Sabrina Carpenter stands out as a bright star among a cosmos of renowned blonde celebrities. Ever since she secured her position in this famous group, she has meticulously paid homage to her predecessors. A tribute that was immaculately executed during the 2024 MTV VMAs with the creative counsel of her stylist, Jared Ellner. The duo channeled a subtle tribute by donning a silver-beaded Bob Mackie masterpiece, which dates back to 1991.
Interestingly, the ensemble served as a tribute within a tribute. Carpenter’s choice of attire was reminiscent of the iconic Madonna’s fashion statement which was, in turn, a nod to the timeless elegance of Marilyn Monroe. The dress that Carpenter wore initially shimmered under spotlights when Madonna wore it at the Academy Awards, drawing inspiration from Monroe’s role in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’. This hidden context was shared by Alexis Novak, the chief owner of Tab Vintage, from where the dress was sourced.
Anyone who thought that Carpenter’s homage was confined to a single look, couldn’t be more mistaken. Later in the evening, she opted for attire that was a clear salute to another iconic blonde, the unsurpassable Kate Moss. Carpenter was seen at the VMA post-celebration, radiating elegance in a sheer, lace-adorned white mini ensemble accompanied by a pair of elevated white shoes and a purse covered in a kiss imprint.
The mini dress, a sublime creation from Tom Ford’s 1996 Spring collection for Gucci, bore a striking resemblance to what the legendary supermodel donned on the runway. It was yet another subtle, yet striking, example of Carpenter’s acknowledgement of those who have inspired her sartorial journey.
In addition to validating her taste in fashion, Carpenter is also a self-confessed devotee of musical theater. This slice of her personality was equally expressed at the Grammys through her wardrobe selections. Her pale blue custom dress by JW Anderson, adorned with ostrich feather trim, clearly revealed a harkening back to classical Hollywood styles when she graced the red carpet of the 2025 Grammys.
However, the focal point of Carpenter’s ensemble undoubtedly was the oversized pear-cut diamond from the renowned luxury brand, Chopard. This precious gem was strategically ensconced on her bare back, reminiscing the flamboyance of Shirley MacLaine’s character, Louisa May Foster, in the 1964 cinematic gem, ‘What a Way to Go!’.
Carpenter’s tribute to golden Hollywood didn’t stop with her arrival on the carpet. The stage transformed into a flashback to the past as Carpenter entertained the audience with a medley from ‘Short n’ Sweet’. Her outfit for the performance: a sequined tuxedo, echoed the vivacity of Goldie Hawn brilliantly performing ‘Nobody Does It Like Me’ on ‘The Goldie Hawn Special’.
Carpenter’s unique style narrative and deep-rooted appreciation for Hollywood’s rich past makes us excited for her future endeavors. With her knack for blending contemporary fashion with classic references, she successfully captivates attention whilst paying respect to iconic figures of the past. Even though she’s in the early phase of her career, Carpenter has already shown glimpses of becoming a true fashion icon herself.