Hannah Jackson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:05 am GMT
Sabrina Carpenter made a striking impression at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards by channeling none other than Madonna, selecting a vintage gown originally worn by the Queen of Pop herself. The moment not only celebrated Madonna’s enduring legacy but also showcased Carpenter’s ability to pay homage to iconic fashion history.
A Vintage Tribute to the Queen of Pop
Madonna’s influence lingered prominently at the MTV VMAs in New York, a testament to her lasting impact on the music and fashion industries, despite her physical absence from the event. Carpenter’s choice of attire—a vintage Bob Mackie gown—stood out as a pinnacle of this homage. The gown, characterized by its deep-V neckline and adorned with sequins, pearls, and crystals, is a reimagining of a dress from Madonna’s archives that she famously wore at the 1991 Oscars.
Originally, Madonna donned this gown while attending the Oscars with Michael Jackson, performing “Sooner or Later,” a track from the film “Dick Tracy.” The gown’s design was a nod to old Hollywood glamour and was also acknowledged by Mackie as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, further intertwining the stories of these legendary figures.
The Designer’s Retrospective
Bob Mackie, the celebrated designer behind the gown, documented his thoughts regarding Carpenter’s homage on his official Instagram account shortly after the event. Mackie recalled how the gown came into existence, stating, “Maria Schiavo, a well-known fashion stylist, borrowed my sample of this dress for a Madonna cover shoot for Vanity Fair.” Following the shoot, Madonna requested her own version of the dress for the prestigious award show.
Mackie’s gowns have remained relevant, as seen in their resurgence on red carpets in recent years—worn by stars such as Anya Taylor-Joy, Katy Perry, and Zendaya. The contrast between Carpenter’s vintage pick and contemporary renditions highlights the timelessness of Mackie’s designs.
Styling and Significance
Carpenter’s fashionable appearance was carefully curated by her stylist, Jared Ellner. He acquired the original gown from LA-based vintage clothing studio, Tab Vintage. According to Alexis Novak, the founder of Tab Vintage, Ellner and Carpenter approached her with a carefully developed mood board, leading to the selection of the stunning gown. Adding an extra layer of elegance, Carpenter completed her look with jewelry from De Beers.
Novak expressed joy over Carpenter’s choice, mentioning, “We sent them a deck of pieces we had in that vein and we’re so happy with what she decided on!” The vintage gown not only drew eyes on the red carpet but also highlighted Carpenter’s understanding of fashion as a medium of tribute and expression.
A Night of Acclaim
The VMAs proved to be a pivotal evening for Carpenter, who was nominated for seven awards this year. This marks an important point in her career, especially with her album reaching number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. After her show-stopping red carpet moment in the vintage gown, Carpenter took to the stage, showcasing her talent in a medley of her hits, including “Espresso,” which won the VMA for Song of the Year.
During her performance, Carpenter transitioned to a corseted bodysuit by Victoria’s Secret. This costume, which took over 180 hours to create and featured 18,500 hand-applied crystal beads, was dazzling and aligned with the shimmering aesthetic of her vintage gown.
Celebrating Fashion’s History and Impact
Beyond the fashion statement made by Carpenter, this moment at the VMAs reinforces the cultural significance of iconic fashion pieces in contemporary settings. The gown represents a bridge between past and present, illustrating how historical styles continue to shape modern fashion narratives.
Moreover, Carpenter’s distinct styling choices resonated with audiences and evoked memories of past VMA moments, particularly Madonna’s legendary performances. The tribute extended further during Carpenter’s performance, where a kiss shared with a dancer evoked Madonna’s famous embrace with Britney Spears in 2003, subtly referencing the ongoing interplay between artists across generations.
While honoring the legacy of a pop icon, Carpenter simultaneously established herself as a presence to be reckoned with in the industry. The cross-generational tribute not only keeps the achievements of figures like Madonna alive but also highlights a new wave of artists who are inspired by their predecessors.
Sabrina Carpenter’s vintage dress at the MTV Video Music Awards was more than just a pretty outfit; it celebrated the history of pop culture and honored famous stars like Madonna. With her carefully chosen clothes and lively performance, Carpenter paid tribute to the past while showing that fashion and art can keep growing and changing.
