Last Week’s Best Dressed Stars Stayed Distinctively Carpet Ready

Last week, fashion’s brightest stars descended on the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. It was a week already packed with glamour—the Venice Film Festival was in full swing, the Toronto International Film Festival drew its own spotlight, and other high-profile events filled the calendar. Against this backdrop, the 2025 VMAs felt like a grand finale, closing the week on a dazzling note. From daring, impossible cuts on the red carpet to sheer marvels spotted at film premieres, the best-dressed stars proved one thing: they never take a day off from serving unforgettable style.

This wasn’t about blending in. It was about commanding attention, rewriting dress codes, and proving that when the star girls dress, it’s culture in motion. From sculptural gowns to futuristic glam and heritage-inspired details, every appearance felt worthy of a standing ovation. Collectively, these women transformed a single week of red carpets and stages into a living archive of power, beauty, and vision. And honestly—we’re here for every bit of it.

The Looks

It’s a given that Ciara always looks incredible in red. So when she stepped out in a vivid crimson ensemble, commanding the room with bold energy, no one was surprised. Still, that didn’t lessen the impact. Her standout piece—a statement-making Schiaparelli Spring 2025 bomber-meets-minidress—was pure drama. The design teased both movement and avant-garde flair. This wasn’t your typical red dress; it was where high fashion met streetwear. Bold shoulders and a cinched silhouette brought structure, while the sporty attitude added a crossover-cool vibe. Unsurprisingly, sources are still buzzing about how Ciara looked sleek, elevated, and right at home in the VMAs’ tradition of edgy, fashion-forward moments.

Meanwhile, silver shimmer proved to be the dress code of the season. And these women nailed it—each in her own way. Justine Skye lit up the 2025 VMAs in a liquid-metal Dsquared² halter gown that draped like disco fire. Joan Smalls, on the other hand, brought goddess energy to Venice’s amfAR Gala in an off-the-shoulder, diamond-dust gown. Together, they showed that metallics aren’t just a passing trend. They’re a full-on language of glam—fluid, fierce, and unapologetically radiant.

And then there was Lilian Afegbai. At the Toronto International Film Festival, she didn’t just attend—she conquered. Her white gown, snatched at the waist and topped with a sculptural cape, was a masterclass in detail. Lace trim, a button-down bodice, exaggerated hips, and a flowy skirt all came together in one look. The result? A flawless ten across the board.