Ariana Grande stole the spotlight at the 2025 MTV VMAs in a custom Fendi polka-dot peplum gown, channeling ’80s glamour with a modern twist. Discover the styling secrets, beauty details, and why this red carpet look is a fashion masterpiece. Get inspired by her Jimmy Choo platforms, Swarovski accessories, and iconic ponytail—plus, see all four of her VMAs outfits!
Outfit Focus: The Fendi Gown’s Design and Details
Gown Custom Fendi strapless column gown in black-and-white polka dots, inspired by a 1980s Silvia Venturini Fendi design. The sweetheart neckline and blush peplum waist added a feminine contrast to the bold pattern.
Shoes Jimmy Choo Max Platform Sandals in black satin, elongating her silhouette and adding a modern edge.
Accessories Swarovski stud earrings and a matching polka-dot hair bow, tying the look together with subtle sparkle.
Hair Signature sleek ponytail, worn lower than usual, with a playful polka-dot bow for a whimsical touch.
Makeup Soft, pink-toned aesthetic with winged eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and glossy lips—classic Ariana with a romantic twist.
The gown’s silhouette was a nod to the ’80s, but the execution was pure 2025. The polka dots, a recurring motif in Grande’s recent style, felt fresh and bold, while the peplum waist added a sculptural element that elevated the dress from retro to revolutionary. Law Roach’s decision to pair the gown with Jimmy Choo platforms and minimal jewelry let the dress—and Grande’s star power—shine.
Styling Cohesion: How the Look Came Together
Ariana Grande’s VMAs look was more than just a dress; it was a carefully curated ensemble that told a story. The polka dots, a pattern often associated with youthful playfulness, were given a sophisticated update through the gown’s structured silhouette and luxurious fabric. The blush peplum waist, a detail inspired by Silvia Venturini’s original design, softened the boldness of the black-and-white print, creating a harmonious balance between drama and elegance.
The matching hair bow was a stroke of genius, tying Grande’s signature ponytail into the overall aesthetic. It was a small detail, but one that reinforced the look’s cohesion and playful spirit. Meanwhile, the Jimmy Choo platforms added height and a modern edge, ensuring the outfit felt current rather than costume-like.
As for the beauty look, Grande’s soft pink makeup and glossy lips complemented the gown’s romantic vibe, while her winged eyeliner added a touch of her iconic drama. The result was a look that felt both nostalgic and fresh—a perfect reflection of Grande’s own evolution as an artist.
The Cultural Impact: Why This Look Matters
Ariana Grande’s VMAs gown wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was a celebration of heritage and innovation. By reimagining a vintage Fendi design, Grande and Roach paid homage to the brand’s rich history while making it their own. The polka dots, a pattern that has seen a resurgence in recent seasons, felt particularly relevant, echoing the playful yet polished aesthetic that defines Grande’s current era.
The look also underscored Grande’s ability to command attention without relying on overt sexuality—a refreshing shift in an industry often dominated by skin-baring trends. Instead, she let the craftsmanship of the gown and the precision of the styling speak for itself, proving that true star power lies in confidence and creativity.
Get the Look: How to Channel Ariana’s VMAs Glamour
Want to bring a touch of Ariana’s VMAs magic into your own wardrobe? Here’s how:
- Embrace the Polka Dot : Look for a black-and-white polka-dot dress with a structured silhouette. A peplum waist or sweetheart neckline will add a feminine touch.
- Play with Proportions : Pair your dress with platform sandals to elongate your legs and add a modern edge.
- Add a Playful Accessory : A matching hair bow or statement earrings will tie the look together.
- Keep Makeup Soft : Opt for rosy cheeks, winged eyeliner, and glossy lips to channel Grande’s romantic glamour.
For more celebrity style inspiration, explore the latest trends on celebrity style .
Never one to shy from spectacle, Olivia Dunne fused corporate chic with a subtle, rebellious edge in her tailored (and frankly, daring) black suit for the VMA red carpet.
