Sabrina Carpenter attended the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in New York, where her night was packed with excitement as she performed and was nominated for Artist of the Year, Best Pop, and Song of the Year for her hit ‘Espresso.’
While the night was about celebrating the present, her red-carpet look was an ode to the past—a glamorous nod to both Madonna and the ultimate Hollywood icon, Marilyn Monroe.
For anyone who remembers the 1991 Oscars, Sabrina’s silver strapless gown might have triggered instant nostalgia. The glittering vintage Bob Mackie dress, originally worn by Madonna on the night she arrived with none other than Michael Jackson and performed her Oscar-winning song ‘Sooner or Later,’ is iconic in its own right. Madonna’s look that evening was a clear homage to Marilyn Monroe—right down to the platinum blonde curls, and on this night at the VMAs, Sabrina was, in essence, channelling Madonna channelling Marilyn.
In terms of execution, Sabrina hit all the right notes. Her Old Hollywood-inspired gown was a perfect fit for the MTV VMAs, where bold statements and retro glamour often take center stage. The De Beers Swan Lake diamond necklace, earrings, and ring only enhanced the vintage charm, adding a layer of opulence to the look. The diamonds, much like the gown, evoked a sense of timeless beauty that worked perfectly with the evening’s glittering energy.
But while the idea was a good one, one element felt slightly off—her hair. The styled blonde curls felt as though they belonged more to the 1940s screen sirens than to a modern pop star in 2024. While the nod to Old Hollywood was intentional and on point, the specific choice of hairstyle seemed to age her beyond her years. Sabrina is known for her youthful energy and playful fashion choices, but here, the hair felt like a departure from that—less fresh, in a way that detracted from her naturally vibrant persona.
That’s not to say the look wasn’t stunning. It absolutely was. But it’s hard not to wonder if a more contemporary take on the hair could have breathed fresh life into the homage without making her appear older than her 24 years. Sabrina is a rising star, after all, and while she nailed the tribute to Madonna and Marilyn, the question remains whether such a classic hairstyle aligns with her own evolving style.
However, Sabrina delivered a bold, beautiful tribute to two of the most iconic women in pop culture history. It’s a look that people will talk about for its reference points and undeniable glamour.
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