It was clear from the moment she stepped onto the red carpet—the kind of entrance that stops a thousand conversations and starts a new one—that Ariana Grande was not just attending the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards; she was making a statement.
This wasn’t the playful, saccharine pop of her recent past, but a quiet, assured declaration of classic sophistication with a wink. On September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena, Grande’s look wasn’t just a dress; it was a curated piece of fashion history, and frankly, a much-needed breath of fresh air.
The ’80s have been whispering for a while now, showing up in shoulder pads and power suits, but Grande’s take felt more elevated, more knowing. Unlike Doja Cat’s bolder, more theatrical homage, Ariana’s custom Fendi gown felt like a direct pull from the archives. It was inspired by a Silvia Venturini look from the era—a subtle nod that only a true fashion aficionado would appreciate. The strapless black-and-white polka dot gown with its voluminous blush peplum detail wasn’t just nostalgic; it was a masterclass in reinterpreting a classic silhouette. The polka dots, in varying sizes, created a dynamic visual texture that was both whimsical and elegant. This look even brought to mind whispers of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic 1988 Oscars gown, a comparison that feels fitting given the quiet poise Ariana now embodies.
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