Go Behind-the-Scenes of Muni Long Getting Ready for the 2024 VMAs Red Carpet
While some celebrity red carpets get a bad rep for being boring, the same simply cannot be said of the MTV Video Music Awards. Celebrities go all out for the VMAs, and 2024's show was no exception. Just ask Muni Long, VMA nominee for Best R&B Video for her song "Made for Me." No literally...we asked Muni Long.
"I think historically, the VMAs are known for outrageous moments," Muni conveyed to Cosmopolitan as she glammed up in a stunning Savage x Fenty aubergine outfit. "It’s always been a really fun, sort of like taboo, outrageous show from the carpet, to the performances, to the surprise antics."
Even so, choosing the right look for a VMA moment is hardly a walk in the park. "Red carpets are kind of tricky, especially when you’re still trying to find your unique stye," Muni said. "I’m still finding my signature red carper style, so I think the easiest way for me to choose is by asking… how do I feel in it? Am I comfortable? Is it something I’ll be able to wear all night? And does it make me look cool, and do I look like an artist? versus just throwing on a sparkly dress. I just always want to make sure I’m doing some that is unique to me and I can sell."
Below, get a behind-the-scenes snapshot of Muni getting ready for the 2024 VMAs red carpet and describing her look, with photos by Madeleine Rosenthal.
“Savage x Fenty sent over a deck for us to look at to give some options to pick for this opportunity at the VMAs. I saw on the deck this aubergine color, and I instantly wanted to wear that because it’s not a color that you’ve seen recently. I don’t know if it’s on the Pantone Color List for this year, but I’ve seen a couple brands using that color and immediately said this is the one.”
“It came out really good. It looks amazing on my skin. We were super excited we were able to match it perfectly with the boot. We took a white boot from Maison Ernest and dyed it maroon, and it turned out perfect. And I feel so cute!”
“My favorite part of the overall look is probably the accessories, like how it just turns the look from some lingerie into an actual outfit with a theme. It almost has this mediterranean, belly dancer, late-'90s, Pussycat Dolls feeling. It just feels familiar but at the same time original. It honestly fits my body so well, I’m not even concerned about it being a little see-through. I don’t usually do things like that. I keep it pretty demure, pretty mindful [laughs] but I’m excited to give a little edge and a little push on the carpet this year.”
“My style inspiration varies depending on my mood. I just love fashionable women that can tell a story with clothing. Love Diana Ross, Bianca Jagger, Cher, and women who are fearless with their street style as well. I love how Rih throws together a look, it’s always super effortless and forward. And then I also am always gravitating towards different textures: leather, silk, stretched fabrics, sparkles, Swarovski crystals, hand-beaded, and high quality fabrics. So it just depends on the day really, and how I’m feeling.”
“Red carpets are kind of tricky, especially when you’re still trying to find your unique stye. I typically have to start my red carpet look process two weeks out, and that’s not including the week the stylist needs to do pulls because I’m super tall and I have curves, and then also, you know, I have big hands and large feet so I have to find things that you can’t just go to a regular store and buy. So even now, I’m getting into a state where I’m having to buy or make things custom so that it all flows together cohesively. Because it’s the worst thing when you have a really done outfit, but the shoes don’t go. Or you have an amazing look, but the hair is throwing it off. So I’m still finding my signature red carper style. I think the easiest way for me to choose is by asking… how do I feel in it? Am I comfortable? Is it something I’ll be able to wear all night? And does it make me look cool, and do I look like an artist? versus just throwing on a sparkly dress. I always want to make sure I’m doing something that is unique to me and I can sell.”
“I think historically, the VMAs are known for outrageous moments, like when the guy was propelling from the ceiling into Eminem’s lap, or Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Madonna’s moment when they kissed on stage. It’s always been a really fun, sort of taboo, outrageous show, from the carpet to the performances to the surprise antics.”
“This is actually my first time attending the VMAs. I was nominated once before for Best MTV Push Performance, but it’s really cool now to be nominated in the R&B category amongst all my peers: SZA, Alicia [Keys], Victoria [Monét]!”
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