Madonna's VMAs Looks Over the Years: Photos
Since Madonna came onto the scene in the 1980s, people haven’t been able to take their eyes off of her. Whether you love her or hate her, Madonna always steals the spotlight. Even if you’re not her biggest fan, you have to admit that her fashion sense is otherworldly, something that really broke barriers in previous decades (and caused a lot of controversies recently!) There’s one thing everyone can admit about Madonna: she is the Queen of the MTV VMAs and always has been.
Ever since her first VMAs in the early 1980s, people always want to know what the “Material Girl” singer is going to rock next. From dramatic period gowns to barely-there outfits, Madonna knows how to keep her audience on their toes. And she’s no stranger to a great costume change. More often than you’d think, she’d arrive at the VMAs in a simple, elegant fit and then come out to perform in a sexy outfit that knocked our socks off. (We have an obsession with her flapper outfit, it’s not talked about enough and her legendary wedding dress look!)
While we eagerly await the next VMAs airing this tonight at 8 p.m. on MTV, let’s take a look back at some of Madonna’s most iconic fashion moments from the VMAs.
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Iconic Wedding Dress (1984)
When you think about Madonna, you probably think about her iconic wedding dress outfit from the 1984 MTV VMAs. She arrived in a white wedding dress with white heart decals on the skirt, statement jewelry, lace corset and a chunky, metallic belt reading “Boy Toy.”
Legend in the Making (1984)
Despite having a wardrobe malfunction on stage, her 1984 wedding dress-clad performance sealed her fate as a legendary pop star.
Sexy for “Express Yourself” (1989)
All eyes were on Madonna when she debuted her hit song “Express Yourself” at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards. For the momentous occasion, she wore an eye-catching black bustier and matching pants, a magnifying glass necklace, and grown-out curls
Madonna as Marie Antoinette (1990)
Who could forget when Madonna dressed as Marie Antoinette for her performance for the song “Vogue.”
According to a TODAY interview with the costume designer Marlene Stewart, she said Madonna played a huge role in creating the outfit. “We know historically that the French were the biggest posers, and it’s the whole idea of voguing and posing. It was the perfect transition. I suggested this French court situation with Marie Antoinette. It’s really one of the origins, right? All they did was, ‘Strike a pose.'”
Cabaret Crooner (1993)
Also in the 1993 MTV VMAs, Madonna switched it up with a cabaret-style look and show. She arrived on stage with a sleek white button-down, cummerbund, and a black suit jacket.
Madonna Girly Show Tour (1993)
Seriously, another shot of this memorable look from Madonna’s Girly Show Tour. We’re in love!
Flapper Look (1994)
Madonna decided to shake things up with a gorgeous flapper look that needs to be talked about more. For the 1994 VMAs, she donned a seafoam green dress, dark smoky eyes,and vampy nail polish. We’re obsessed.
Simple Black Dress (1994)
However, Madonna switched up her flapper attire for a simple sheath black gown to present the award for “Video of the Year.”
Button Down Blue (1996)
At the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, Madonna combined masculine and sexy all in one beautiful outfit, opting for a silk blue top, updo hairstyle, and exposing her black bra.
Darker & More Spiritual Attire (1998)
Then in 1998, Madonna went through a spiritual change, and her outfits really reflected it. Her outfit for the awards ceremony was a bit darker than her last looks: dark hair, gold jewelry, henna tattoos, and a black Indian sari during “Shanti/Ashtangi.”
Back to Blonde (1999)
While Madonna went back to her iconic blonde locks, she kept the darker attire for her performance at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
Red Western Wear (2000)
In 2000, it was two years since Madonna performed at the MTV Awards, and she brought there all with both her performance and wardrobe. She wowed everyone when she came out in this vibrant red, bedazzled two-piece that’s giving us Western vibes.
Simple LBD (2003)
Before the iconic kissing fiasco that rocked the world in 2003, Madonna arrived to the VMA’s in a rather simple, yet sexy black ensemble.
Callback to 1984 (2003)
This performance will never leave our mind. While Madonna arrived in a simple LBD, she changed it up drastically with all-black thigh-high leather boots, leggings, a long suit jacket, and a top hat. As for Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, they wore white wedding attire inspired by her first VMA outfit. Iconic. (Just like those kisses!)
Iconic Purple Look (2005)
This daring ensemble of a purple bomber jacket, tights, and oversized sunnies became Madonna’s go-to look while promoting her album Confessions on a Dance Floor. And she, of course, rocked it at the 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards.
Lovely in Leopard (2005)
For t the 12th annual MTV Europe Music Awards in 2005, Madonna arrived in a velvet, red and gold leopard print dress that we still think about daily.
Subtle for Mourning (2009)
The 2009 VMAs were a mournful event, with Madonna tributing the late Michael Jackson. She opted for a more subtle, all-black and leather clad look for the event.
Back to Black (2009)
Madonna really loves a trench coat moment.
Controversial Attire (2018)
Seriously, who could forget when Madonna arrived at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards wearing jewelry and garb from North Africa’s Amazigh people. She gave a tribute to Aretha Franklin and presented the Video of the Year award to Camila Cabello for “Havana.”
Leather Surprise (2021)
Madonna shocked everyone when she made a surprise appearance at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, rocking a sexy leather look that calls back to her early music career.
