Camila Cabello’s Black Dress at the 2024 VMAs
- nora comtois
- May 23
- 4 min read
For the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), styled by Katie Qian, popstar Camila Cabello wears a strapless, asymmetrical nude bodycon dress with a decorative black beaded overlay from Tony Ward’s Fall-Winter 2024 couture collection. She pairs the look with layered onyx and diamond crucifix jewelry by Loree Rodkin and a long black lace veil (Allaire). The ensemble seamlessly combines elegance with gothic rebellion.
Cabello reveals that her look is inspired by her latest single, “Godspeed,” which is “‘...about letting go of the BS—negative situations and people that are bringing you down…We decide to reframe the VMAs as a funeral for all of the things that don’t serve me anymore,’” she says (Allaire). Fans speculate this is a response to the resurgence of love-triangle rumors with singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, following popstar Sabrina Carpenter’s album release. Although Cabello and Mendes briefly dated from 2019 to 2021, they were one of Hollywood’s favorite couples (Lutkin). In February 2023, Mendes and Carpenter were “seeing each other” (Khalifeh, 2023a), but in April, Mendes and Cabello were spotted kissing at Coachella, only to part ways again in June (Khalifeh, 2023b). This has sparked debate over who is in the wrong, with some fans supporting “Shawmila,” while others sympathizing with Carpenter.
A key feature of Cabello’s vengeful VMAs look is her black veil, a symbol of mourning in Victorian society that still carries strong funeral connotations, even with today’s more relaxed customs (“The Death of Mourning…”). In this context, Cabello appears to attend the funeral for the drama involving herself, Carpenter, and Mendes, as well as her relationship with Mendes altogether. Cabello signals that the situation is dead and that the conversation surrounding it should cease as well. Additionally, she seems to channel her alleged character from the music video for Carpenter’s latest lead single, “Taste.” Inspired by the 1992 film Death Becomes Her (Oganesyan), the video follows two frenemies competing for the same man, ultimately joining forces to kill him and attend his funeral in the end (“Sabrina Carpenter - Taste…”).
In a time that is less sensitive to witchcraft and religious imagery, contemporary high fashion embraces a revival of gothic style, integrating the color black and other dark elements—exactly what Cabello’s look accomplishes (Richards). The black, web-like beading on her dress evokes a witchy, almost villainous energy, aligning with the narrative that casts her as the villain in the drama. What augments this idea is that Carpenter, coincidentally, wears a white dress at the VMAs—the color traditionally associated with innocence (Romanescu and Kaya). By embracing this dark aesthetic, Cabello takes control of the role that others have placed upon her and reclaims her power. The lace veil drawn from Victoriana fashion, a popular aesthetic often referenced in gothic style, along with the layered crucifix pendants, another common gothic motif, reinforces the overall theme of death and rebirth in her look (Richards). Cabello even further reinvents herself by returning to her raven black hair. This not only enhances her look but also helps quell accusations of her copying Carpenter’s hair (“Camila Copying…”).
Interestingly, all three singers’ VMAs looks align with one another unintentionally. Cabello’s black dress evokes a funeral, while Carpenter’s white dress is reminiscent of a wedding (Romanescu and Kaya), both symbolizing pivotal life events—one signifying lost love and the other suggesting new love (such as Carpenter’s new relationship). Mendes, dressed in a black suit, takes on an ambiguous role, as his outfit suits both occasions, visually placing him between the two which fittingly reflects his involvement with both women (Romanescu and Kaya). His Instagram caption on the day of the VMAs, “Pulling up to my own funeral,” nods to the connection between Cabello’s funeral-inspired look and the drama involving him (Mendes). It also alludes to the awkwardness of all three being scheduled to perform that night, with the women set to sing songs about the love triangle (Logan).
Camila Cabello’s look at the 2024 VMAs serves as a powerful statement in both fashion and pop culture. By incorporating dark, gothic elements through her veil, intricate black beading, and crucifix jewelry, Cabello reclaims control over a narrative that often portrays her as the villain. The symbolism of her black dress and veil signifies the end of past dramas and relationships, encapsulating her desire to silence the rumors surrounding her love triangle with Shawn Mendes and Sabrina Carpenter. This bold fashion choice conveys a profound message about personal growth, closure, and the necessity of owning one’s narrative in the relentless scrutiny of celebrity culture.
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