MTV Video Music Awards | September 12, 2023
Vintage bracelet ℅ Joseph Saidian & Sons jewelry
Foundrae ‘Medium Sister Hook Bracelet’ - $2,575.00
Jacquie Aiche '7 Diamond Kate Smooth Bar Bracelet’ - $5,950.00
Worn with: Versace gown, Anita Ko + Maria Tash + VCA + David Webb + Ita + vintage jewelry, and Jimmy Choo sandals
MTV Video Music Awards | September 12, 2023
Jimmy Choo ‘Metz 100 Sandal’ - $750.00
To know me is to know my love of a few things: A sad Taylor song, the colour green, and an ankle strap heel. These were definitely a great, no-fuss finisher to Taylor’s outfit, especially when the overboard of accessories came up top. But what is fun to know is that this particular style did come in silver chain embellishment version with added jewels anklet-style with stars and crystals that could have been even more 'extra’.
Worn with: Versace gown, Anita Ko + Maria Tash + VCA + David Webb + Ita + vintage jewelry, and Foundrae + Jacquie Aiche + vintage bracelets
MTV Video Music Awards | September 12, 2023
Anita Ko ‘Stacked Diamond Ear Cuff’ - $5,297.00
Maria Tash 'Floating Diamond Tassel Hoop’ - $25,300.00
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Onyx and Diamond Ring’ - $12,000.00
David Webb 'Diamond Ring’ - quote available upon request to designer
Ita Jewelry 'Eterno Pavé Ring’ - $1,480.00
Joseph Saidian & Sons vintage diamond necklace’ - $65,000.00
Anita Ko 'Triangle Eternity Choker’ - $43,574.00
Over the last few candid appearances, we’ve seen Taylor experimenting more with the fine art of a necklace stack and I can’t help but playfully wonder if it was in part a lead up (or inspired by) the layered styling for her MTV VMAs appearance.
The ‘more is more’ approach to accessorizing here is fun to observe, as Taylor doesn’t typically pile it on this excessively for red carpets. But it does up the ‘messy glam’ factor of her gown and mussed, spilling out updo.
Worn with: Versace gown, Foundrae + Jacquie Aiche + vintage bracelets, and Jimmy Choo sandals
MTV Video Music Awards | September 12, 2023
Versace custom gown (pictured similar)
As is her way, Taylor can only be consistently expected to do one thing: subvert expectations. Swiftly (some might say) bypassing an opportunity to plug any of the three albums she’s either released, or is on the precipice of releasing, she went straight to a very reputation-coded Versace gown. The likes of famed supermodel lore or legendary Liz Hurley status. It’s sexy, it’s slinky, it’s very distinctively signature Versace - using Medusa-embossed buttons in a pseudo snap closure style instead of the more overt safety pin (this detail continues on the strappy open criss-cross back all the way down the back to the end of her train, which is worth a look on its own).
I personally love a classic Versace look such as these. They’ve been done, and done a lot. But I can’t fight a classic sexy siren gown like this. The decision to forego Taylor’s signature red lip, I think, is a smart one that prevents the look from going too overboard. In my opinion, the styling choices were either pile on the jewels or pile on the crimson lip. And Taylor/her team went for the former - something that’s atypical of her style. The mussed hair with the trailing pieces left out of their updo feel “roll out of bed” intimate and sensual and feels akin to the curly bangs from the reputation photoshoot. But I can’t help but think an uber sleek blowout could have been great here.
If indeed a nod to reputation, I’ve always seen that album as one of two diametrically opposed forces: the external perceptions of who you are vs the internal realizations of the life you’re quietly building. To use a dress with so many asymmetrical details (the bodice, the straps, and even in the movement of the button detailing literally splicing her in half) as an embodiment of that would be quite appropriate. It’s also a smart use of a brand’s signature design details to (possibly) use for your own means.
Not to mention this is precisely the kind of dress at least I would envision buying so someone else could take it off.
Worn with: Anita Ko + Maria Tash + VCA + David Webb + Ita + vintage jewelry, Foundrae + Jacquie Aiche + vintage bracelets, and Jimmy Choo sandals
MTV Video Music Awards | Newark, NJ | August 28, 2022
Lorraine Schwartz earrings and rings
On a night of many surprises, one thing that didn’t surprise me was Taylor’s jewelry provider - the constant and wonderful Lorraine Schwartz. I particularly love that very modern and sharp shape of her drop diamond earrings.
Worn with: Oscar de la Renta dress, Pat McGrath makeup, and Christian Louboutin sandals
MTV Video Music Awards | Newark, NJ | August 28, 2022
Pat McGrath ‘Mothership x Moonlit Seduction Palette’ - $128.00
Pat McGrath 'Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner’ - $28.00
Pat McGrath 'FetishEYES Mascara’ - $32.00
Pat McGrath 'Divine Blush in Nude Venus + Divine Rose’ - $39.00
Pat McGrath 'Skin Fetish Highlighter + Balm Duo in Nude’ - $50.00
Pat McGrath 'PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil in Blood Lust + Deep Dive’ - $29.00
Pat McGrath 'LiquiLUST Legendary Matte Lipstick in Elson 4’ - $32.00
The feeling when Pat McGrath does Taylor’s makeup and drops all. the. details.
