Great Outfits in Fashion History: Christina Aguilera's Barely-There Scarf Top at the 2002 VMAs

There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you try desperately to recreate at home. In ‘Great Outfits in Fashion History,’ Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favorite lewks.

At this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, a brand-new award was up for grabs: Most Iconic Performance. Nominees included Madonna’s earthshattering 1984 “Like a Virgin” performance, Lady Gaga’s bloody theatrical display of “Paparazzi” and Beyonce’s “Love on Top” pregnancy announcement. Though I can’t wrap my head around Katy Perry’s comparatively forgetful 2013 performance of “Roar” winning, the new category got me thinking: Who would be nominated for a Most Iconic VMAs outfit award?

Undoubtedly, we’d see Lil’ Kim’s purple pastie, Gwyneth Paltrow’s red velvet Gucci suit and, of course, Christina Aguilera‘s barely-there scarf top, micro-mini denim skirt and white paper-boy hat ensemble.

Though it’s never been directly confirmed, it appears as though Aguilera took a Missoni infinity scarf and DIY-ed it into an underboob-revealing bra top for the 2002 event. The “Genie In a Bottle” singer styled the teal-and-gray piece with an ultra-tiny light-wash jean skirt adorned with a silver chain wraparound belt. She wore black calf-high lace-up patent-leather stiletto boots and a white flat cap to finish.

Yes, the outfit is incredibly memorable for its uniquely naked qualities, but part of what makes it iconic is also the context in which it was worn. After a two-year-long beef with Eminem resulting in the rapper dissing her in his hit “The Real Slim Shady,” Aguilera was tasked with presenting him the award for “Best Male Video” at the 2002 VMAs. As she opened the card revealing his name, she let out a laugh before saying, “Interesting…Eminem.”

The encounter has become one of the most memorable in VMA history, marking one of the many moments a celebrity feud has been unearthed on the nationally televised stage.

Below, find scarves to make into your own makeshift top just like Xtina — or just wear them the regular way. 

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Source: Fashionista.com