Cardi B ditched the red carpet for cobblestone chaos—her leopard-print dress at the Raising Cane’s after-party was pure feline fantasy, with a wink.
Cardi B doesn’t do quiet exits. She does entrances—everywhere, always. On September 7, fresh off the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, she arrived at the Raising Cane’s after-party in New York City with a look that felt more like a roar than a whisper. The setting? A cobblestone street, a black SUV, and a crowd that couldn’t look away.
Her dress was unapologetically wild: a form-fitting leopard-print number with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit that revealed a stockinged leg with just the right amount of drama. The fabric—likely a stretch satin or jersey—hugged her curves with precision, while the print itself leaned into classic glam with a streetwise twist. The silhouette was bodycon, but the slit and neckline added movement and edge. It wasn’t just a dress—it was a declaration.
Cardi paired the look with black heels and sheer stockings, adding a touch of retro pin-up energy to the otherwise jungle-fierce ensemble. Jewelry was minimal or tucked beneath the neckline, letting the print and pose do the heavy lifting. No bag in sight—just hands raised, nails sharp, and attitude dialed to ten.
For more moments of off-duty glamour and sidewalk spectacle, explore our archive of celebrity street style .
Never one to blend in, Lauren (Lolo) Wood turned heads at the 2025 MTV VMAs with a sequined floral mini that fused retro charm with modern edge—proving that red carpet glamour doesn’t have to be over-the-top to make a statement.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet was a canvas for boundary-pushing looks, but Lolo Wood’s ensemble felt like a breath of fresh air—equal parts nostalgic and utterly now. At first glance, the dress reads like a love letter to vintage Hollywood: a fitted corset bodice with delicate spaghetti straps, layered over a sheer tulle skirt adorned with cascading pink and purple sequined florals. But look closer, and you’ll notice the modern twist: the skirt is a flirty mini, hitting mid-thigh, and the sequins catch the light like scattered stars—turning every movement into a subtle sparkle.
Outfit Focus
The fabric is a dreamy dance between sheer tulle (light as air, ethereal as a cloud) and dense sequin embroidery (shimmering like scattered stardust). The silhouette is a masterclass in contrast: the structured corset top cinches the waist, emphasizing Lolo’s figure, while the flared mini skirt adds a playful, youthful energy. It’s a dress that balances elegance (thanks to the tulle’s soft drape) with edge (thanks to the short hem and bold florals)—a formula that’s been dominating red carpet trends lately. The color palette, a mix of blush and deep magenta, feels both romantic and daring—perfect for an event that celebrates music and self-expression.
Accessories
Lolo kept it minimal but impactful: clear strappy heels that elongate her legs, a pair of dangling earrings that catch the light, and a tiny gold hair accessory peeking through her sleek bun. The choice of clear heels is genius—they don’t compete with the dress’s sequins, allowing the outfit to take center stage, while adding a touch of modern minimalism. The earrings, simple yet elegant, complement the neckline without overwhelming it—proof that sometimes less really is more.
Every element works in harmony. The sleek bun keeps the focus on the dress’s neckline and shoulders, while the bold makeup (winged liner, pink lips) adds a pop of drama that complements the sequins. Even the tiny tattoo on her collarbone peeks through the sheer fabric, adding a personal touch that makes the look feel uniquely hers. It’s a masterclass in “less is more”—except when it comes to sequins, where more is definitely more. The overall mood is playful yet polished, like a party dress that’s ready to dance but still looks put-together.
For more of Lolo Wood’s iconic red carpet moments, check out our red carpet archive—where every look tells a story.
So, is this the new blueprint for red carpet cool—playful, polished, and unapologetically fun? Lolo Wood seems to think so. And honestly, we’re here for it.
Padma Lakshmi kept it cool and commanding—her all-black look at Netflix’s glitter-drenched premiere was a quiet flex in a sea of sparkle.
Padma Lakshmi knows how to hold a room without raising her voice. At the March 26 premiere of Survival of the Thickest Season 2, held at the Paris Theater in New York, Lakshmi arrived in a look that felt like a masterclass in understated power dressing. While the backdrop screamed glitter and Netflix fanfare, her outfit whispered: I’m here, and I don’t need sequins to prove it.
Lakshmi wore a long black coat layered over matching black trousers—a monochrome moment that leaned into texture and silhouette rather than embellishment. The coat’s tailored structure gave her frame a statuesque elegance, while the pants added a grounded, utilitarian edge. The fabric appeared matte, possibly wool or a brushed twill, absorbing the purple shimmer of the backdrop rather than competing with it. The cut was clean, deliberate, and quietly architectural. Though the designer remains unconfirmed at press time, the look echoed the minimalist ethos of labels like The Row or Gabriela Hearst.
For more moments of quiet impact and bold restraint, explore our archive of celebrity style .
