Ora Stuns in a Calvin Klein Black Gown and Giuseppe Zanotti Gold-Accented Sandals
Rita Ora dazzles in a classic Calvin Klein black gown paired with gold-and-black ankle-strap sandals at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards on November 10, 2013 (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
As you can see, their gowns were fashioned with deep necklines, cutouts, and thigh-high (and, in Iggy’s case, crotch-high) slits — details that did not go unnoticed.
Rita Ora showcases her feet in stunning Giuseppe Zanotti gold-and-black ankle-strap sandals (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
Rita graced the arrival floor in a classic Calvin Klein number finished with sexy ankle-strap Giuseppe Zanotti sandals in gold and black.
Rita Ora’s Cozy and Chic Arrival in Amsterdam: Makeup-Free and Fabulous
Rita Ora arrived early for the 2013 MTV EMAs. The British singer and actress immediately checked into her Amsterdam hotel, still clad in a thick parka jacket featuring orange lining.
Rita Ora was spotted in Amsterdam looking stunning without any makeup, showing off her flawless, blemish-free skin as she arrived at a posh hotel on November 9, 2013 (Credit: WENN)
Amsterdam must be having a cold autumn if Rita Ora had to wear fur now.
Rita Ora bundled up in a dark green parka with fur trim, styling it with relaxed-fit overalls, winged Jeremy Scott x Adidas sneakers, a white handbag, and matching Beats By Dre headphones for a playful, cozy look
Rita styled her grey-green parka with a matching grey-green tracksuit and winged rubber shoes. This proves that onesies can look heaps cool when worn with a parka. Would you like to follow Rita’s styling footsteps?
Iggy Azalea Turns Heads in a Daring Dilek Hanif Slit Gown and Red Platform Heels
Iggy Azalea turns heads in a daring crotch-high slit gown and red platform sandals at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
Iggy flaunted her assets in a one-shoulder gown from Dilek Hanif paired with red platform sandals. She has a tattoo on her foot that says “Colour Me Free.”
👠 Explore 2013 EMA Red‑Carpet Shoe Moments:
- 💎 Katy Perry’s Charlotte Olympia “Pomeline” sandals added 5″ heels and sheer elegance to her red carpet look at the 2013 EMAs
- ✨ 2013 MTV EMAs: Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea, Miley Cyrus, Ellie Goulding, and more — see their most shocking red carpet looks, designer gowns, and standout heels
- 🔗 Katy Perry’s mesh dress was elevated with two‑strap sandals and a Chanel chain belt at the EMAs
- ⚡ Miley Cyrus made waves in checkerboard thigh‑high Tom Ford boots paired with a Notorious B.I.G.–Tupac dress
This tattoo, on the inside of her right foot, symbolizes her free-spirited nature and individuality. The phrase reflects her artistic and personal philosophy. “Colour Me Free” is also the title of an album by British singer-songwriter Joss Stone.
Iggy Azalea’s “Colour Me Free” tattoo is prominently displayed on the side of her right foot as she steps out in striking red platform heels
While attempting to adjust her beige thong, Iggy revealed much more than she had planned. There are plenty of NSFW pictures of the incident online.
Iggy herself Instagrammed a photo with the following caption: “If you think this involves my vag lips, your mistaken And yeah, I’m posting it just to let you know I don’t give a fuck about a bikini line and the line that joins my ass to my leg. Enjoy.”
Iggy Azalea exudes elegance with her high ponytail and sleek black gown at the MTV Europe Music Awards
On the runway, this Dilek Hanif dress was worn with hot black pants, but Iggy decided to go without them for some reason. She likely regretted this decision afterward.
Iggy Azalea turned heads at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards in Amsterdam, showcasing a daring black cutout gown by Turkish designer Dilek Hanif paired with bold red platform sandals
Of course, the obvious question for you is: who looked better in her black ensemble? And which shoes win your approval?
We’re leaning towards Rita. While we don’t love her Marilyn Monroe-like hair and lipstick, we do like the simplicity of her Calvin Klein dress. Her sleek ankle-strap sandals are way sexier than Iggy’s red platforms.
👠 Explore Rita Ora & Iggy Azalea’s Best Shoe Moments:
- 📏 Rita Ora’s height and shoe-size details—including her love for brown platform heels, Prada Mary Janes, and ankle‑strap pumps
- 🎤 Rita Ora’s “Giuseppe for Rita Ora” shoe collection, spotlighting her collaborative capsule with Giuseppe Zanotti
- 👟 Rita Ora styling pink Nike Air Max DN8 sneakers in Milan street-style chic
- 🔥 Iggy Azalea x Steve Madden collection—a launch with 40 styles, from mesh heels to chunky platforms
- 👢 Iggy Azalea in Giuseppe Zanotti lace‑up stiletto boots paired with printed sweatpants for a daring street-style contrast
- 🔥 Iggy Azalea’s height vs. heels breakdown—featuring neon Jimmy Choo pumps and Givenchy booties