Shakira Stuns in Gold: The Versace Dress That Lit Up the 2023 MTV VMAs

Shakira’s sparkling gold Versace gown with daring cutouts dazzled the 2023 MTV VMAs, inspiring excitement and fan admiration.

By Medha deb
Created on

Shakira Lights Up the MTV VMAs 2023 in a Dazzling Gold Versace Dress

When Shakira arrived at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, all eyes were on her. The Colombian pop icon’s choice of attire—a captivating backless gold Versace gown with a dramatic open-back cutout and shimmering sequins—was immediately the talk of the red carpet. Her radiance and style set the tone for an evening dedicated to music, fashion, and unforgettable moments.

Unveiling the Versace Golden Gown: A Closer Look

Shakira’s gold Versace gown, exquisitely designed with backless detailing and a high leg slit, featured a layered plunging neckline accented by thin shoulder straps. The floor-length dress gleamed with metallic sequins, reflecting the excess, glamour, and daring individuality that the VMAs represent. The ensemble was completed by golden Piferi platform heels, gold-and-diamond rings, and eye-catching gold drop earrings, making it not just a dress but a statement of bold luxury.

  • Designer: Versace, known for daring aesthetics and high glamour.
  • Unique features: Backless cut, plunging layered neckline, high leg slit, full sequin coverage.
  • Accessories: Piferi platform heels, gold jewelry, and sparkling earrings.
  • Hairstyle: Signature loose, wavy curls framing her face, enhancing her radiant, youthful glow.
  • Makeup: Rosy hues that highlight her natural beauty while complementing the gold tones of the outfit.

Shakira’s Red Carpet Presence: Confidence and Family

On the red carpet, Shakira’s poise and confidence were palpable. Alone and later accompanied by her sons, Milan (10) and Sasha (8), who sported matching black-and-yellow Versace sweatsuits, Shakira exemplified the perfect blend of superstar glam and devoted motherhood. Her children’s adorable presence added an extra layer of warmth and authenticity to her public image.

  • Solo Arrival: Shakira made her own statement before joining her children.
  • Children’s Style: Matching Versace sweatsuits created a playful yet coordinated family look.
  • Motherhood: Celebrated tenderness and resilience, both on stage and off.

Fan Reactions: Social Media Buzz and Admiration

Fans went wild on Instagram and other platforms following Shakira’s appearance at the VMAs. The gold dress rapidly became a trending topic, with users expressing admiration for its cut, shimmer, and fit. Comments and reposts showered Shakira with praise, underlining her star power and ability to continually reinvent her style.

  • Awe and Inspiration: Many fans called the dress “iconic” and “goddess-like,” drawing attention to Shakira’s enduring appeal.
  • Celebrity Influence: The star’s look inspired multiple fashion roundups and think pieces analyzing her choice.
  • Positive Energy: Comments frequently focused on her confidence and the empowerment the look embodied.

Celebrating Milestones: The Video Vanguard Award

At the 2023 VMAs, Shakira’s style was matched only by her professional achievements. She was honored with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, a lifetime achievement recognizing her visionary impact on music videos and pop culture. As she accepted the honor, Shakira gave an emotional speech, thanking her parents and children, Milan and Sasha, for their unwavering support: “Thank you so much for cheering me up and making me feel that Mama can do it all.”

YearAwardNotable Work
2000International Viewer’s ChoiceOjos Así
2002International Viewer’s ChoiceWhenever, Wherever / Suerte
2006Best ChoreographyHips Don’t Lie
2007Most Earthshattering CollaborationBeautiful Liar (with Beyoncé)
2023Video Vanguard AwardLifetime achievement

Her nominations for the night included:

  • Artist of the Year
  • Best Collaboration (with Karol G for “TQG”)
  • Best Latin Video (for both “TQG” and “Acróstico”)

Shakira’s Red Carpet Legacy: Fashion Forward and Fearless

Shakira’s style choices have always balanced risk with refinement, and her 2023 VMAs appearance was a masterclass in the modern pop aesthetic. Comparisons were quickly drawn between her outfit and previous red carpet moments, yet this gold Versace number stood out, both for its architectural cutouts and sophisticated shimmer.

  • Signature Looks: Shakira’s affinity for cutouts, metallics, and flowing silhouettes.
  • Brand Collaborations: Frequent partnerships with prestigious fashion houses like Versace, accentuating her status as a style icon.
  • Impact: Her looks often set trends and influence mainstream fashion discussions.

Behind the Dress: Emotional Resilience Through Music and Style

Shakira’s appearance at the 2023 VMAs was more than a fashion statement—it was a celebration of personal and artistic growth. In recent interviews, Shakira spoke candidly about how music has served as her lifeline through personal upheaval, including her high-profile split from Gerard Piqué. Writing and performing music, she revealed, is as therapeutic for her as seeing a psychologist, helping her process grief, stress, and anxiety.

