Lizzo [1] energised the 2022 VMAs [2] stage on 28 Aug. when she stepped up to accept the best video for good award from Bebe Rexha for her "About Damn Time [3]" song. Dressed in her third look of the evening, a sheer corset dress from Jean Paul Gaultier's Autumn/Winter 2022 Couture collection, the "2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)" singer thanked her fans for their devotion and support. She also took a moment to address recent comments from body-shaming trolls [4]. "And now, to the b*tches that got something to say to me in the press," she said. "You know what, I'm not gonna say nothing. They be like, 'Lizzo [5], why don't you clap back?' 'Cause b*tch, I'm winning, hoe! Big b*tches winning, hoe! Best revenge is your paper!"
Taking inspiration from Madonna [6]'s iconic cone bra debut in 1990, Lizzo flawlessly pulled off the Glenn Martens creation, which featured a U-shaped middle leg slit and a plunging cone bra bustier. Her stylist, Brett Alan Nelson [7], paired the look with silver hoop earrings, a chain-link nose ring, and strappy black pumps.
During the Chiba, Japan stop on her "Blonde Ambition" tour, Madonna [8] made fashion history [9] when she appeared onstage in a pink conical corset bra [10] designed by Jean Paul Gaultier. The structured, BDSM-inspired garment was the "Material Girl" singer's response to media controversy and criticism over her "Like a Prayer" album. Tailored to embody both masculine and feminine fashion of the time, Madonna's cone bra was a celebration of sexuality without shame and a rebellion against traditional beauty standards placed on women.
Lizzo's decision to wear a cone bra dress by the same designer adds depth to an already meaningful occasion. She may not have articulated it, but her fashion statement was a subtle reminder that women of all shapes and sizes can, and should, feel free to express their sexuality and love their bodies.
Take a closer look at Lizzo's acceptance speech outfit from the MTV VMAs ahead.
