At the star-studded VMAs, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo turned heads in a dazzling Swarovski crystal encrusted gown that reportedly cost a jaw-dropping $150,000. While the likes of Taylor Swift, Lizzo, and Lil Nas X came dressed to impress, 19-year-old Rodrigo clearly stole the show in her extravagant designer dress that few people know the details about.
Arriving on the red carpet, Rodrigo looked like a glamorous disco ball in the long-sleeved mini dress that was custom made by luxury designer Area. Every inch of the dress was covered in tiny crystals, with over 150,000 Swarovski crystals hand applied in a beautiful geometric pattern. Under the bright stage lights, Rodrigo sparkled and shined brighter than the moon.
The dress featured a mock neckline and mini length hem, perfectly balancing high octane glamour with youthful flair. To allow the dress to take center stage, Rodrigo kept her accessories minimal, opting only for diamond drop earrings by Tiffany & Co. Her hair was pulled back in a neat bun, showing off dazzling diamond hair accessories throughout her dark tresses. Already 5’4″ tall, Rodrigo’s height was accentuated by strappy silver platform heels.
While Rodrigo may have looked like a million bucks, the one-of-a-kind custom dress actually cost even more than that. According to Area co-creative directors Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk, the materials alone for Rodrigo’s dress cost $150,000. All those Swarovski crystals don’t come cheap! However, the extravagant expense was well worth the unforgettable style impact.
Rodrigo was initially drawn to the designer duo Area for their sparkling creations and expert craftsmanship. She wanted something fashion forward and fun for her VMAs debut. Area has become well known for crystal-covered designs worn by celebs like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Katy Perry. For Rodrigo, they pulled out all the stops with the most crystals they’ve ever applied to a single dress. The final creation took over 200 hours to make and hand-embellish.
Beyond the exquisite craftsmanship, the innovative silhouette was key. Area aimed for a modern lattice-like effect with the crystals rather than a heavy, fully encrusted look. The geometric paneling allowed Rodrigo’s figure to shine through while still delivering high voltage sparkle. It was a breathtaking blend of art and fashion.
The internet instantly lit up with rave reviews and high praise for the showgirl style dress. Fans called it everything from “iconic” to Rodrigo’s “best red carpet look ever.” Critics have been hailing the Swarovski spectacle as a definitive fashion moment from the 2022 VMAs. Rodrigo, who was nominated for 7 awards at the show, delighted fans by delivering not just hit musical performances but also one of the most memorable looks of the night.
For Area, the partnership with Rodrigo marked a major moment, exposing their glamorous craft to new audiences. As an emerging talent in pop music, Rodrigo represented the perfect mix of youthful trendsetter and Hollywood superstar in the making. For Rodrigo, the dress cemented her status as a rising fashion and music icon. She more than held her own even in the company of veteran style stars like Swift.
While few may ever wear a $150,000 dress, Rodrigo’s sparkling statement offers inspiration for infusing glitz into our own wardrobes. Think shining fabrics, sequins, metallic accents and jewelry. Go bold with accessories like bags and shoes in attention grabbing finishes. Or take inspiration from the dress’s cool geometric design, playing with patterns and textures.
Most of all, Rodrigo’s VMAs style reminds us that fashion should be fun and fearless. She could have played it safe in a simple black gown, but instead pushed boundaries. And a whole lot of Swarovski crystals. In an evening filled with unforgettable performances and looks, Olivia Rodrigo in her dazzling one-of-a-kind dress was no doubt the brightest star.
