Cardi B gave a whole new meaning to heavy metal fashion when she strutted on the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet [1] in an edgy ensemble made entirely of silver hair clips. True to her reputation for bold and statement-making fashion, the rapper and mom of two [2] donned a custom Dilara Findikoglu gown that put her curves on full display — and even tapped into one of this season's biggest trends with the metallic fashion resurgence. The strapless, body-hugging gown featured hundreds of actual hair clips, all fanned together in contrasting designs that made the entire piece look like it was crafted especially for royalty. She also enjoyed a number of sweet PDA moments with her husband, Offset, who accessorized his hair with silver clips to match Cardi's magnetic look.
While cutouts and sheer fashion ensembles [3] have emerged as the trend of the night among the event's other attendees, Cardi's floor-length number provided a welcomed — and regal — departure from some of the evening's other red carpet looks. In collaboration with her longtime stylist Kollin Carter [4], the star teamed her look with metallic nails and matching arm cuffs also adorned with silver hair clips. She opted for a sleek straight hairstyle that was simple enough to let the rest of the look speak for itself.
Cardi has been on something of a fashion tear lately — just earlier in the day, she was spotted strutting around New York City in an aqua blue mermaid gown complete with hip-cutouts [5] that accentuated her curves perfectly. The musician — never one to shy away from a sultry style — leaned into corsets and bodycon looks while attending Paris Haute Couture Week [6] earlier this year. And tonight, fans are expecting an equally show-stopping ensemble from the star when she joins Megan Thee Stallion on stage for a performance of their newly-released collaboration, "Bongos [7]."
Ahead, appreciate the artistry of the star's gown from several different angles.