NET-A-PORTER Limited
NET-A-PORTER Limited

MTV VMAs 2011: Red Carpet Roundup

vma red carpet

Photos: Getty Images

Left to right: Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, and Zoë Saldana

You can always count on an MTV award show to inspire the stars to break out of any typical red carpet box, and Sunday night’s Video Music Awards was no exception.

Sure, there was a slew of LBDs—but they were far from basic, whether Britney Spears’ micro-mini sequined Moschino, Selena Gomez’s racy Julien Macdonald (worn with ruby and onyx OFIRA jewels, a Judith Leiber clutch, and Brian Atwood heels), and Zoë Saldana’s plunging Barbara Bui, also worn with OFIRA baubles.

vma red carpet

Photos: Getty Images

Left to right: Katy Perry in Atelier Versace, Christian Dior Couture, and Johnny Wujek.

Katy Perry brought her signature cartoon-inflected style to the red carpet, posing with a parasol and an Asian-inpired minidress by Atelier Versace and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry—though she later impressed onstage in a violet lace Tom Ford gown, a Dior Couture ensemble, and a record dress by Johnny Wujek. Why wear one dress when you can wear four?

vma red carpet

Photos: Getty Images

Left to right: Kim Kardashian, Katie Holmes, and Miley Cyrus

Kim Kardashian kept to her signature style in a second-skin silver gown by KAUFMANFRANCO and Lorraine Schwartz gems (naturally!), while Katie Holmes sported a flirty Alaïa dress and lace-up Proenza Schouler booties. Miley Cyrus showed off her grown-up style in a long-sleeved floral Roberto Cavalli gown, complete with a plunging back, and Lorraine Schwartz, OFIRA, and Elodie K. jewelry.

vma red carpet

Photos: Getty Images

Left to right: Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé Knowles

Lady Gaga fashion fanatics might have been sorry to miss their idol walk the black carpet—but all the better for her surprise appearance and performance as male alter-ego Jo Calderone. Filling in with a wacky ensemble of her own was Nicki Minaj, who wore a Harajuku-inspired mash-up of a metallic pink pointed bustier, tutu, knee socks, face mask…and what appeared to be a coterie of stuffed animals.

The biggest red carpet surprise of the night, though, came from Beyoncé, wearing Lanvin, piles of Lorraine Schwartz emeralds and diamonds, and Rene Caovilla shoes, who coyly announced her pregnancy by presenting a brand-new baby bump. The accessory of the evening!