Her words resonated with many: “Music and writing music is definitely one of those tools—one of the few tools I have for survival in extreme conditions. It is sort of like driftwood for a man drowning in the sea, that piece of wood that you hang on to when you feel like you’re drowning. I think that music is a life raft. There have been days when I had to pick up the pieces of me from the floor. And the only way to do that, to actually do that, has been through music.”

  • Emotional Healing: Music gives Shakira a way to rebuild after adversity.
  • Creative Output: Shakira teased new albums and collaborations, blending English and Spanish influences to reach fans worldwide.
  • Inspiration: Her resilience continues to motivate audiences and celebrities alike.

Stage Transformations: Shakira’s Showstopping Performance Outfits

Shakira’s dramatic entrance in gold was followed by equally memorable on-stage looks. For her medley performance of hits, she switched to a sparkling golden minidress—featuring a crystal-embellished top and skirt composed of glittering strands, held together by a dazzling body net. Crystal-embellished beige fishnet tights and boots completed the ensemble, dazzling the audience and affirming her reputation as a performance fashion leader.

  • Performance Minidress: Gold and crystal details, fringe skirt, body net design.
  • Accessory Continuity: Crystal-embellished boots and tights.
  • Movement: The outfit’s design allowed unrestricted dance and dramatic stage presence.

Her final look of the night—a slinky silver asymmetric Versace minidress with geometric gold clips and paper clips—continued the theme of metallic modernity. Her golden platform peep-toe heels and statement earrings echoed the playful hardware elements, rounding off a trilogy of bold style treatments.

Fashion Analysis: Why Shakira’s VMAs Looks Matter

Shakira’s gold Versace gown—and her subsequent outfit choices—offer more than glamor; they underscore her intent to merge artistry with authenticity. The backless, high-slit silhouette is daring, but paired with thoughtful accessories, it’s elevated to timeless chic rather than fleeting sensation.

  • Trendsetting Moments: The dress set social media ablaze, inspiring fashion writers and influencers to dissect every detail.
  • Empowerment Through Fashion: Shakira uses fashion as a reminder of her resilience, power, and ongoing relevance.
  • Multi-Generational Appeal: Fans of all ages relate to her confident display; younger viewers admire the rebellious glamour, while longtime fans appreciate her evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who designed Shakira’s gold dress at the 2023 MTV VMAs?

A: Shakira’s showstopping gown was designed by Versace, a brand renowned for luxurious, dramatic, and often daring red carpet creations.

Q: What was special about Shakira’s look?

A: The gown stood out for its backless cut, plunging layered neckline, high leg slit, and full sequin embellishment, all paired with coordinated gold accessories.

Q: Did Shakira win any awards at the VMAs 2023?

A: Yes, she won the coveted Video Vanguard Award and Best Collaboration for “TQG” with Karol G. She was also nominated for Artist of the Year and Best Latin Video (for “TQG” and “Acróstico”).

Q: Who joined Shakira at the VMAs?

A: She was accompanied by her sons, Milan and Sasha, both of whom wore matching Versace outfits for the event.

Q: How did fans react to her gold dress?

A: Social media was flooded with praise for Shakira’s glamorous, radiant appearance. Fans referred to her as a “goddess” and hailed the ensemble as one of her finest fashion statements to date.

Comparative Table: Shakira’s VMAs Looks

LookDescriptionSignature Elements
Red Carpet Gold Versace GownBackless, high-slit, full-length dressSequin coverage, plunging neckline, gold jewelry
Performance Golden MinidressShort dress with crystal top and skirtFringe strands, body net, crystal-embellished tights and boots
Final Silver Asymmetric MinidressShort, slinky dress with geometric cutoutsGold braided and paper clip fastenings, platform heels, statement earrings

VMAs 2023: A Night of Highlights

  • Honorees: Alongside Shakira, music legends like Beyoncé, Madonna, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake have previously won the Video Vanguard Award.
  • Celebrity Fashion: Other notable beauty and style highlights included Taylor Swift’s denim minidress, Megan Thee Stallion’s performance attire, and Nicki Minaj’s bold stage looks.
  • Fan Engagement: Online forums, tweets, and Instagram posts buzzed with commentary, appreciation, and celebration of music and fashion.

Conclusion: Shakira’s Enduring Style and Influence

Shakira’s 2023 MTV VMAs gold Versace gown perfectly captured her dual essence—timeless musical talent and fearless fashion leader. By glowing on the red carpet, dazzling on stage, and sharing emotional gratitude for her family and fans, she solidified her reputation as a cultural icon. Her style evolution continues to inspire millions, reminding audiences that glamour and vulnerability are not only compatible but also incredibly empowering.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb