Rita Ora and Iggy Azalea Turn Heads in Dramatic Black Gowns and Statement Heels at the MTV Europe Music Awards

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.”

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.