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Nicki Minaj Is a Pink Bride in Sky-High Platforms on MTV VMAs 2023 Red Carpet

The singer referenced her career's longtime signature color in towering heels for the occasion.
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Nicki Minaj at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards held at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey.
Taylor Swift at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards held at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey.
Selena Gomez at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards held at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey.
Offset and Cardi B at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards held at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey.
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Nicki Minaj brought the power of pink to the red carpet for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

On Tuesday night, Minaj arrived to Newark, N.J.’s Prudential Center for the awards ceremony — where she will perform later in the evening. For the occasion, the “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” singer slipped on a pair of towering high heels; though the footwear wasn’t fully seen beneath her outfit’s flowing hem, the set did include thin ankle straps and thick platform soles. Based on its height from the ground, the silhouette suggested a strappy pump or heeled sandal shape.

Nicki Minaj, heels, high heels, platforms, platform heels, pink dress, pink Friday, sheer dress, lace dress, bridal dress, MTV, VMAs, Video Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, red carpet, celebrity red carpet, celebrity style
Nicki Minaj attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Sept. 12, 2023.Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV

Minaj’s towering footwear was the base for her ensemble’s main attraction, however: a light pink dress with a silky strapless bustier bodice, paneled in sheer floral lace. Layered atop high-waisted silk briefs, the piece flowed into a paneled floral and polka-dotted sheer lace skirt with a flowing dotted tiered hem. For added drama, Minaj draped a sheer pink floral lace-tipped veil over her face.

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Nicki Minaj, heels, high heels, platforms, platform heels, pink dress, pink Friday, sheer dress, lace dress, bridal dress, MTV, VMAs, Video Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, red carpet, celebrity red carpet, celebrity style
A closer look at Minaj’s pumps.Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV

For a burst of added glamour, Minaj also opted to layer her outfit with sparkling pink and silver diamond rings — as well as a matching bracelet studded with diamonds and light pink pearls. Pink and silver diamond post earrings — plus a crystal-tipped manicure in similar pink and silver hues — finished the singer’s piece with a heavily bejeweled edge.

Nicki Minaj, heels, high heels, platforms, platform heels, pink dress, pink Friday, sheer dress, lace dress, bridal dress, MTV, VMAs, Video Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, red carpet, celebrity red carpet, celebrity style
Nicki Minaj attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Sept. 12, 2023.Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV

The musician’s outfit strongly paid homage to her musical career, in which the color pink has become a true signature. Minaj’s mainstream presence began in the 2010s with her trio of albums “Pink Friday,” “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” and “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded The Re-Up.” Numerous shades of the tone have been part of most of her red carpet and tour outfits over the years as well, and even appear on the cover and title of her new album “Pink Friday 2” (out Nov. 17).

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) celebrate the top music videos and performances in the music industry. This year’s awards show will honor Shakira with the Video Vanguard Award for her musical contributions to pop culture, and feature a range of performances by stars, including Doja Cat, Anitta, Cardi B, Meghan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj and Olivia Rodrigo.

About the Author:

Aaron Royce is the Digital Editor for Footwear News, where he writes stories on trending news, celebrity style, collaborations and in-depth profile interviews. Prior to joining Footwear News, Aaron wrote and interned for publications including PAPER, Grazia and the Daily Front Row. He currently holds a B.S. in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.

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