The MTV Video Music Awards are known as a hub of outrageous fashion.
And the stars were clearly working overtime to live up to this reputation when they arrived on Monday’s red carpet at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Tana Mongeau made a bizarre attempt to bring back a bit of Britney Spears glamour by accessorizing with a live albino snake, which she draped over her forearms like a shawl.
Fame can be lonely: Nikita Dragun slid her curves into a full-length sleeveless gold gown with a pair of pink pasties to match her feather boa – and a trio of shirtless gentlemen on leashes
Britney brought an albino snake onstage with her during her iconic performance at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, but Tana’s stab at the look fell rather short in comparison.
Tana, who has dated both Amber Heard and Bella Thorne, wore her reptile with an off-the-shoulder party dress and matching boots that featured a landfill-esque print.
The getup featured a massive glittering gold flower at the right side of her waist, and she let her sunglasses slide down her nose so she could look right over the red pentagon lenses.
Psycho But Sweet singer Ava Max, one of the evening’s Best New Artist nominees, cut an eye-popping figure in an outfit that looked swiped from an arcade game character.
Slithering in: The getup featured a massive glittering gold flower at the right side of her waist, and she let her sunglasses slide down her nose so she could look right over the red pentagon lenses
Close, but no cigar: Tana Mongeau made a bizarre attempt to bring back a bit of Britney Spears glamour by accessorizing with a live albino snake, which she draped over her forearms like a shawl
The 25-year-old modeled a skintight scarlet unitard that featured shimmery silver sections at the waist, legs and cuffs, as well as hints of blue and black.
She slipped into a pair of black leather boots covered in superfluous buckles, but the piece de resistance of the outfit was a floor-length crimson cape.
Ava, who is nominated for Best New Artist at the VMAs against Billie EIlish, H.E.R., Lil Nas X, Lizzo and ROSALIA, mingled on the red carpet with 18-year-old A.J. Mitchell.
What a look: Psycho But Sweet singer Ava Max, one of the evening’s Best New Artist nominees, cut an eye-popping figure in an outfit that looked swiped from an arcade game character
Making a splash: The 25-year-old modeled a skintight scarlet unitard that featured shimmery silver sections at the waist, legs and cuffs, as well as hints of blue and black
Ultra-casual: Ava, who is nominated for Best New Artist at the VMAs against Billie EIlish, H.E.R., Lil Nas X, Lizzo and ROSALIA, mingled on the red carpet with 18-year-old A.J. Mitchell
A.J., whose song Slow Dance featured Ava, went in the opposite direction from her fashion-wise and dressed so casually he appeared headed to a birthday party rather than an awards show.
QUIN went for a statuesque look in a Grecian-inspired black gown, but the off-kilter fit and the oddly-placed frills made it appear that the statue had sustained its share of weather damage.
Justina Valentine showed up in a jumpsuit that was scrawled all over with the phrase NASTY WOMAN in multiple colors, as well as a bright red hairdo pulled into a high ponytail.
Fashion statement: Justina Valentine showed up in a jumpsuit that was scrawled all over with the phrase NASTY WOMAN in multiple colors, as well as a bright red hairdo pulled into a high ponytail
Hand at the waist: QUIN went for a statuesque look in a Grecian-inspired black gown, but the off-kilter fit and the oddly-placed frills made it appear that the statue had sustained its share of weather damage
The 32-year-old posed with her tongue sticking out as she grabbed her ponytail with one hand and flashed a peace sign for the shutterbugs with the other.
Nikita Dragun slid her curves into a full-length sleeveless gold gown with a particularly noticeable touch – a pair of pink pasties to match her feather boa.
She modeled an extravagant grey hairdo and a pair of dangling hoop earrings, but like Tana, she decided that when it came to accessories, inanimate objects were not enough.
Nikita brought along three shirtless gentlemen with sculpted torsos, fingerless black leather gloves and black trousers – and led them along by chain and collar.
Showstopper: She modeled an extravagant grey hairdo and a pair of dangling hoop earrings, but like Tana, she decided that when it came to accessories, inanimate objects were not enough
Sizzling in sequins: Nikita brought along three shirtless gentlemen with sculpted torsos, fingerless black leather gloves and black trousers – and led them along by chain and collar
Lineup: She flashed a bit of leg through the dangerously high thigh slit of her dress as her three male companions posed next to her on their knees, flashing smoldering stares at the photographers
She flashed a bit of leg through the dangerously high thigh slit of her dress as her three male companions posed next to her on their knees, flashing smoldering stares at the photographers.
