Taylor Momsen, the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless, made a striking and rare red carpet appearance at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 7, held at the UBS Arena in New York. While her signature gothic-rock aesthetic was on full display, it was her incredibly toned physique, particularly her washboard abs, that commanded immediate attention and sparked widespread conversation across social media and among fashion critics.
Her presence at the high-profile event marked a significant public return for the artist, who has primarily focused on her music career with her band. The appearance coincides with The Pretty Reckless’s recent release of their new single, “For I Am Death,” on September 5, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the band.
The Look That Broke the Internet: Momsen’s Defined Physique
Momsen graced the red carpet in a quintessential all-black ensemble, a style that has become synonymous with her rockstar persona. Her outfit featured a black bralette, strategically paired with a leather maxi skirt that boasted a daring side slit. She completed the edgy look with chunky platform boots, dual studded belts worn overlapping, multiple silver necklaces, and stacked bracelets. However, the design of her bralette and low-waisted skirt perfectly highlighted her exceptionally sculpted midriff, which quickly became the focal point of her entire presentation.
This bold display of fitness comes as Momsen has reportedly incorporated boxing into her daily routine, a detail she shared on the red carpet, emphasizing her commitment to physical strength which complements her powerful stage presence.
Signature Style with a Fierce Edge
Beyond her viral abs, Momsen’s overall aesthetic was a masterclass in her established gothic-inspired wardrobe. Her beauty choices were equally impactful, featuring her characteristic dramatic black smoky eye makeup paired with a neutral lip color. Her platinum blonde hair flowed in loose waves past her shoulders, completing the look that has long defined her post-acting career.
Momsen has consistently maintained that fashion is a crucial part of her artistic expression, stating in past interviews that she surrounds herself with music and fashion. Her evolution into a style icon began during her transition from acting to music, where she embraced darker colors and bold makeup, moving away from her earlier, more innocent public image.
A Return to the Spotlight with New Music
Taylor Momsen’s appearance at the 2025 VMAs wasn’t just a fashion moment; it was also a strategic platform for The Pretty Reckless, who recently unveiled their new single “For I Am Death.” The song, described by the band as the start of a “powerful, unpredictable ride through the band’s latest chapter of artistic exploration,” has been met with excitement from fans. The band also released a new music video alongside the single, with Momsen transforming into a “malevolent and haunting figure.”
The Pretty Reckless has been busy, recently completing a run of tour dates supporting AC/DC and working on their fifth album in between tours. Momsen has teased an “insane” next 12 months for the band, suggesting more new music and surprises are on the horizon.
Momsen’s journey from her breakout roles as Cindy Lou Who in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and Jenny Humphrey in “Gossip Girl” to a bonafide rock icon has been a captivating one, marked by her dedication to music and an unwavering commitment to her distinctive style. Her 2025 VMA appearance not only reaffirmed her status as a rock force but also demonstrated her continued ability to capture public attention, proving she is more than just her past roles.
