As good a song as “Are You Gonna Go My Way” is, the internet generation may always know the rock star Lenny Kravitz best for his taste in accessories. If you’re here reading this article, you are probably aware of The Scarf.
At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday evening, Kravitz introduced an entirely new piece of neckwear: a patent leather tie strung up on a beaded cord and adorned with a heavy crystal cross. It was, in other words, a necktie necklace.
Lenny Kravitz, in Saint Laurent and Chrome Hearts, at the 2024 MTV VMAs.
The musician wore the accessory with a studded leather jacket from Vintage On Hollywood (on Instagram, the store called it “his lucky jacket”), leather pants, and no shirt. The tieless agenda has reigned on Hollywood red carpets and at political gatherings of late; this is the first time in recent memory, however, that we’ve seen someone go for a tie sans shirt.
Later on during the broadcast, Kravitz—who also won a Moonman last night for best rock video—changed into a white feathered boa, snakeskin pants to perform a medley of his songs alongside Migos rapper Quavo. Aside from a dangling fringe chain necklace, the rocker was, once again, not wearing a shirt.
Kravitz, onstage.
It’s possible that Quavo’s verse on their joint song “Fly” may even have influenced Kravitz’s performance outfit last night: “Put some feathers on my drip ’cause I'm fly / Diamonds twinkle every time I'm outside,” he raps on the track. It’s also possible that the rocker may have taken some inspiration from his soon-to-be son-in-law Channing Tatum’s most memorable movie look.
Earlier this year at her dad’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, actress Zoë Kravitz regaled the crowd about Lenny’s perpetual state of shirtlessness. “I’ve seen your incredible dedication to your art. But mostly, I’ve seen through your shirts. According to my dad, if it doesn’t expose your nipples, it’s not a shirt,” she said. “Sure, it used to embarrass me when you picked me up from school as a kid—but I gotta say, at this point, I respect it. You really do pull it off.”
Lenny Kravitz's Bold Fashion Choices
Lenny Kravitz attended the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday evening at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. The legendary rock star wore a look that was reminiscent of his early years on the red carpet for the award ceremony.
Kravitz arrived in a sleek all-black leather ensemble, featuring a formfitting studded bomber jacket and boot-cut pants. He wore a statement leather tie adorned with a jewel cross against his bare torso, along with a pyramid-studded belt, black shades and a chunky silver bracelet. He completed the look with contrasting white boots.
Stylist Rodney Burns curated the look, with Kravitz wearing his signature locs free and down.
A Rock Star's Latest Album and Beyond
Kravitz’s latest album, “Blue Electric Light” was released on May 24. The rock musician’s 12th studio album leans heavily into funk and features nine original songs inspired by “exchanging love.” His song “Human,” from the new album was nominated in the rock category for best video. In the video, Kravitz wears his familiar all leather uniform, this time, in shades of shimmering gold and completed with a pair of snakeskin boots.
The CFDA Fashion Icon Award honoree has received eight MTV VMA nominations. In 1993, he won his first and only Moonman in the category of Best Male Video for “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”
Outside the music studio, Kravitz has been putting his creativity to work with a capsule collection in collaboration with Ray-Ban that released in March.
“As a lifelong fan of Ray-Ban, their timeless style has always resonated with me,” Kravitz said in a statement. “The Ray-Ban Reverse collaboration is a dream come true, allowing me to merge my love for music and fashion with such an iconic brand. It’s about breaking boundaries, embracing individuality and seeing the world from a new perspective through those innovative lenses.”
The MTV Video Music Awards 2024
The MTV VMAs recognize the year’s best music videos, artists and songs. Megan Thee Stallion made her hosting debut during the 2024 ceremony, held at the UBS Stadium in Elmont, N.Y., on Wednesday. Katy Perry received the honorary Video Vanguard Award, while performers included Kravitz, Sabrina Carpenter, Eminem and Karol G.
Kravitz's Latest Look: A Tie-less Trend?
Lenny Kravitz’s latest red carpet look is just one example of how the tieless trend is taking over the world of fashion. From celebrities to politicians, it seems everyone is embracing the more casual, relaxed look. Could Kravitz’s daring take on the trend be the next big thing in fashion? We’ll have to wait and see. However, one thing is for sure, Lenny Kravitz always knows how to make a statement, whether it’s with his music, his style, or both.
