When it comes to awards show, it’s not unusual to see hosts swapping outfits throughout the night. For many masters of ceremony, it’s also an opportunity to have fun with fashion — like when Doja Cat wore her memorable “worm” costume at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, or that time Ellen DeGeneres stepped out in Björk’s iconic swan dress while hosting the 2001 Emmys.
Cardi B wearing her most avant garde look of the night, a golden mask and black gown by Schiaparelli. Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
There was more to come. Her elaborate headdresses, including a towering feathered piece that trailed down her back to the floor and a fan-shaped showstopper, were paired with a black gown and black and white corseted outfit respectively. At one point, the performer posed on a baggage cart wearing a black blazer with angular silver shoulders and sparkly boots, which caught the light as she moved.
Velvet and sparkle appeared in multiple outfits — including a royal purple figure-hugging dress with massive feathered shoulders and a chandalier-esque chest piece made from dangling crystals. Even a more casual look, a denim jacket by Schiaparelli, was embellished with gold and jewel accents, and worn with oversized earrings sporting the label’s signature eye motif.
Cardi B accepted the award for Favorite Hip-Hop Song dressed in a lime green gown. Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
To round things off, she posed with her award at the end of the night wearing an all-white creation. She smiled for the cameras from under a statuesque hood, embellished with a crystal trim and firework-shaped accents. Underneath it, she wore a trailing gown with a thigh-high split and a pair of satin platform heels.
Cardi B’s award paired nicely with her white gown and crystal-embellished hood. Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images