The MTV Video Music Awards are the reason so many musicians create spectacular visuals for their songs. Every year, fans gather to watch their favorite artists—the viral ones, the surprises, and the established names—perform their biggest hits and receive (or not) the night’s most coveted award. This ceremony showcases the styles that dominate and the trends celebrities embrace, but… what is truly leading the moment?

Among the constellation of stars who lit up the night of September 7 were Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, Ariana Grande, Yungblud, Ricky Martin, Lola Young, FKA Twigs, Lenny Kravitz, and more. In past years, styles revolved around the genres in vogue—hyperpop, country, rock, and so on. This year, however, felt more like a party without a dress code.

Is this a good thing? It depends on the lens you choose. While artists like Yungblud and Taylor Momsen leaned into Gothic Glam, Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter went for something more polished and true to their already-defined aesthetics: polka dots by Fendi for the “Music Video of the Year” winner, and a Hollywood glam with a fashion twist for the Tears singer.

One thing is certain: dressing according to a musical theme hasn’t been a trend for years now. Each artist presents their own universe. Tate McRae embraces her sultriest side, Gaga stays loyal to the colors of her latest album Mayhem, and Ricky Martin brings summer energy while highlighting his masculinity. And there are designers who don’t need to step out of their comfort zone to dress them, since fashion week runways have been showcasing the originality and fidelity of each creative director’s vision.

So what’s the takeaway? Music is reshaping itself into an era without a single leader—where each artist is free to wear what represents them, without the pressure of being the most talked-about outfit of the night, for better or worse. Love retro glam? Doja Cat delivers her own Balmain version. Prefer street style? Kasteye shows you his take.

Are we in an era of lost personality—or of heightened individuality beyond trends? That’s for you to decide. What do you think?