A Guide to Marc Jacobs' VMAs References
Last night, Marc Jacobs made history at the VMAs by taking home the first-ever MTV Fashion Trailblazer Award. The honor, presented in partnership with the CFDA, paid tribute to the designer's consistent engagement with the most iconic figures in music, from having Lady Gaga walk his Fall 2016 runway to placing stars like Cardi B and Nicki Minaj front row at his shows to countless campaigns and opportunities to dress artists for events and shoots over the years. Jacobs' constant integration of fashion and culture has created a portfolio worthy of both worlds' celebration, and the mood was high on Monday night as he accepted his award.
"MTV taught me how to see music I listened to and love," Jacobs said in his speech. "You gave artists a platform to express their music and ideas through moving image, and me a dynamic source of inspiration. I am beyond flattered and proud."
Naturally, a fashion icon taking home a VMA warrants a major red carpet moment, and Jacobs did not disappoint. The designer's own look was a classy showstopper, as he paired an artfully tailored Huntsman suit with an Hermès clutch and ruby Prada heels reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz. Arriving alongside husband Char DeFrancesco (who he married this year in a fun-filled ceremony that every celebrity seemed to attend), who himself paired a Tom Ford suit with a bag carrying an outfit change, he truly looked the man of the hour. But Jacobs didn't stop there: he brought a team of five models to the red carpet with him, each wearing a look he first designed for an iconic musician. It was a moment typically only imagined in fashion fever dreams, and it truly satisfied nostalgic cravings with each memorable reference. In case you missed Team Marc Jacobs amidst a sea of celebrities or were curious about exactly who each one referenced, we rounded up each look alongside its original version below. Here's to many more history-making looks from Jacobs in seasons to come.
Abby Champion: Lady Gaga
Those with a keen fashion eye may remember the look Abby Champion wore from its initial appearance just three months ago, during the weekend before the Met Gala. Co-chair Lady Gaga, embracing campy fashion style but still on a classy high from dominating awards season (both in red carpet glamour and in wins for A Star is Born's "Shallow"), found a happy medium for a pre-gala luncheon in this voluminous, striped Jacobs minidress, which she had paired with platform booties and an over-the-top fascinator. Champion showed a softer way to rock the style, completing her look with open-toed heels and tousled hair.
Hiandra Martinez: Beyoncé
It may have been a few years, but the original moment behind Hiandra Martinez's red carpet look is something the world surely remembers. Back in 2015, Beyoncé wore the sequined jacket and floral gown combo on the cover of Vogue's September issue. The look provides timeless glamour with the perfect degree of star-power edge, and it couldn't be more exciting to this time see it venture out into the world.
Lineisy Montero: Taylor Swift
This long, sheer, and glittery number's first appearance was on none other than the record-breaking musician behind Lover, being one of several futuristic dresses Swift rocked in Vogue's May 2016 cover story. Initially styled to show off the pop star's mile-long legs with major platform heels, the gown looks just as glamorous on the equally tall Montero.
Cara Taylor: Missy Elliott
Of course, Jacobs couldn't execute a nostalgia project without paying tribute to Elliott, who herself took home a special honor by receiving the 2019 MTV Video Vanguard Award. Providing a casually but equally stylish break from the surrounding models' gowns, Taylor's tracksuit initially appeared on the June 2017 cover of Elle. Today, with '90s and '00s style fully back and the iconic rapper having returned to releasing major music videos, it couldn't be a better time for the cool look to get a second wind.
Anok Yai: Rihanna
This floral gown made its very first appearance within Jacobs' Spring 2016 collection that debuted at the Ziegfeld Theatre, but its most memorable moment was on none other than the Fenty empress. Rihanna rocked the look alongside sneakers in February 2016, creating a casual glamour that was perfect for performing at a MusiCares Person of the Year event. In fitting tribute, Yai also wore sneakers, with hers making a new statement via pointed toes.