Mariahlynn arrived in an elaborate see-through net LBD with feathery forearms, allowing for a distinct glimpse at her underwear as she hit the red carpet.
Her stiletto shoes had black ankle-straps that mismatched the spiky gold strap over her toes, and she played up the business of the outfit by stringing on a necklace.
Mariahlynn arrived in an elaborate see-through net LBD with feathery forearms, allowing for a distinct glimpse at her underwear as she hit the red carpet
Posing up a storm: Her stiletto shoes had black ankle-straps that mismatched the spiky gold strap over her toes, and she played up the business of the outfit by stringing on a necklace
What a look: Zara Larsson, a 21-year-old Swedish reality TV competition winner, opted for an off-the-shoulder pink frock that was engulfed in frills and adorned with a long train
Her big night: Accentuating her features with a heavy dose of makeup, she wore her platinum hair down and balanced on a pair of silver ankle-strap heels
Zara Larsson, a 21-year-old Swedish reality TV competition winner, opted for an off-the-shoulder pink frock that was engulfed in frills and adorned with a long train.
Hugo Gloss was a sight to see in a three-piece tartan suit with cloth epaulets, adding to the splashiness of the look with a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of red shades.
Diplo has spent several months putting his own spin on country star style and did not relent this Monday, selecting a white cowboy hat with his name embroidered under the brim.
Not to be missed: Hugo Gloss was a sight to see in a three-piece tartan suit with cloth epaulets, adding to the splashiness of the look with a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of red shades
Making himself felt: Diplo has spent several months putting his own spin on country star style and did not relent this Monday, selecting a white cowboy hat with his name embroidered under the brim
Couldn’t get someone to iron that?: DJ Khaled, whose Higher video featuring John Legend and the late Nipsey Hussle is nominated for Best Hip Hop, swung by the event in a wrinkled short-sleeved shirt and ill-fitting trousers
Bringing it: Jonathan Van Ness threw on a black tank top that would not have been out of place at the gym, hoisted on a pair of short shorts and then tried to dress up the ensemble with a cape and heels
Making it happen: Bad Bunny was Hannibal Lecter chic in a surgical mask and a backpack that resembled a harness from the front
He threw on a white blazer with highlighter shades of pastel floral print, pulling on matching slacks and clasping on a belt with a glimmering buckle.
DJ Khaled, whose Higher video featuring John Legend and the late Nipsey Hussle is nominated for Best Hip Hop, swung by the event in a wrinkled short-sleeved shirt and ill-fitting trousers.
Jonathan Van Ness threw on a black tank top that would not have been out of place at the gym, hoisted on a pair of short shorts and then tried to dress up the ensemble with a cape and heels.
Scene-stealer: Hayley Kiyoko pulled a see-through floral jacket over a greyish green rubber tube tube for a busy look that including a high-waisted pair of harem trousers
Coordinated: Her glistening metallic clutch matched the bracelets she wore on both wrists, as well as her jeweled necklace
Some theme: Tana was not the only person to decide a snake was a suitable accessory for the MTV VMAs – H.E.R. brought one along as well, complementing her floral jumpsuit
Bad Bunny was Hannibal Lecter chic in a surgical mask and a backpack that resembled a harness from the front, and he popped on an orange pair of goggles.
Hayley Kiyoko pulled a see-through floral jacket over a greyish green rubber tube tube for a busy look that including a glittering clutch and a high-waisted pair of harem trousers.
Tana was not the only person to decide a snake was a suitable accessory for the MTV VMAs – H.E.R. brought one along as well, complementing her floral jumpsuit.
Lil Kim turned heads with a getup that featured an LBD covered in explosive purple and black fringe, complementing the purple accents in her bun.
Vegas chic: Lil Kim turned heads with a getup that featured an LBD covered in explosive purple and black fringe, complementing the purple accents in her bun
Showgirl: Lil Kim looked the image of glee as she smiled and waved for the assembled photographers
Stunning: From the rainbow streak along the part in her hair, to metal-studded black leather corset, to the open floral orange skirt, Halsey’s outfit was a marvel to behold