As she stepped onto the red carpet at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Olivia Dunne delivered a fresh take on a classic silhouette. The influencer and athlete, known for her effortless style, opted for a look that felt both powerful and playful, proving that formal wear doesn’t have to be staid. This particular brand of celebrity fashion feels both approachable and aspirational, a mix that has become Dunne’s signature.
Dunne’s sleek, all-black ensemble was the work of Dolce & Gabbana , a bold choice that redefined the traditional pantsuit. Instead of a full-coverage jacket, she wore a cropped, velvet blazer with structured shoulders, which provided a textural contrast to the smooth, black silk bra top she wore beneath. The high-waisted, tapered trousers created an elongated silhouette, making the entire look feel sharp and clean. The genius was in the reveal—a peek of the bra’s delicate picot trim offered a hint of unexpected intimacy.
The accessories were key to elevating this look from simply chic to truly memorable. Dunne carried a structured Dolce & Gabbana Kim Coin Pocket Sicily Handbag that added a vintage-inspired touch. For footwear, she chose a pair of classic Jimmy Choo Anouk pointed-toe pumps, which provided a seamless finish and a few extra inches of height.
For her glam, the media personality kept things clean and modern to match the outfit’s minimalist mood. Her makeup included a silver shimmer eyeshadow paired with winged eyeliner, which made her eyes pop. Her blonde hair was styled pin-straight with a clean middle part, falling long and sleek down her back, a look that perfectly complemented the sharp lines of her suit. Overall, the look felt polished and intentional, a masterclass in modern styling.
So, is this the start of a new, minimalist era for red carpet dressing—or just Olivia Dunne showing us that a perfectly tailored suit will always be a power move?
Sabrina Carpenter didn’t just attend the VMAs—she rewrote the rules of archival glam, channeling Cher’s disco legacy with a fringe-heavy Mackie moment that glittered like rebellion.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards may have crowned multiple winners, but only one name echoed through the UBS Arena with the force of a fashion earthquake: Sabrina Carpenter. Fresh off a viral rain-soaked performance and a Valentino red carpet entrance, Carpenter closed the night with a triple win—and a triple-threat wardrobe that paid homage to pop royalty and disco decadence.
Her final look of the evening, captured post-ceremony while clutching three Moon Person trophies, was a direct pull from Bob Mackie’s Spring 1986 collection. And it wasn’t just vintage—it was visceral. The dress, a beaded dance number originally designed for stage movement, shimmered with multi-color sequins arranged in floral bursts across the bodice. Below, a side-swept skirt of black beaded fringe cascaded like liquid rhythm, catching every flash of light and camera click. It was Mackie at his most kinetic, and Carpenter wore it like armor.
The silhouette was classic Mackie: fitted through the torso, with a dramatic fringe hem that flirted with asymmetry. The sequins—dense, iridescent, and floral—evoked a kind of psychedelic garden party, while the fringe added motion and mischief. The color palette danced between jewel tones and noir, a visual echo of Cher’s own stagewear from the mid-’80s. No accessories competed with the dress’s maximalism; instead, Carpenter let the garment speak in full sentences.
Hair was swept into soft, voluminous waves—a nod to Studio 54’s heyday—while makeup leaned into a peachy glow with a subtle smoky eye. Her pose, statuesque yet playful, suggested someone who knows she’s not just wearing fashion history—she’s rewriting it. The mood? Disco revival meets Gen Z precision. And the lighting, courtesy of the VMAs’ high-gloss setup, turned every mirror appliqué into a spotlight.
This wasn’t Carpenter’s first Mackie moment. At the 2024 VMAs, she wore a vintage sequin dress once donned by Madonna. But this year’s choice—Cher’s actual performance piece—felt more intimate, more daring. It wasn’t just a nod to the past; it was a reclamation. In an era where celebrity style often leans into algorithmic sameness, Carpenter’s look was a reminder that fashion history still has teeth.
