Alix Earle’s red‑carpet appearance at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday prompted a wave of reaction on social media after the 24‑year‑old influencer walked the carpet in a Tom Ford minidress that revealed significant side exposure.
The mock‑neck, ultra‑short black dress appeared conservative from the front but featured dramatic cutouts along the sides that flashed skin when Earle turned. She wore black stiletto slingback heels and left her hair in loose, beachy waves. Earle, who was listed as a presenter for the night, attended the ceremony at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, with her younger sister, Ashtin Earle, who wore a camel‑brown leather dress with lace‑up details.
Photos and a short Instagram clip posted by Earle showing herself lying down in a vehicle to avoid wrinkling the garment drew a mix of compliments and criticisms. Some followers praised her look and called it "stunning" or "iconic," while others compared the outfit to household items, using terms such as "pillowcase" and "napkin" in comments on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Several posts criticized the scant side exposure and questioned whether the piece qualified as a dress.
Earle has previously spoken publicly about cosmetic surgery, noting last year that she marked a one‑year anniversary of a breast augmentation. She is also slated to make her debut on Dancing with the Stars later this season. Representatives for Earle did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The VMAs returned to a network broadcast and stream footprint this year, airing on CBS and streaming on the premium tier of Paramount+ while also simulcasting on MTV. LL Cool J served as host, and performers included Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Mariah Carey, Post Malone and others. Lady Gaga led the night with 12 nominations and made a highly anticipated return to the stage after a five‑year absence.
The awards ceremony featured multiple televised performances and a broad slate of nominees across pop, hip‑hop, rock, Latin and global categories. Presenters ranged from established entertainers to social‑media personalities, reflecting the industry’s continued crossover between traditional music platforms and influencer culture.
Earle’s red‑carpet moment underscored the enduring scrutiny faced by public figures whose styles intersect with viral social media coverage. While some viewers defended her choice as a fashion statement, others used the moment to lampoon the look in real time, illustrating how quickly red‑carpet fashion can become a topic of online conversation during a major awards broadcast.