After a whimsical entrance, Ariana Grande returned to the VMAs stage for a second time—trading her polka dots for a goth-inspired glam in a stunning, sheer black gown.
Ariana Grande knows how to make an entrance, but an outfit change can be just as impactful. At the 2025 MTV VMAs on Sunday, Sept. 7, in Elmont, New York, Grande switched from her playful polka-dot Fendi ensemble into a striking Tamara Ralph Fall 2025 Couture gown to present the prestigious Vanguard Award to Mariah Carey. This was a fashion moment that signaled a shift, trading in pastel-hued fantasy for a darker, more dramatic aesthetic that might be a hint of what’s to come.
The Tamara Ralph gown is a mesmerizing cascade of black. The centerpiece of the look is its sheer, tiered skirt, which flows elegantly to the floor while revealing a hint of Grande’s high-heeled shoes. The fabric is adorned with shimmering, sequin-like flecks, creating a starry, celestial effect that gives the illusion of a night sky. The silhouette is defined by a structured, plunging V-neck bodice that cinches at the waist, contrasting beautifully with the voluminous, layered ruffles that form the cap sleeves. This play on sheer versus solid, and structure versus frill, is what makes the gown so captivating.
Grande kept her styling minimal to emphasize the intricate design of the dress. She wore no visible necklace, allowing the plunging neckline to stand out, and her earrings were small studs that provided a subtle sparkle. The singer’s high ponytail—a signature part of her red carpet style—remained from her first look, but the polka-dot bow was gone, a deliberate choice that let the gown’s unique sleeves take the spotlight. Her makeup was equally sophisticated, featuring her classic winged eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and a glossy nude lip.
Never one to blend in, Ariana Grande turned heads with her ethereal tutu gown—part ballerina fantasy, part red carpet rebellion—at the 2025 MTV VMAs, proving why she’s a staple of celebrity style .
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards stage was ablaze with energy, but Ariana Grande stole the show—not just with her performance, but with a look that felt like a love letter to old Hollywood glamour reimagined for Gen Z. Her ensemble, a custom creation from Givenchy ’s Fall 2025 collection, married sleek minimalism with dramatic volume. The halter-neck top featured a sheer mesh panel that added a touch of modern edge, while the floor-length tulle skirt—layered in soft, billowy folds—evoked the whimsy of a ballerina’s tutu, yet retained a contemporary edge thanks to its structured waistline.
Completing the look were Gianvito Rossi ’s pointed-toe pumps in crisp white, which elongated her legs and added a touch of sophistication. Subtle diamond stud earrings peeked through her sleek updo, keeping the focus on the dress, while a delicate tattoo on her wrist added a personal, edgy touch. On stage, Ariana exuded confidence and joy, her posture relaxed yet radiant as she held up her award. The stage lights cast a warm glow on her skin, highlighting the dress’s texture and making the tulle skirt appear almost luminescent—an effect that perfectly matched the electric energy of the VMAs.
This look taps into the current trend of “modern romanticism” in red carpet fashion—where designers are blending classic silhouettes (like the tutu) with contemporary details (sheer fabrics, structured cuts)—proving once again why Ariana is a fixture on the red carpet. Her styling was cohesive from head to toe: a sleek, high ponytail kept her hair off her face, emphasizing the dress’s neckline, while her makeup—soft pink lips, dewy skin, and subtle winged liner—added a touch of youthful charm without overshadowing the outfit. The overall mood was one of ethereal elegance, but with a hint of rebellious spirit—perfect for a performer who’s always pushing boundaries.
So, is this the future of red carpet dressing? A fusion of nostalgia and innovation, where elegance meets edge? Whatever your take, one thing’s certain: Ariana Grande just made the VMAs’ red carpet unforgettable.
The ever-evolving celebrity style of Ariana Grande took a fantastical turn at the MTV Video Music Awards, proving that a black and white palette is anything but simple—and a dramatic skirt is always a good idea.
At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 7, Grande accepted the award for Best Pop for “Brighter Days Ahead,” and while her heartfelt speech was a standout moment, her fashion choice was equally memorable. The singer stepped out in a stunning Steve O Smith Fall 2025 gown that felt like a modern-day fairytale.
The Steve O Smith gown is a masterclass in contrasts, both in color and silhouette. The top half features a structured, black bustier with a sweetheart neckline and a unique cutout detail, creating a sleek and architectural feel. Below, the drama unfolds with a voluminous, floor-length skirt crafted from white fabric with sweeping, abstract black strokes. The pattern evokes a sense of fluid motion and artistry, almost like a piece of living watercolor. The skirt’s lightweight, sheer layers add to the ethereal, dreamlike quality of the overall look.
Grande kept her accessories minimal to let the dress shine. She wore subtle silver hoop earrings and a few rings. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek, classic high ponytail, a signature look for the star that perfectly balances the grand scale of the gown. Her makeup was clean and fresh, with a defined cat eye that added a touch of classic glamour without overwhelming the whimsical nature of the outfit.
