As Shakespeare once wrote, all the world's a stage -- and the VMAs certainly confirm the Bard's claim. When it comes to red carpet fashion, the Video Music Awards are totally out of this world. (Hey, just ask the Moon Man.) What else would you expect when you put high-octane entertainers together in one room? Every outfit becomes a performance... and these artists can put on one heck of a show.
Whether or not they take the stage, VMA guests know how to make waves. Let the 20 outfits below serve as proof. Do you think anyone will top these looks at tomorrow's awards?
Madonna, 1990
"Material Girl" meets Marie Antoinette.
Dennis Rodman, 1995
Hey, Dennis -- got a permit for those guns?
TLC, 1995
Girl-group coordination at its finest.
Busta Rhymes, 1997
Pigtails AND patterns!
Marilyn Manson and Rose McGowan, 1998
Whatever Rose is wearing, we're not sure that we can call it a dress.
Gwen Stefani, 1999
This fuzzy bra is classic Gwen.
Lil Kim, 1999
Gives a whole new meaning to purple nurple.
Jennifer Lopez and Puff Daddy, 2000
We sure hope the VMAs were before Labor Day in 2000.
'NSYNC, 2000
Rumor has it we might see these guys tomorrow...
Britney Spears, 2001
Who needs a scarf to keep you warm when you can wear a snake instead?
Destiny's Child, 2001
Why don't people wear fringe more often? Oh, right.
Christina Aguilera, 2001
Extra, extra! Newsboy caps were never cool.
Christina Aguilera, 2002
Believe it or not, this was pre-"Dirrty."
Paris Hilton, 2004
Homegirl was rocking the underboob WAY before it was in style.
Lenny Kravitz, 2004
We're not sure what's worse -- the weird collar or the wash of Lenny's jeans.
Coco and Ice-T, 2005
This one must have been an homage to Rose McGowan.
Lady Gaga, 2010
"With God as my witness, I'll never go hungry again!"
Beyoncé, 2011
Naturally, a sequined blazer was part of the singer's first official maternity outfit.
Katy Perry, 2011
This outfit may or may not have been inspired by a screensaver.
Nicki Minaj, 2011
We expect no less of her, frankly.
Notable looks from last year:
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