Everyone knows award shows are just an excuse for celebrities to get dressed up and show off a variety of looks on the red carpet . The MTV Video Music Awards are no exception.

The award show, which took place Monday night at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, had everything from stunning gowns to kooky ensembles, which is part of what makes this carpet so fun.

Cardi B , who is opening the show, shut down Radio City in a custom fuchsia gown from Nicolas Jebran with a thigh-high split. She paired the look with matching heels, a pixie cut and over $4 million worth of Lorraine Schwartz jewelry (including 100-carat emerald earrings and a few 45-carat rings).

Shawn Mendes set the standard for men walking the red carpet, showing up in a bold blue-and-green blazer and matching blue pants.

Of course given that this is the VMAs there were also plenty of wild and wacky outfits on the carpet.

Check out all the looks below:

This story has been updated with new information about Cardi Bs look.