Major Fashion Tribute

Sabrina Carpenter revives Cher’s ’70s disco glam at the 2025 VMAs afterparty

The singer paid tribute to the music legend by stepping out in Cher’s original 1975 “Shame, Shame, Shame” costume.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 7:45 AM EDTSEP 10, 2025, 7:45 AM EDT

Sabrina Carpenter turned heads at her MTV Video Music Awards afterparty, channeling Cher in one of the music icon’s most famous outfits. The 26-year-old singer showcased five archival fashion pieces during the star-studded evening at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7th. Still, it was the dazzling blue-and-magenta strappy dress with mirrored embellishments, originally designed for Cher in 1975, that stole the spotlight.

Sabrina Carpenter as she stepped out in a vintage Bob Mackie costume at her Sabrina54 after-party with Amazon Music — Sabrina Carpenter as she stepped out in a vintage Bob Mackie costume at her Sabrina54 after-party

The outfit by Bob Mackie was first created for Cher, now 79, to wear during her electrifying performance of “Shame, Shame, Shame” alongside the late Tina Turner. While it’s unclear how Sabrina’s team acquired the piece, records show the garment sold at Julien’s Auctions’ Icons and Idols: Hollywood and More in 2018 for $6,400. Tina’s smaller version of the ensemble fetched $8,960 at the same sale.

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Bob Mackie designs worn by Cher and Tina Turner seen at Icons & Idols: Hollywood & Street Contemporary Art Auction preview with Julien's Auctions at The Standard Oil Building Beverly Hills on November 12, 2018 — Bob Mackie designs worn by Cher and Tina Turner at Hollywood & Street Contemporary Art Auction on November 12, 2018

Sabrina Carpenter revives Cher’s ’70s disco glam at the 2025 VMAs afterparty — Sabrina Carpenter brought ’70s disco glam back to life in Cher’s legendary stage look at her Studio 54 VMAs afterparty

Sabrina’s night was full of tributes. During her VMAs performance of Tears, she appeared to nod to Britney Spears, 43, stripping down to a bedazzled bra reminiscent of Bob Mackie’s diamond-studded burlesque set from Britney’s 2001 Dream Within a Dream Tour.

Her Tears performance also carried a political message, with drag queens joining her onstage holding signs reading “Protect Trans Rights” and “In Trans We Trust.”

Sabrina brought the drama in a floor-length red sheer lace gown

The pop star didn’t just bring fashion and statement-making moments; she also walked away a major winner. Sabrina took home three awards: Best Pop Artist, Best Album for Short n’ Sweet, and Best Visual Effects for her Manchild video.

In her acceptance speech for Best Album, Sabrina told the crowd that “to my incredible cast and dancers and queens on stage with me tonight, this world as we all know can be so full of criticism and discrimination and negativity. So to get to be a part of something that can bring light, make you smile, make you dance, and make you feel like the world is your f****** oyster, I’m so grateful to do that.”

Sabrina Carpenter onstage at the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 wearing a look similar to a famous 2001 look worn by Spears

Lady Gaga, 39, was the night’s biggest winner, taking home four awards from 12 nominations, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration with Bruno Mars, 39, for their track Die with a Smile. She also picked up Best Direction and Best Art Direction for the Abracadabra video.

Ariana Grande, 32, also had a standout night, earning three honors for Brighter Days Ahead, including Video of the Year, Best Pop, and Best Long Form Video.