Since the ‘80s, the MTV VMA’s have provided a stage for those artists and musicians that might often get overlooked by mainstream media awards shows. Along with the annual showcase of music video contenders, there’s also the highly-anticipated red carpet event – where stars align to promote their latest work and discuss their fashion sense.
This year’s VMA carpet was dominated by green, black and white color palettes and contained a mix of pop, shock and designer frocks, allowing artistic self-expression to help play up the monochromatic fashion trend.
2022 multiple VMA award-winner – and show co-host – Jack Harlow, took to the carpet wearing a sleek, all-black leather ensemble. Budding rapper Toosii wore a bold green H.Lorenzo leather two-piece set, while JID opted for a full Saint Laurent look and J Balvin gave clean, all-white Louis Vuitton vibes.
Swipe through our fashion gallery below to see who else made the list.
2022 MTV VMA’S
Udo Salters/Patrick Mcmullan Via Getty Images
Colton Haynes
Colorful sophistication was on the mind of Colton Haynes as he opted for a lime green Dior double-breasted suit. The flare-legged pants were fitted at the waist and rested atop a pair of chunky platform shoes. A bare chest added definition to his suit jacket that was punctuated by a quaint brooch and very minimal jewelry.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Filmmagic + Theo Wargo/Getty Images For Mtv/Paramount Global
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Filmmagic + Theo Wargo/Getty Images For Mtv/Paramount Global
Jack Harlow
Show co-host and multiple VMA award-winner, Jack Harlow, pulled double-duty wearing the color palette trend while on the carpet and then again on stage. He gave a stealth all-black leather look on the carpet with a fitted leather blazer worn over a slouch-fabric high-neck top, leather pants and lug-soled leather boots. Later in the evening, he re-emerged onstage wearing a new outfit comprised of a mint-green vinyl, two-piece zip-front jacket and pant set designed by Glenn Martens for Diesel.
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J Balvin
VMA performer J Balvin gave the red carpet a clean palette of all-white, with a criss-cross notched lapel blazer and wide-legged trousers from Louis Vuitton menswear. Balvin’s stark orange hair provided his look with a vivid pop of color that complemented his sleek black eyewear and jeweled accessories.
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Lil Nas X
Multiple VMA award-winner Lil Nas X stole the spotlight in a chest-baring, black textured ensemble made of cascading rings of black feathers designed by Harris Reed. The outfit included a massive three-ringed feathered headdress and a six-ringed feathered ball skirt cinched atop a pair of black fitted pants. He accentuated the look with subtle jewelry from DeBeers.
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Lauren Spencer-Smith
American Idol alum Lauren Spencer-Smith looked cool and laid back in a neon green oversized look. The singer-songwriter’s electric-hued choice included an oversized boxy jacket with wide-legged trousers, a knit top and a fitted baseball cap from Christian Wijnants. She stylishly completed her look with a pair of green-white-and-black Air Jordan 1’s.
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DJ Khaled
Fresh off the release of his latest project “God Did,” DJ Khaled kept things super chill in a tonal grey Prada fit. His signature eye frames contained a subtle pink ombré tint, while his lime green Nike Air-Force One’s provided a slight pop of color.
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Blackbear
Emerging artist Blackbear chose leather and labels for his red carpet moment. Wearing a layered Givenchy top and voluminous black leather pants, the fit was topped off with oversized black frames, Givenchy trainers and a black Vetements beanie.
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Offset
Superstar Migos member, Offset, presented himself wearing a polished all-white fit for this year’s ceremony. His suit comprised a cropped boxy single-breasted jacket with full-legged trousers, topped off by a pair of white-and-green sneakers and black shades.
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Latto
“Big Energy” rapper Latto stunned on the carpet in a lime green multi-strapped super-mini cropped jacket and skirt set. The vivid leather fit was accentuated by a jeweled silver purse and lime green mules.
Cindy Ord/Wireimage
Kane Brown
Country singer Kane Brown became the first male country artist to perform at the VMA’s and made a sleek appearance on the carpet wearing a full Prada look. The black satin suit entailed a single-breasted jacket and cargo pants with a green open-collar shirt worn under the jacket. Lug-soled black leather boots and Vacheron Constantin jewelry added the finishing touches to his ensemble.
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L.L. Cool J
Event emcee L.L. Cool J was dressed in his recognizable elevated street style flair; head covered in a beanie, shades, gold chains and sneakers. His leather bomber jacket, black T-shirt and black leather pants were matched by a pair of black patent leather Nike Air Jordan 1’s with a gold “Swoosh” and a four-finger “Cool J” gold ring.
Gotham/Wireimage
Avril Lavigne
Music icon Avril Lavigne made a return to the red carpet in an uncomplicated, all-black Versace skater look that was enhanced by her fiery orange-and-blonde hair. Her oversized pants were held up by a black leather belt with layered metallic chains.
Cindy Ord/Wireimage
JID
Celebrating his latest music release, JID made a smooth move onto the VMA red carpet wearing head-to-toe Saint Laurent. His all-black look comprised an intricately knit top paired with glittering black velvet pants. He completed the look with black leather boots and iced-out jewelry.
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Toosii
New York rapper and budding style star Toosii came through the VMA’s red carpet in a sleek, pea-green two-piece leather jacket and pants ensemble designed by H.Lorenzo. The green was offset by a white Saint Laurent knitted top, white leather Saint Laurent boots, white gloves and a knitted Marni face mask.
Udo Salters/Patrick Mcmullan Via Getty Images
Måneskin
The house of Gucci dressed the Italian glam rock band Måneskin for this year’s event. It proved effective as band members Victoria De Angelis, Ethan Torchio, Damiano David and Thomas Raggi caught the world’s attention by wearing glittering all-black, skin-baring and uniquely exposed pieces on the VMA carpet.