2025 MTV VMAs Red Carpet: Tyla, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, GloRilla, Doja Cat, and More in Bold Gowns and Heels

This year’s MTV Video Music Awards red carpet did not disappoint. Known for its long-standing reputation of daring, quirky, and over-the-top fashion, the VMAs have always encouraged stars to push the limits of fashion, and 2025 was no exception.

From sheer gowns, bra tops, leg-baring slits, and miniskirts to bold prints, metallics, and vibrant colors, the arrivals showcased an incredible array of styles. The energy was fearless, playful, and unapologetically glam, once again cementing the VMAs as a red carpet where fashion rules don’t apply.

Footwear was another standout element this year. While classic black pumps will forever be a red-carpet staple, many celebrities opted for bold choices, including playful statement heels, platforms, and metallics. These daring shoe selections added an extra layer of personality, making the night’s fashion even more unforgettable.

Celebrities, including Doja Cat, Tyla, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Ciara, FKA Twigs, GloRilla, Rebecca Black, Paris Hilton, and Nicky Hilton, showcase their unique daring styles at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (Credit: Janet Mayer / Doug Peters / P A Images / INSTARimages)

Hosted by LL Cool J, Lady Gaga was the most nominated artist of the evening, with 12, and went on to win four awards. Though she didn’t walk the red carpet, her impact was still very much present. Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande followed closely, each winning three awards.

Here’s a closer look at the fashion moments that lit up the 2025 MTV VMAs red carpet.

Doja Cat Elevates in Pleaser Platforms and Retro Balmain Mini Dress

Doja Cat may only be 5ft 2 (157.5 cm) with a shoe size 8, but at the 2025 MTV VMAs, she towered over the crowd with her custom Pleaser shoes that were practically gravity-defying. The mules featured an open back, a sleek front strap, and peep toes, but our eyes were drawn to the dramatic platforms and sky-high heels that instantly added half a foot to Doja Cat’s frame.

The butter-yellow color stood out from the sea of black pumps and metallic shoes that dominated the event. Their exaggerated silhouette gave off a 1970s vibe, making them the perfect match for her throwback-inspired outfit.

Doja Cat teeters on a pair of custom butter-yellow mules by Pleaser featuring towering platforms and sky-high heels (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Doja Cat Channels 1960s Glam in Balmain Harlequin Mini Dress and Pink Jewels

Standing tall in her towering heels, Doja Cat went full on retro in a 1960s-inspired Balmain look. She wore an off-the-shoulder mini dress with long sleeves and a dangerously low, plunging neckline that looked as if it could slip at any moment. The dress had structured hips that exaggerated her hourglass shape, ending high above her thighs for a bold finish.

While the silhouette was already bold and striking, the pastel yellow-and-blue diamond harlequin pattern made it even more captivating. The design was further elevated by the sparkling pink jewel embellishments that traced the plunging neckline and ran down the center of the dress.

Doja Cat pairs her retro-style Pleaser mules with a 1960s-inspired Balmain off-the-shoulder mini dress featuring a pastel yellow-and-blue diamond harlequin pattern and pink jewels along the front (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

To top it all, Doja Cat, who took home the Best K-Pop alongside Lisa and Raye for their collab Born Again, finished the look with statement Chopard earrings in light pink diamonds, paired with diamond rings that sparkled against her red-manicured hands. She then wore red lipstick to match and finished her glam with bold cat-eye liner. Her full bangs and voluminous curls were the perfect finishing touch for her throwback look.

Tyla Modernizes Archival Chanel in Louboutin Pumps and Gold Chains

Tyla, who stands 5′3″ (1.60 m) and wears a US women’s size 5.5 shoe, had a big night at the 2025 MTV VMAs. She earned two nominations and took home Best Afrobeats for Push 2 Start. But even before stepping onto the stage, she was already turning heads on the red carpet — starting from the ground up with her bold footwear.

