The ticket...
Where there are celebrities, there is the presence--and absence--of style. As the highlight to an otherwise unfortunate weekend, I was graciously endowed a ticket to the MTV Video Music Awards (VMA's) by my friend Crystal (Thanks!!). And what an experience! A swarm of ladies in red wigs, Justin Timberlake's dance moves, pyrotechnics and teddy bears made for a grand presentation of tunes and talent. Keep reading for highlights and photos...
Ladies in red wigs swarm towards The Barclay's Center in Brooklyn
Lady Gaga opens the show, suddenly appearing on screen in a darkened ampitheater. Her white block head and habit-like costume morphs into a blonde Anna Wintour 'do paired with a black dress that transitions into an assymetric black and blue ensemble. While not as extravagant as previous appearances, Gaga's performance this year was equally intense with multiple wig and wardrobe changes throughout her newly debuted Applause. By the end of the song, all that's left is a shell bra and a floral thong--Scandalous! Miley Cyrus is especially outrageous as she emerges from a supersized teddy bear and sheds her fuzzy grey bear-adorned bodysuit while crooning We Can't Stop. Her skin-color vinyl two-piece paired with raunchy antics during Blurred Lines with Robin Thick emphasizes her newly adopted 'adult' persona. On the other side of the spectrum, Selena Gomez manages to look sleek, chic and sexy—without being trashy--in a navy blue Atelier Versace gown with a studded slit, lace bustier and long sleeves. Gomez presents and also accepts an award for Best Pop Video. Iggy Azalea’s black sequin and lace award-presentation garb was equally impressive—a change from the impressive gold floor-length Emilio Pucci gown she arrives in.
Moon man! Before the action begins...
On the men’s side, Justin Timberlake’s droolworthy dance moves delight the crowd. A 16 minute presentation and pop hit montage with pals NSync end with the receipt of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Timberlake is the big winner of the evening, walking away with a total of 4 Moonmen including Video of the Year for Mirrors, Best Direction for Suit and Tie and Best Editing for Mirrors. Austin Mahone cleans up well, accepting the VMA for Artist to Watch (for What About Love) in a demure red-trimmed black suit. Bruno Mars gives a striking performance of Gorilla in a feather-trimmed tan fedora and leopard-print button down amidst shooting flames, a giant digital gorilla head and neon green beams. Mars is awarded Best Male Video for Locked Out of Heaven.
Opening Act: Lady Gaga
Originally created as an alternative to the Grammy’s, MTV’s VMA’s have evolved to target a youthful demographic. The first VMA was held in NYC’s Rockefeller Center in 1984 and featured performances by Madonna (Like a Virgin) and Cindy Lauper (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun). Ever since, the awards ceremony has graced LA, Miami and Las Vegas. The Moonman statue was developed by Manhattan Design, based off the "Top of the Hour" (1981) animation created by Fred Seibert (produced by Alan Goodman and Buzz Potamkin) and was shaped in the likeness of an astronaut holding a flag. This year, the trophy underwent a makeover by Brooklyn artist KAWS and winners take home a slightly modified moon man with KAWS' signature skull and crossbones head. A 60-foot replica faces the stage at this year's awards ceremony.
Miley Cyrus and the Giant Teddy Bear
All in all, the experience was amazing. Like fashion shows, the attendees cover a wide spectrum of style and sophistication. Stand out trends include leather shorts, skin tight dresses and Rebecaa Minkoff bags. While sometimes I prefer watching events on TV—network cameras usually provide a closer and better view of the festivities—it was great watching the set transitions live. Did you watch the VMA's last night? If so, what did you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Awesome lighting throughout the ceremony
Snazzy yellow lights!
No comments:
Post a Comment