J Balvin’s hair was wild. Taylor won her 9th and 10th awards. Two people brought snakes. See what looks artists brought to the 2019 VMA Awards.

It’s Britney?

Youtuber Tana Mongeau and RnB star H.E.R both accessorized their looks with snakes this year. It gave us major Britney Spears nostalgia. This was no doubt an ode to the iconic 2001 VMA’s where Spears performed with a yellow Burmese python (aptly named Banana) draped around her neck. Unfortunately, these two ladies missed the mark with the rest of their ensembles. Tana’s dress and matching boots looked cheap, while H.E.R.’s jumpsuit was poorly patched with screen-printed floral designs.

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The Truth Hurts

Popstar, rapper and skilled flute player Lizzo combined a trifecta of feathers, sequins, and verbiage into her red carpet ensemble. Her music certainly appeals to the masses with its fun and uplifting sound as “SIREN” might suggest, but this outfit seemed to be calling fashion to its death bed.

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The Power Couple

Picking up the title for Best Collaboration and Cinematography, dynamic duo Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendez kept their outfits simple. Camila donned a white cutout gown and Shawn rocked a white tee, a black dress shirt, and blue blazer. Both outfits were tailored beautifully and fit the couple’s individual styles well.

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Life in Color

Taylor collected Best Video and Best Video for Good awards for “You Need to Calm Down” as well as Best Visual Effects for “ME!” These were her ninth and 10th VMA awards. Last year  Taylor went for a grungier look in celebration of “Reputation.” However, this year Swift wore a sparkly 80’s blazer with outrageous colors and prints to match the aesthetic of her new album, “Lover.”

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All That Glitters

Up-and-coming artist Megan Thee Stallion, featured in “Hot Girl Summer” with Nicki Minaj, seems to be taking a page out of Minaj’s stylebook. Stallion opted for this glitzy, Balmain-inspired blazer, bra, and boots. Although she accessorized it well with makeup and jewelry, I much preferred her performance attire. The green military jacket, Louis Vuitton body-suit, and fishnets portrayed a strong, independent artist worthy of her “Power Anthem” award title.

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Pride in Our Roots

Sensational K-Pop group BTS and singer Halsey won an award for their collab “Boy With Luv.” BTS failed to show, leaving Halsey to accept the title solo. Her lacey orange gown was sectioned with a jarring belt, revealing a black two-piece set. While her makeup was stunning and tied in well with her color theme, the rainbow roots seemed more than a little out of place. Nevertheless, I support her championing the LGBTQ community, if that was her intention.

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All in the Family

The Jonas Brothers won Best Pop Video for “Sucker” after their recent reunion. They kept their attire very monochromatic, but still managed to make it interesting by playing with texture and print. Nick stood out among the three with his black satin-paneled utilitarian pants, a nude turtleneck and a matching pullover jacket on top. Joe sported a striped oversized suit that may have been a bit too oversized, while Kevin mastered a laid-back look with a textured open blazer and black tee.

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For the People

Latin music stars Rosalia and J. Balvin received Best Choreography and Latin Video award for their collab “Con Altura”. Although the two are featured on the same track, their attire couldn’t have been more different. Rosalia went with a beautiful 1920’s-inspired dress with intricate beading and black velvet gloves. Her makeup, hair, and earrings made the look even better– arguably the best of the night.

Balvin chose a street-style-meets-red carpet look. He sported an Off-White suit, gray and orange utility shoes, a tribal warm-toned turtleneck and tiny sunglasses to match. His lime green and black hair are what really stole the show, making for another appearance that Balvin showcased a wacky choice.

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Cowboys in Jersey

Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus made an appearance to celebrate their Best Direction and Best Song award for “Old Town Road” inappropriately themed get-ups. Nas went for a feminine space-cowboy look with a feathered undershirt and silver boots. Billy Ray opted for a classic black leather jacket and some brown boots. The two brought a little Nashville to this year’s location in Newark, NJ and we’re not mad about it.

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Beach Babe

Singer Normani showed off her body in a sparkly two-piece set. The dashes of purple, orange, and black reminded us of an early 2000’s version of a bikini top and sarong. Her matching makeup strengthened her look as the hot girl we’ve been praising all summer. The singer has proven her solo musical talents by picking up Best RnB Video award for “Waves,” a recent collab with rapper 6lack.

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Disco Party

Bebe Rexha showed up to receive Best Dance Video in an interesting silhouette. A more closely-woven fabric would’ve better shown off the actual structure and color of the dress, as well as complimented Bebe’s curves. Still, the singer looked stunning with her makeup and choice of hairstyle.

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Fashion God

Mogul Marc Jacobs (right) was named this year’s Fashion Trailblazer, and rightly so. His olive green, oversized suit was immaculately tailored and styled. His husband Charly Defrancesco looked just as handsome and carried a large black snake-skin bag from his partner’s collection.

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BDSM Meets YouTuber Style, Again

Appearances of Youtubers James Charles and Nikita Dragun were a flop. James went overboard with white harnesses and buckles and Nikita wore a poorly-made nude gown complete with an entourage of male ‘pets’. Why?!

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