Tyla arrived in classic black Christian Louboutin pointed-toe pumps with sleek stiletto heels and pointed toes. While they seemed like a boring choice, Tyla gave them a twist worthy of the VMAs by layering on multiple anklets, turning the traditional pumps into something more eye-catching and edgy.

Tyla elevates her classic black patent leather Christian Louboutin stiletto pumps with gold and beaded anklets (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Tyla Reimagines Vintage Chanel Top as a Micro-Mini Dress with Gold Chains

The real highlight, though, was her outfit. She stepped onto the red carpet at the UBS Arena, wearing what was arguably the tiniest dress of the evening.

The South African singer chose a vintage Chanel creation from the late Karl Lagerfeld’s Spring 1993 Ready-to-Wear collection. First worn on the runway by Claudia Schiffer, the tiny piece was actually not a dress, but a cream-colored top paired with black pants at the time. Tyla, who never shies away from a bold fashion statement, reimagined the archival design as a micro-mini dress.

The dress featured black trims along the neckline, shoulder straps, and hip pockets, beautifully contrasting its soft cream base. This combination highlighted the frock’s structure while letting the pale fabric enhance the warmth of Tyla’s glowing complexion.

The look carried that timeless Parisian chicness for which Chanel is known, but what made it even more striking was how Tyla gave it a fresh, modern twist, making the look her own. Wearing it as a daring mini dress transformed it into one of the night’s most buzzworthy fashion moments.

Tyla reimagines Chanel’s 1993 top into a mini dress and styles it with layers of gold necklaces and bracelets (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Like Claudia Schiffer, Tyla styled the look with gold waist chains. But instead of the chunky Chanel belt Claudia wore in 1993, she opted for more delicate versions.

To enhance the vintage charm, she layered on thick gold coin and chain necklaces that nearly covered her entire decolletage. She added stacks of gleaming bracelets and rings from the Pandora Talisman collection, for which she served as campaign star.

Sabrina Carpenter Stuns in Sky-High Platforms, Bob Mackie Sequins & Valentino Gown

Sabrina Carpenter went home a big winner at the 2025 MTV VMAs, earning three of her nine nominations, including Best Album for Short n’ Sweet and Best Pop Artist. She lit up the stage not just with her Moonman trophies but also with her outfit. Standing at just 4ft 11 ¾ (151.8 cm) with a shoe size 6, Sabrina gave herself a well-deserved boost with her sky-high platform shoes.

Taking to the stage to receive her honor, Sabrina wore platform pumps, which have become a staple in her wardrobe. She stood tall in glossy black patent leather pumps with peep toes and dainty ankle straps, finished with thick platforms and towering stiletto heels. These shoes not only added height but also an extra dose of confidence.

Sabrina Carpenter adds height to her 4’11 ¾” frame by slipping into a pair of black peep-toe heels with thick platforms (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Sabrina Carpenter Shimmers in Vintage Bob Mackie Sequin Mini Dress

Sabrina’s classic pumps were the perfect complement to her showstopping vintage Bob Mackie dress from the American fashion designer’s Spring 1986 collection. This dance-inspired mini dress featured a corset-like bodice that hugged her frame and accentuated her tiny waist. It was completely encrusted with multicolored sequins, forming a floral motif across the bust and cascading down the torso in shimmering panels, accented with vibrant beads.

The neckline dipped into a daring plunge, punctuated with sultry keyhole cutouts, all held together by embellished spaghetti straps. From there, the silhouette flowed into a skirt dripping with navy bugle beads embroidered on black silk. It was finished with an asymmetrical fringe hem that gave the look a sense of fluidity and movement.

Sabrina Carpenter dazzles in an archival Bob Mackie dress featuring multicolored sequins, keyhole cutouts, and a beaded skirt (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Sabrina kept her accessories minimal, wearing just a few rings and a pair of earrings, allowing the dress and shoes to take center stage. She completed her look with her signature blonde hair fashioned in voluminous bombshell waves, paired with purple eyeshadow.

