It’s Britney, bitch!
The princess of pop remains one of the best MTV VMAs performers of all time. (Cue her “I’m a Slave 4 U” performance with an albino snake wrapped around her neck in 2001.) It was only natural that someone pay tribute to her at tonight’s ceremony, and fellow pop star Tate McRae, did just that. On the red carpet, McRae dressed in homage to Spears, recreating one of the star’s most iconic looks of all time.
The famous ensemble in question? The black, lace Dolce & Gabbana minidress that Spears wore back to the 2001 VMAs, exposing a black bra and pair of briefs underneath. The look has since gown down in VMAs history as one that everyone remembers. McRae—who is often dubbed the Britney of her generation, thanks to her impeccable dancing and infectious pop hits—channeled the look to perfection in a custom Roberto Cavalli dress designed by Fausto Puglisi. (Just like the saucy original design, it also exposed the underpinnings.)
Britney Spears arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards September 6, 2001 in New York City.Photo: Getty Images
It was simply one of the best, most thoughtful, style moments of the night. Why? Sure, we love a revival of a legendary red carpet look, but we love Britney even more—and it’s about time someone on the VMAs carpet use their outfit to put some respect on her name. Few have done it like her since the 2000s, and even in 2024, her lacey frock still feels fresh.
