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 embracing a more sophisticated spin on red-carpet style. Instead of the flashy cocktail dresses and ultra-revealing looks that often dominate the EMAs, the British singer and Australian rapper both chose dramatic, floor-length black gowns that commanded attention with their daring cuts and slits.

It was a striking contrast to Rita’s arrival in Amsterdam just a day earlier, when she touched down in a cozy parka and playful Jeremy Scott x Adidas winged sneakers—a reminder of how effortlessly she shifts from laid-back streetwear to red-carpet glam.

While black is often seen as a safe or understated choice, Rita and Iggy’s gowns told a different story.

With plunging necklines, dramatic cutouts, and thigh-high slits, their takes on the classic color were anything but basic. Each star managed to put her own stamp on the look, transforming black into a bold fashion statement worth a second look.

Rita Ora Stuns in 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)

Rita graced the EMA red carpet in a timeless Calvin Klein gown, elevated by gold-and-black ankle-strap sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti.

The pairing felt especially fitting given Rita’s long-standing connection with the Italian designer, who is celebrated for blending modern glamour with San Mauro Pascoli’s storied shoe-making tradition.

Rita Ora showcases her feet in stunning Giuseppe Zanotti gold-and-black ankle-strap sandals (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)

Years later, in 2019, the two would even join forces for the “Giuseppe for Rita Ora” capsule collection, a luxury line that captured their shared flair for bold yet wearable statement heels.

Before commanding attention on the red carpet, Rita offered fans a different kind of style moment the next day when she touched down in Amsterdam—swapping couture for cozy layers and proving that even off-duty looks can feel chic.

Rita Ora’s Cozy and Chic Amsterdam Arrival: Makeup-Free in a Parka and Tracksuit

Arriving one day before the 2013 MTV EMAs, the British singer and actress immediately checked into her Amsterdam hotel, still wearing a thick parka jacket with an 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 have been experiencing a chilly autumn, prompting Rita to layer up in a fur-trimmed parka. But it was her footwear that truly stood out—she grounded the laid-back tracksuit with Jeremy Scott x Adidas winged sneakers, a bold and playful collaboration known for its signature wing appliqués.

First launched in 2008 under the Adidas Originals line, the winged design quickly became an iconic symbol of Scott’s maximalist, pop-culture-driven aesthetic. On Rita, the flamboyant sneakers injected a dose of irreverent street style, proving that even a cozy off-duty look can make a statement.

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

But just a day later, the spotlight shifted from Rita’s cozy Amsterdam arrival to the EMA red carpet—where Iggy Azalea delivered one of the night’s most daring fashion statements.

Iggy Azalea Dares in Dilek Hanif Slit Gown and Fiery 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

Iggy turned heads in a daring one-shoulder gown by Dilek Hanif, styled with bold red platform sandals. Her look also highlighted a foot tattoo reading “Colour Me Free,” a nod to her free-spirited persona and artistic philosophy.

The 2013 EMAs offered no shortage of headline-making fashion, from daring slits to sky-high heels. Rita Ora and Iggy Azalea weren’t the only stars who made footwear a focal point—several other celebrities delivered equally unforgettable red-carpet shoe moments worth revisiting.

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

Iggy’s gown sparked controversy when the extreme slit appeared to reveal more than intended, and images quickly spread online suggesting a wardrobe malfunction.

She later clarified on Instagram that the photos were misleading and insisted that nothing explicit was exposed, brushing off the incident with her trademark candor.

Iggy Azalea exudes elegance with her high ponytail and sleek black gown at the MTV Europe Music Awards

On the runway, the Dilek Hanif gown was originally presented with sleek black pants, balancing its daring cut. Iggy chose to forgo the pants, which made the dramatic slit the centerpiece of her look—a decision that ultimately drew as much attention for its bold fashion risk as for the controversy it sparked on the red carpet.

At approximately 5 feet 9.5 inches (176.5 cm) tall and wearing a US shoe size 10, she had the stature to carry off such a dramatic look, even if it pushed the boundaries of red-carpet risk.

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

While their EMA looks were headline-making on their own, both Rita and Iggy have a long history of bold, conversation-starting footwear choices.

From red-carpet collabs with Giuseppe Zanotti to daring street-style pairings, their shoe wardrobes are as eclectic as their music careers. Scroll on to revisit some of their standout moments beyond the 2013 EMAs.

Rita Ora & Iggy Azalea’s Most Unforgettable Shoe Moments on Your Next Shoes