Sabrina Carpenter Turns Up the Glam in Sheer Red Valentino Gown and Tiffany Diamonds

For the red carpet, Sabrina turned up the drama in a sheer red gown designed by Valentino’s creative director, Alessandro Michele.

It was a bold take on classic nude dresses, with the see-through base adorned with intricate floral sequins strategically placed for coverage while still leaving little to the imagination. Striking a balance between sensuality and elegance, the gown was finished with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a floor-grazing hem.

Sabrina gave her look a whimsical, vintage-inspired twist by draping a lilac feather boa around her arms, while a selection of Tiffany diamonds added extra sparkle to the look. Her glam style veered toward Old Hollywood flair, featuring tight, bombshell curls, golden eye makeup, and mauve lipstick.

Sabrina Carpenter arrives on the MTV VMAs red carpet wearing a custom red Valentino sheer gown embellished with floral sequins (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

Her shoes remained hidden beneath the gown, but she appeared to be wearing metallic platform heels.

Ariana Grande Goes Retro Sweet in Jimmy Choo Platforms and Polka-Dot Fendi

Ariana Grande also opted for classic black heels, choosing Jimmy Choo’s “Max” platform sandals, a celebrity favorite from the brand’s Red Carpet Capsule Collection.

These sandals blend elegance with practicality, featuring slim, adjustable ankle straps for a secure fit and a peep-toe design for a touch of flirtatious style. They’re set on 1-inch platforms that balanced out the towering 6-inch stiletto heels, giving Ariana’s petite 5ft ½ in (153.7 cm) frame a dramatic lift. She wears a size 6 (US) shoe.

It’s no surprise these sandals have become a go-to for Hollywood’s biggest names, including Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya. They’re priced at $995 at Mytheresa.

The shoes’ sleek silhouette pairs effortlessly with everything from couture gowns to casual jeans. Ariana balanced their simplicity by wearing a dress that felt playful yet still sophisticated, keeping the look cohesive in classic monochrome.

Ariana Grande boosts her 5’½” height by wearing the Jimmy Choo Max platform sandals (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Ariana Grande Channels Retro Charm in Polka-Dot Fendi Gown with Playful Peplum

Ariana wore a custom Fendi dress that exuded a fun, retro vibe. The strapless bustier had a sweetheart neckline and a fitted bodice that fell into a slim column skirt, all covered in white polka dots.

At the waist, a pale pink peplum added a playful twist, softening the dress’s structured silhouette and adding an extra layer of detail to the look. While the neckline didn’t do much for her petite frame, the peplum added a youthful and charming touch, keeping the outfit fresh and fun.

Ariana Grande exudes a retro vibe in a strapless black-and-white polka dot gown with a pink peplum detail by Fendi (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Grande kept her accessories minimal with delicate stud earrings and a few understated rings. She stuck to her signature glam, wearing fluttery lashes, winged eyeliner, and peachy-nude lips. Her hair was pulled back into her signature ponytail, tied with a matching polka dot ribbon for a sweet, retro finish.

Ciara Balances Schiaparelli Drama with Gianvito Rossi Plexi Pumps

Ciara, who stands 5ft 7½ (171.5 cm) and wears a US women’s size 11 shoe, brought her signature boldness to the VMAs, where she presented Best Pop to Ariana Grande. All eyes were on her striking footwear choice — a pair of Gianvito Rossi Plexi slingback pumps — as she strutted her stuff on the red carpet.

These pumps were handmade in Italy from transparent TPU and featured metallic and matte leather lining, creating the illusion of barely there shoes. The sharp silver-tone metal cap toes added a modern, architectural edge, while the shoe label’s signature ribbon buckle and slim 4.25-inch stilettos kept the design refined.

These pumps elevated her look without competing with the vibrance of her dress. They’re selling for $995 at Mytheresa.

