See What Teenage Rihanna Wore at Her First VMAs

Who’s excited for the MTV Video Music Awards this Sunday? Of course, we’ll be bringing you the top red carpet looks from the event this weekend, but if you can’t wait until then for your fashion fix, we think we found something to tide you over.

In light of the news that Rihanna will accept the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at this year’s ceremony, MTV decided to take a look back at the singer’s very first VMAs—when she was just 17 years old! The teenager looked fresh-faced in minimal makeup, a cropped tank top, a glittery vest, white skinny jeans, and embellished sandals. Oh, and don’t forget the body jewelry! It’s safe to say that the Puma designer is almost unrecognizable now—but that’s to be expected considering Rihanna is now 28 years old, and her VMAs debut was over a decade ago. How time flies!

Scroll down to see Rihanna’s very first red carpet look at the MTV Video Music Awards, in 2005!

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

What do you think of this throwback look? Tell us in the comments below, and then shop Rihanna’s stylish collaboration with Puma!

Opening Image: Getty Images

Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.