VMAs: Bringing you entertainment on the stage and the red carpet

As humiliating as it is, I have to admit that one of my favorite award shows is none other than the MTV Video Music Awards. Out of all the fabulous award shows that exist, of course I love the drama, shock and scandal of an award show basically intended so teens and tweens get their Justin Bieber fix. Originally designed as an alternative to the Grammy Awards, the VMAs have been called the “Oscars for youth.” MTV gives an astronaut statue on the moon that honor the best in music videos. The annual ceremony is usually held in mid-September, so that means we have to travel back to 2011 to view our best and worst dressed of the red carpet.

This red carpet is a drastic transformation from the Oscar’s red carpet, with Hollywood’s latest and greatest young stars flaunting plunging necklines, sky-high stilettos and, of course, the full cast of Jersey Shore rocking their tans. With Tyler, The Creator winning Best New Artist and Katy Perry winning Video of the Year, a crowd like that wouldn’t bring a boring or serious moment. The atmosphere of the VMAs is drastically different than the Oscars, with show after show from artists such as Lil’ Wayne, Nicki Manaj and Adele. Needless to say, the VMAs are known for their crazy performances. The VMAs are also known for their outlandish red carpet attire. You can bet there wasn’t a lame ensemble or any type of ball gown spotted. The VMAs give singers, rappers and musicians a chance to wear literally whatever they feel like flaunting, no matter how crazy or scandalous.

Here are a few of my most noteworthy outfits from the 2011 VMAs:

The Winner for Best Male Working Animal Print Goes to…Justin Bieber

 Photo from www.celebbuzz.com

The Biebs takes the cake for wearing a splash of leopard print on his feet, along with a classy Yves Saint Laurent pin on his vest. His ensemble was complete with his pet snake, Johnson, which he toted up and down the red carpet. Animal print seemed to be a major trend for males on the red carpet. Jay-Z sported snakeskin on his hat and Lil’ Wayne dressed his entire lower half in gray scale leopard print.

Photo from www.mtv.com/vmas

The Winner for Best Dressed goes to… Beyonce Knowles

Photo from www.mtv.com/vmas

Beyonce looked stunning in an asymmetric orange Lanvin dress. She kept her hair simple in a side swept pony-tail and completed her look with an oversized turquoise ring, matching diamond-encrusted cuff, and sparkling drop earrings. Not only is she gorgeous in that dress, but she was also glowing because of that baby bump. She announced her pregnancy to the world at the 2011 VMAs after her performance.

The Winner for Most Eccentric Outfit goes to…Nicki Manaj

Photo from www.huffingtonpost.com/nickiminaf-vma-red carpet

It’s hard to really describe Nicki Manaj’s outfit, but let’s just say it’s a futuristic Harajuku girl meets Toys ‘R Us, clad with cotton candy colored hair and jewelry inspired by tasty desserts. She also attached stuffed animals to her finger that looked like they came straight from a baby’s crib. She sported a ShojonoTomo mask, which covered most her face. Underneath all of the accessories, her actual dress, designed by Amato Couture, appeared to be hand stitched metal with a pink tutu sticking out of the dress. Her look was an explosion of color and creatures. It’s no doubt that the “Best Hip Hop video” winner created a screaming frenzy from fans when she arrived at the red carpet.

The Winner for Best Statement Outfit goes to…Lady Gaga

 Photos  from www.googleimages.com 

Lady Gaga said she’d be “making a statement” at the 2011 VMAs, and she (he?) definitely did! Gaga walked the red carpet and performed “You and I” as her smoking and swearing fictional male alter ego, “Jo Calderone.” With a jacket by Dior Homme, pants by Brooks Brothers, and a plain t-shirt from Uniquio, Gaga definitely brought menswear back.

It’s safe to say that the outfits at the VMAs are never played safe. This award show in particular gives artists a chance to express their individuality, creativity and even their alter egos through fashion.