Ciara showcases her pedicured feet in a pair of Gianvito Rossi Plexi slingback pumps with silver-tone metal cap toes (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

Ciara Commands Attention in Fiery Red Schiaparelli Jacket Dress

It was smart of Ciara to pair the sleek, barely there shoes with a bold, vibrant ensemble, striking a balance that doesn’t detract from the footwear’s style. Her outfit hailed from Schiaparelli’s Spring 2025 collection and, true to the house’s eccentric and avant-garde style, it reflected creative director Daniel Roseberry’s signature mix of drama and innovation.

She wore an oversized Schiaparelli jacket dress in a striking, fiery red that instantly commanded attention. The design featured a voluminous cowl neck, dramatic bishop-style sleeves, bold silver hardware, and an asymmetrical drape panel cascading on one side.

The short hemline balanced the exaggerated proportions, highlighting her toned legs. Though it leaned a bit heavy for the occasion, it perfectly captured Schiaparelli’s bold, boundary-pushing aesthetic.

Ciara teams her understated, clear pumps with an oversized, vibrant red Schiaparelli jacket dress (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

To complete her ensemble, Ciara accessorized with bold simplicity. She wore thick bangles on each wrist and gleaming bauble stud earrings that stood out against her sleek, pulled-back ponytail. Her beauty look was equally polished with nude lips, peach blush, sculpted eyebrows, and fluttery lashes.

FKA Twigs Pushes Boundaries in Louboutin x Matieres Fecales Boots and Grotesque Red Ensemble

FKA Twigs, who stands 5ft 2½ (158.8 cm) and wears a US women’s size 9 shoe, was nominated for Best Choreography for Eusexua and brought one of the most daring looks to the 2025 MTV VMAs. She stepped out in a futuristic, almost sci-fi outfit that instantly commanded attention.

The English singer walked the red carpet in towering black boots from the Christian Louboutin x Matieres Fecales collaboration, which dropped earlier this year. At first glance, they might have seemed like just another pair of platform boots, but a closer look revealed their strikingly unconventional design.

The front featured chunky pointed platforms that added dramatic height, while the back was built with sculptural concave heels, creating the illusion of gravity-defying shoes. They were futuristic, sleek, and architectural, blurring the line between fashion and art and complementing FKA Twigs’ fearless, avant-garde approach to style.

FKA Twigs struts her stuff on the MTV VMAs red carpet in a pair of Christian Louboutin x Matieres Fecales boots featuring chunky pointed platforms and sculptural concave heels (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

FKA Twigs Stuns in Grotesque Blood-Red Matieres Fecales Ensemble

FKA Twigs paired her bold footwear with a custom blood-red ensemble also by Matieres Fecales, a Canadian fashion label known for its unconventional style that often mixes sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian themes. The look had a crumpled, skin-like texture, with folds and wrinkles that gave it a grotesque effect, reminiscent of Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress at the 2010 MTV VMAs.

The top part of the ensemble featured just a single strip of fabric across her chest, puffed shoulders, long sleeves, and a dramatic corset lacing at the back. Its matching low-rise trousers continued the deconstructed theme, trailing into jagged hems that framed her boots.

FKA Twigs wears a custom Matieres Fecales ensemble that features a blood-red wrinkled skin-like texture with a strip of fabric covering her breasts, puff shoulders, cape sleeves, and deconstructed trousers (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

FKA Twigs’ accessories kept the look dark and grotesque. She stacked black and gunmetal bangles on each wrist, wore long, razor-sharp earrings, and styled her hair with headphones that were sculpted entirely from her braided hair.

GloRilla Plays Schoolgirl Chic in Peep-Toe Pumps, Ruffled Socks & Plaid Suit

GloRilla, who stands 5′6″ (1.68 m) and wears a US women’s size 8 shoe, was nominated with Sexyy Red for Best Hip Hop with their track Whatchu Kno About Me. She showed up to the 2025 MTV VMAs red carpet in a look that put a playful spin on a schoolgirl uniform. The whole outfit didn’t completely win me over, but her shoes definitely did!

