The first, and who knows maybe only, moment of profundity at MTV’s Video Music Awards came in what looked like a hastily glammed up parking lot of the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
“Award shows are so dystopian,” said the young music star Conan Grey, which may be true, but all the people who wanted to be there, or who were contractually obliged to, showed up in designer clothing (sometimes that not much of it), arranged by their stylists, ready to do their management's bidding and sell themselves.
So, on the red carpet at least, it was dystopian business as usual.
Lizzo in swathes of luxuriant Jean Paul Gaultier Couture.
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Lil Nas X effortlessly hot and glamorous and having a ball... in Harris Reed.
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Taylor Swift in completely cool, sparkly, fantabulous Oscar de la Renta.
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Ashley Graham chic in black.
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Kerri Colby sirens to the max.
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Lili Reinhart in chic black Fendi.
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Anitta in stunning Schiaparelli Couture. We advise no sudden movements.
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Bebe Rexha in stunning gown.
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Conan Gray in Harris Reed, who dressed him and Lil Nas X in great red carpet looks.
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Prince Derek Doll stunning, and wins shoulder detail of the night.
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Red Hot Chili Peppers show excellent red carpet artistry. Adore them.
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We heart Justina Valentine's heart-focused get-up.
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Sabrina Carpenter in Moschino.
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Avril Lavigne, in Versace, shows that Sk8er Boi what he's been missing all these years.
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JID in the best wide leg pants at the VMAs, care of Saint Laurent.
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Dove Cameron in Paco Rabanne, with attitude-busting choker.
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Snoop Dogg shines on, but where's Martha?
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Oh, look Melissa Gorga. When in New Jersey etc. But where is Joe? Where is Teresa? Where is Kim D? Please say this means Danielle Staub and Lori Michaels are gonna sing "Real Close."
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Colton Haynes has limes if you need them.
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Bob the Drag Queen is sheer elegance.
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Billy Eichner shows the meeting of pec deck and a lifelong love of "Chicago."
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Tate McRae made her MTV VMA debut as red carpet host.
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Chloe Fineman in the world's best silver duvet.
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Toosii in the best green ever, and also in a mask squarely aimed at the world's chicest bank robbers.
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Jack Harlow in Hermès.
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Betty Who in the slick suit of the night.
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Dometi Pongo in a gorgeous, double-breasted powder blue suit.
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