Veils, swords and crosses: The 2024 VMAs were also a Renaissance festival

Haven't you heard? It's Gothic Girl Fall. After a macabre turn at the Venice Film Festival, the 2024 MTV VMAs followed suit – albeit with a distinctly medieval twist – with crosses, chainmail and capes among the veils and chunky silver jewelry. “Yup, the bats have left the bell tower again; welcome to witching season,” said the British fashionTish Weinstock wrote about the gothic revival in Venice last month, but while the Italian film festival generally encourages an old Hollywood-style dress code, the VMAs take a more “anything goes” approach.

There were veils and hoods everywhere at the awards ceremony. Camila Cabello covered her freshly dyed dark hair with a black lace veil, as did Jazzelle Zanaughtti. Lisa's skin-colored Mugler dress fell over her head like a cape. And Anitta walked the line between bride and nun in her white dress by Dolce & Gabbana.

It should come as no surprise that Chappell Roan was the biggest advocate for the look. The “Good Luck Babe” singer walked the red carpet (and her own carpet, which she brought along for photos) in a sheer Y/Project gown with a sage green cape, chainmail handbag, cross necklace, and—most conspicuous of all—a sword. She brought that energy into her performance in leather armor by Zana Bayne, holding a flaming crossbow, and later onstage, where she accepted the award for Best New Artist in chainmail from Rabanne.

Below, enjoy looks from the 2024 VMAs that guests can definitely incorporate into their next trip to the Renaissance Faire.