She wore classic black satin peep-toe pumps with chunky platforms and slim ankle straps, elevated by sleek stiletto heels that added height and red-carpet-worthy elegance. What made the shoes stand out, though, were the delicate chain straps that wrapped around her ankles. They doubled as anklets, adding a subtle edge to the classic pump silhouette.

Switching things up, GloRilla added ribbed white socks with ruffled cuffs, which gave the look a playful, schoolgirl feel. The combination of the polished black satin with the preppy socks made the shoes feel less conventional for the red carpet, striking a balance between youthful fun and grown-up glamour.

GloRilla puts a playful spin on a schoolgirl uniform with black satin peep-toe platform sandals with gold-tone anklet and ribbed white socks with ruffled cuffs (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

GloRilla Puts a Preppy Twist on the Red Carpet in Helen Anthony Plaid Suit

In keeping with the preppy theme, GloRilla wore a plaid skirt suit by Helen Anthony, a British luxury fashion brand known for its sharp, innovative tailoring. Her outfit featured a corset-style bodice with structural bra cups, a necktie at the high collar, and a mini skirt with a daring thigh-high slit.

She topped it off with a matching oversized double-breasted blazer complete with peaked lapels. While I liked the boldness of the look, I thought the darker plaid palette and heavy layering weighed it down, overshadowing the playful energy she usually brings to the red carpet.

GloRilla teams her schoolgirl black-shoes-and-white-socks combination with a multicolored plaid skirt suit by Helen Anthony (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

The look felt even heavier because of the way her extra-long hair fell over one shoulder and down her chest. Statement rings, layered dainty bracelets, and ear crawlers added an edgy touch. At the same time, her hot pink satin Versace “La Medusa” mini bucket bag, available in black for $1,290 at Mytheresa, added a pop of contrast.

Rebecca Black Surprises in Furry Seks NYC Wedges and Sheepskin-Lace Mix

One of the most surprising footwear choices of the night came from singer and DJ Rebecca Black, who stands 5ft 5in (1.65 m). She wore furry wedges by Seks NYC, a brand known for its unique and sensual designs. Black’s brown wedges featured a strappy upper secured with chunky buckles and thinner lace-up ties that crisscrossed from the vamp to the ankle.

At the front, the open black suede toes provided contrast. But the real statement was the platforms and sky-high wedge heels, entirely covered in thick fur. This daring detail made the shoes look more like art than footwear. Though undeniably eye-catching, I have to admit, they’re not something I’d personally wear.

Rebecca Black goes the wild route, wearing a pair of furry platform wedges with thick brown buckled straps and crisscross lace-up ties (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

Rebecca Black Embraces Avant-Garde Style in Sheepskin Vest and Lace Skirt by Elizzabeth Alice

The avant-garde footwear was paired with an equally unconventional ensemble by designer Elizzabeth Alice, which blurred the lines between historical costume and modern art. Rebecca wore a vest made from an antique sheepskin coat collar, with its textured, gray finish adding a rugged contrast to the off-white filet lace skirt below, covered in pearl, shell, and glass beads.

The skirt’s structure was inspired by 17th- and 18th-century fashion, complete with panniers created in collaboration with Charlie Niedzialkowski, who hand-welded the frame in steel.

Rebecca Black pairs her furry platform sandals with a vest made from an antique sheepskin coat collar and an off-white filet lace skirt with a pannier (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

She finished the quirky look with statement earrings and rings for a dash of sparkle, while her hair was fashioned in a dramatic Bridgerton-inspired half-up, half-down ‘do that heightened the look’s theatrical feel.

Nicky Hilton Radiates Goddess Glam in Aquazzura Crystal Sandals and Bronx & Banco Gown

Nicky Hilton, who stands 5ft 7 (170.2 cm) and wears a US women’s size 10.5 shoe, has long been a fixture on the MTV VMAs red carpet, often making it a family affair with her sister Paris Hilton. Once again, she delivered a stunning appearance this year, staying true to her polished yet carefree style with a dreamy ensemble that blended classic elegance with modern glamour.

