Seven Nominations, One Perfect Look: Ariana Grande’s VMAs Fashion Victory Lap
In a world where red carpet moments are dissected within milliseconds of their debut, Ariana Grande and Law Roach delivered nothing short of sartorial perfection at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. The dynamic duo, whose collaborative genius has consistently redefined celebrity styling, orchestrated yet another masterclass in high-fashion storytelling that left the fashion cognoscenti breathless.
Grande’s triumphant return to the VMAs stage after a multi-year absence was marked not just by her seven prestigious nominations—including the coveted Video of the Year for “brighter days ahead”—but by a look that instantly cemented itself in red carpet history. The 32-year-old multi-hyphenate emerged at New York’s UBS Arena on September 7th as a vision of contemporary elegance, her arm interlinked with Roach’s in a moment that spoke to their unshakeable creative partnership.
The evening’s pièce de résistance was an audacious black gown that transformed one of fashion’s most divisive silhouettes—the peplum—into an object of desire. This wasn’t merely a dress; it was a manifesto. The strapless sweetheart bodice flowed into a floor-grazing column, while a voluminous ruffled pink peplum created an architectural moment of pure drama. But it was the polka dot treatment that elevated the entire ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable.
Originally conceived as a minidress for the runway, Roach’s genius lay in recognizing the piece’s potential for red carpet transformation. The elongated silhouette honored Grande’s petite frame while the monochromatic polka dots—fall’s most coveted print—created visual intrigue that photographers couldn’t resist. Drawing inspiration from a 1980s Silvia Venturini creation, the look paid homage to fashion history while firmly planting itself in the present moment.
Grande’s beauty narrative perfectly complemented the gown’s vintage-moderne aesthetic. Her strawberry-blonde tresses, a departure from her recent platinum Glinda era, were sculpted into a sleek center-parted ponytail—a style choice that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The coordinating black polka dot bow wasn’t merely an accessory; it was punctuation, the final word in a carefully constructed fashion sentence.
The glam, executed with Roach’s characteristic attention to detail, showcased Grande’s signature winged eyeliner alongside rosy cheeks, luminous skin, and glossy pink lips. Her white manicure and almond-shaped nails provided the perfect finishing touches, while delicate Swarovski stud earrings added just enough sparkle without competing with the gown’s inherent drama.
Sky-high black stiletto heels, revealed through a strategically placed back slit, elongated her silhouette and provided the kind of old-Hollywood glamour that never goes out of style. Every element worked in harmony, creating a look that felt both entirely Grande and completely unexpected.
This VMAs moment reinforces why the Grande-Roach partnership continues to dominate Hollywood’s style landscape. Their ability to take fashion risks while honoring Grande’s personal aesthetic creates looks that feel authentic rather than costume-y. In an era of safe red carpet choices, they consistently choose boldness over blandness—and fashion lovers everywhere are better for it.
As Grande’s seven nominations suggest, she dressed like the winner she already was.