Worn with: Oscar de la Renta dress, Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, and Christian Louboutin sandals
MTV Video Music Awards | Newark, NJ | August 28, 2022
Christian Louboutin ‘Bombina Pampilla Sandal’ - $1,095.00 (similar)
While the dripping diamonds here are a great tie-in to the overall cascading effect of the dress, I think the similar idea of the 'Planetava’ style Louboutins would have accomplished the same goal in a slightly cleaner silhouette.
Worn with: Oscar de la Renta dress, Pat McGrath makeup x2, and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry
MTV Video Music Awards | Newark, NJ | August 28, 2022
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2023 - $24,990.00
I have the privilege to be able to write this caption with the full knowledge of Midnights on my mind and the awareness that this look is likely a taster of a rich, luxe, almost showgirl glam style. A new, womanly version of the retro and vintage fashion she has favoured for more than a decade - but elevated. And with a fun, vampy sex appeal.
I’m of the opinion this is not a reference to her 2009 dress from this same event - it’s distinctly different in silhouette and composition. Perhaps if I were looking at an asymmetrical one-shoulder gown with diagonal swathes of glitter - I could see the comparison. But this feels far removed from that Kaufmanfranco of 13 years prior.
While this dripping diamond mini has a lot of vintage feels (I love the halter neck), it doesn’t feel right to draw comparison to vintage Taylor fashion. This is a sartorial step in a fresh, new direction to reflect a new body of work and a new period in her life. Let’s consider and treat it as such.
Worn with: Pat McGrath makeup x2, Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, and Christian Louboutin sandals
MTV Video Music Awards | Newark, NJ | August 26, 2019
Lorraine Schwartz earrings - no price available
A closer look at the beautiful standout emerald green earrings that Taylor wore on the MTV VMA red carpet by longtime jewelry partner, Lorraine Schwartz.
Worn with: Versace custom ensemble, Lorraine Schwartz + Ofira rings, and Christian Louboutin boots
MTV Video Music Awards | Newark, NJ | August 26, 2019
Lorraine Schwartz + Ofira jewelry
One thing that was absolutely nailed was her hair, makeup, and jewelry game. Turning once again to longtime red carpet jewel providers Lorraine Schwartz + sister brand Ofira for a bevy of colourful rings that perfectly coordinated with her Versace ensemble. Obviously, for me, the true standout was those beautiful chunky emerald green (!!!) hoops. Swoon-worthy.
Freshly chopped carefree waves, a perfect summery matte orange lip, and a simple gold shimmery eye were the perfect accents to the outfit.
Worn with: Atelier Versace ensemble, Lorraine Schwartz earrings, and Christian Louboutin boots
MTV Video Music Awards | Newark, NJ | August 26, 2019
Versace custom
Combining many elements across a few Versace collections (the sequins from the pictured SS2020 collection, the button front from Fall 2019, buckle motif from Resort 2020) tells me that this might be a custom piece.
Either way, it’s an interesting back-to-back slideshow take that harkens immediately to Taylor’s most recent red carpet appearance at the Teen Choice Awards. I’m someone who can appreciate consistency and creating a cohesive aesthetic, but the same brand, similar pattern, one look after another? It feels like a missed opportunity to try something different.
That said, I do feel this is a significant improvement over the TCAs. The two-piece underneath is much more complementary to the blazer and I would not decline being stepped on with those slim heel OTK boots.
Your thoughts?
Worn with: Lorraine Schwartz earrings, Lorraine Schwartz + Ofira rings, and Christian Louboutin boots
MTV Music Video Awards | Los Angeles, CA | August 30, 2015
Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Sharon Platform Pump’ - $650.00
Worn with: Ashish top + pants and Lorraine Schwartz + Ofira jewelry
Shop similar peep toe items:
MTV Music Video Awards | Los Angeles, CA | August 30, 2015
Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Slide Sandals’ - no longer available
After her first pair of Louboutins and a second gold pair of Giuseppes, Taylor wore a familiar-looking pair of Giuseppe Zanotti mules she first wore in black suede at the 2015 Elle Style Awards.
Worn with: Ashish top + pants and Lorraine Schwartz + Ofira jewelry
Shop silver mule similars for under $40:
MTV Music Video Awards | Los Angeles, CA | August 30, 2015
Lorraine Schwartz earrings
Ofira rings
The usual suspects in jewelry provided Taylor’s edgy accessories for the night, including a mismatched pair of Lorraine Schwartz earrings that included a black stone ear cuff and a single black stud.
Piles of geometric midi and full-sized rings adorned Taylor’s fingers to finish off her edgy look of the night.
Worn with: Ashish top + pants and Christian Louboutin heels
View all the times Taylor has attended this event here.
MTV Music Video Awards | Los Angeles, CA | August 30, 2015
Ashish ‘Sequin Houndstooth Crop Top’ - $1650.00
Ashish ‘Sequin Houndstooth Track Pants’ - $2200.00
Had this been a mini dress with an open back, the top paired with the pants in a slimmer silhouette and strappy gold heels I may have liked it more though I don’t dislike it as much as last year’s outing and can certainly appreciate the risk factor she took here.
As is, the only thing I can truthfully say is that the best thing that Taylor wears here is her confidence.
Taylor’s joggers and crop top are off-runway options from the Fall 2015 collection by Ashish.
Worn with: Lorraine Schwartz + Ofira jewelry and Christian Louboutin heels/Giuseppe Zanotti pumps/Giuseppe Zanotti sandals
With many of you dubbing this “The Incident 2.0” I feel almost afraid to ask, but what do you think of Taylor’s co-ord outing tonight?