She lit up the carpet from the ground up in Aquazzura’s “Tequila” sandals, a red-carpet favorite that has become iconic among celebrities. They were handmade in Italy from shimmering blue laminated nappa leather and embellished with glittering crystals along the PVC straps at the ankles and toes, letting her sparkle with every step.

These sandals were finished with sleek 4-inch stiletto heels, not only boosting her height but also enhancing her overall glamour. The elevation elongated her frame, giving the airy gown an even more statuesque effect.

Nicky Hilton shines in her light blue Aquazzura Tequila sandals featuring crisscrossing front straps and an ankle strap encrusted with crystals (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

Nicky Hilton Radiates Goddess Glam in Bronx and Banco Gown with Crystal Accents

Nicky donned the Bronx and Banco “Brielle” gown to pair with the stunning shoes. The dreamy, ethereal design featured a plunging neckline and side cutouts that added a touch of allure, giving a subtle glimpse of skin while maintaining elegance.

The flowing skirt, paired with a thigh-high slit, added movement and sensuality to the look, balancing allure with sophistication. She cinched the gown with a crystal-encrusted belt, which tied in seamlessly with her shoes.

Nicky Hilton exudes an ethereal, goddess-like appearance in a light blue Bronx and Banco dress featuring an airy silhouette with side cutouts, a high slit, and a crystal belt accent (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

Her beauty styling tied everything together. Her soft, voluminous blonde waves cascaded down her chest, radiating a goddess-like aura. She then wore her signature makeup, highlighting her light blue eyes with fluttery lashes and liner. A soft pink lip finished the look, keeping it fresh and romantic.

Paris Hilton Brings Punk Edge in Classic Black Pumps and The Blonds Flame Mini Dress

While Nicky Hilton embodied ethereal elegance, her older sister Paris Hilton adopted a completely different approach, bringing a fierce, punk-rock edge to the MTV VMAs red carpet.

She wore a pair of sharp black pumps with a sleek, pointed-toe silhouette and stiletto heels, which boosted her height and balanced the costume-like drama of her dress. The shoes kept the look polished even with the dress’s fiery details.

The heiress and DJ, who took the stage to present the Song of the Year award for Rosé and Bruno Mars’ hit song Apt, wore a dramatic leather minidress by The Blonds, a New York City-based fashion house known for its extravagant adornments and unabashedly striking body-conscious silhouettes.

Paris Hilton slips into a pair of classic black pumps made of shiny patent leather with pointed toes and high heels (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

Paris Hilton Ignites the Red Carpet in Flame-Inspired Leather Mini Dress by The Blonds

Paris Hilton, who stands 5ft 7 (170.2 cm) and wears a US women’s size 11 shoe, turned heads in a sculptural mini dress designed in the shape of flames.

Crafted from sleek black leather and trimmed with shiny gold accents, the fitted bodice hugged her figure while the jagged, flame-like edges gave the look a costume-meets-couture flair. To balance the drama, Paris wore opaque black Wolford tights that lengthened her legs, keeping the ensemble sleek and polished.

Her accessories added to the rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere of the look. A pair of fingerless black leather gloves emphasized the rebellious edge, while a thick black leather choker tied her look together.

Paris added Valentino earrings for a hint of sparkle, which subtly contrasted with the ensemble’s edgy, dark color scheme. She finished the look with a sleek high ponytail that accentuated her polished glam, while smoky eyeshadow and nude lips gave her a sultry, stage-ready finish.

Paris Hilton turns heads in a black sculptural mini dress designed in the shape of flames by The Blonds (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

More MTV VMAs Shoe & Fashion Highlights

From daring platform heels to timeless pumps, the MTV Video Music Awards have always been a playground for bold style statements. If you’re inspired by this year’s looks, explore more iconic shoe and fashion moments from past VMAs below.