Never one to play it safe, Paris Hilton torched the red carpet in a flame-forged fantasy by The Blonds—equal parts sci-fi armor and pop royalty provocation.
Paris Hilton doesn’t walk red carpets—she scorches them. At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, Hilton arrived in a look that felt less like a dress and more like a declaration. Designed by The Blonds, her custom creation was a metallic fever dream: sculptural, incendiary, and unapologetically theatrical.
The outfit’s centerpiece? A flame-like bodice that shimmered in molten tones, hugging her frame with the precision of haute armor. The texture was pure spectacle—metallic panels layered to resemble flickering fire, edged in black for graphic contrast. It was couture as combustion, a silhouette that fused superhero sharpness with cabaret seduction.
Black gloves extended to mid-arm, adding a touch of dominatrix drama, while sheer black tights softened the look with a whisper of vintage glam. Her pointed-toe heels—also black—grounded the ensemble in classic red carpet language, but the overall effect was anything but traditional.
Hair was styled in sleek waves, parted to one side, evoking old-school Hollywood with a cyber twist. Makeup leaned into contour and highlight—bronzed cheekbones, a nude lip, and a smoky eye that echoed the outfit’s intensity. The cohesion was striking: every detail, from heel to hairline, felt calibrated to amplify the drama.
It was clear from the moment she stepped onto the red carpet—the kind of entrance that stops a thousand conversations and starts a new one—that Ariana Grande was not just attending the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards; she was making a statement.
The shift away from the ultra-pink “Glinda” vibe is what truly captivated me. This felt a little sharper, a little more grown-up, a little more “I have three new VMAs, and I know exactly who I am.” What I really enjoyed was the styling cohesion. The custom gown was paired with black Jimmy Choo Max Platform Sandals, a perfect anchor that added a bit of modern edge while still honoring the retro spirit. And the hair… her signature ponytail, worn lower than usual, felt less like an accessory and more like a continuation of the look’s elegant, elongated line.
As for the beauty, her makeup was all about subtle radiance, perfectly complementing the Fendi design. R.E.M. Beauty took center stage, with her skin perfected using the Sweetener Foundation in Light 8Nw and Sweetener Concealer in Light 4 G . For that sculpted look, Satin Matte Bronzer in Solar STROM was a flawless choice. Her eyes were understated, letting the dress do the talking, and her lips featured a beautifully layered combination of R.E.M Beauty Eclipse Blush Lip Stick in Matinee and R.E.M Beauty Plumping Lip Gloss in Chuckie , topped off with the Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker in Booked N Busy for lasting color. The finishing touch, R.E.M. Beauty Mist Thing Hydrating Setting Spray , ensured her look was as flawless on camera as it was in person. The Interstellar Highlighter Topper in Miss Mercury gave her an ethereal glow that caught the light just so. It’s this meticulous attention to detail, from the blush peplum to the hydrating setting spray, that separates a good look from a truly great one.
This was exactly the kind of red carpet win she needed on such a big night, proving that sometimes, the most revolutionary statement isn’t about wearing something brand new, but about re-imagining a timeless classic. It’s this kind of calculated, sophisticated style that makes her one of our most popular celebrities. Now, I hope she can carry this sophisticated energy into her press tour for Wicked: For Good.
Get the Look: Parisian Polka Dot Chic
Here’s how to channel Ariana’s red carpet poise and add a touch of vintage flair to your own wardrobe:
- The Polka Dot Dress: Look for a dress with a timeless silhouette. Whether it’s a strapless gown like Ariana’s or a chic midi dress, the key is to find a piece with a classic feel. A high-quality fabric will make all the difference.
- A Touch of Blush: Add a subtle pop of blush or nude in your accessories. A small clutch, a pair of heels, or even a soft belt can echo the peplum detail of her Fendi gown. It softens the stark contrast of black and white.
- The Platform Heel: The platform heel is your secret weapon. It adds height and a confident, modern stomp to any look. Opt for a classic black—it’s versatile and effortlessly chic.
- The Low Ponytail: Ditch the high pony for an evening. A sleek, low ponytail instantly elevates your look, giving it a sense of quiet elegance. It’s refined, it’s understated, and it puts the focus on your face and your fashion.
- Minimalist Makeup: Don’t let your makeup compete with the outfit. Focus on creating a flawless base and a soft, luminous glow. A neutral lip and a hint of mascara are all you need to complete the look.
Tyla’s VMA red carpet appearance was a study in contrasts—beige restraint meets gold-chain bravado, with just enough edge to keep the cameras guessing.
There’s a particular kind of fashion tension that only works when the wearer knows exactly how to wield it. At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, Tyla didn’t just arrive—she asserted. Her look? A masterclass in architectural minimalism, punctuated by gilded rebellion.
The outfit itself was deceptively simple: a beige ensemble trimmed in stark black, cut to flatter but never cling. The fabric appeared structured yet breathable, likely a cotton-blend with a hint of stretch—ideal for a red carpet moment that demands both poise and movement. The silhouette was clean, almost utilitarian, but elevated by sharp tailoring and a neckline that framed her gold chain accessories like a gallery wall.
