I witnessed what actually happened when musician Chappell Roan shouted "No, you shut the f*ck up" to a press photographer during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet arrivals on September 11th at UBS Arena. Many articles have been written about this but very few, if any explains why the incident took place. I was a press photographer, covering the red carpet, standing very close to the scene. Hopefully this will add clarity to the situation.
Ms. Roan arrived on the start of the black carpet wearing a see-thru dress by Y/Project; robe by Palace Costume and Prop Co.; boots by Jeffrey Campbell and holding a sword by The Sword And The Stone. The press photographers were very excited to see her walk in and to snap photos of her. MTV staff and video cameras swarmed around the singer. A man in her crew, wearing an outfit similar to a Knight, rolled out a rug for her by Claremont Rug Company. Chappell Roan then walked on the rug to make her dramatic entrance onto the black carpet. This person and another woman would adjust Ms. Roan's outfit and hold her sword as she made her way down the step and repeat.
[Technical explanation time] The MTV VMA black carpet was set up like several other red carpet events in which the celebrity walks down the carpet and poses at designated spots marked off by a small sticker on the carpet. These designated spots serve a very important role for the celebrities, photographers, media and event organizers. When the celebrities stand on the designated spots, the press photographers each get a chance to capture head-to-toe and close-up images of the talent facing them.
Admittedly, this can be a very stressful situation for a celebrity hearing dozens of photographers screaming their name for attention, and for the photographers hoping to who earn an income by capturing photos of a celebrity looking directly at them. Good or bad, this is the current nature of the work that gets photos of celebrities into small and large publications around the world.
What happened in this case, was a woman was assisting Ms. Roan with her wardrobe and the signer walked past one of the designed spots on the carpet. A photographer was upset because they did not have a chance to get the all-important frontal photo, and said to woman assisting that they must use all the marks. Stress, pressure and poor communication from each party played a role in Roan incorrectly, but understandably thinking the photographer was directing the argument towards her. As a result, she responded the way that she did.
Below are other musicians that arrived at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards and what they wore (without incident).
Taylor Swift wears Christian Dior - Photo: Shawn Punch Photography/AdMedia
On September 3, Harlem's Fashion Row celebrated their 17th annual runway show and award show, with their "Night of the Legends" fashion show at Grant's Tomb in New York City. Other publications focused on a couple sharp comments that were made on stage; however, this article focuses on the praise expressed by fashion giants Anna Wintour - who has been serving as Editor-In-Chief of Vogue magazine since 1988; and supermodel Naomi Campbell - who won the 2024 Harlem's Fashion Row Icon of the Year Award.
Ms. Wintour stated, "Naomi's bravery has benefited the entire fashion industry." Anna Wintour did leave the event before Naomi Campbell arrived due to a resulting time conflict. Those in attendance witnessed Samira Nasr - Editor-In-Chief of Harper's Bazaar, graciously and skillfully make an impromptu introduction for Ms. Campbell.
During her speech Ms. Campbell said, "I just want to thank Brandice Daniel and your entire team of Harlem's Fashion Row...your commitment to elevating diverse voices in fashion is dependable". As Ms. Campbell expressed her thanks to Anna Wintour for taking a chance on a young black girl from South London and giving her a shot, she went on to say "...I thank you for your influence, and your continued support, and pushing fashion forward also."
Teyana Taylor at Harlem's Fashion Row 2024. Shawn Punch Photography/Photo Image Press
Actress, singer, creative director - Teyana Taylor, won the Virgil Abloh Award presented by LVMH. Samira Nasr was honored as Editor of the Year. Stylist, costume designer & consultant - Shiona Turini, received the award for Stylist of the Year.
The awards ceremony was followed by a fashion show showcasing the Spring Summer 2025 collections of three lovely brands: Nicole Benefield Portfolio by Nicole Benefield, A. Potts by Aaron Potts; and LaTouché by Jimmy LaTouché. The Nicole Benefield Portfolio featured 16 womenswear looks that were all urban chic; stylish and very wearable. Men and women modeled the 21 looks for the A. Potts collection. The designer demonstrated the fluidity of his pieces.
LaTouché Spring Summer 2025 Shawn Punch Photography/Photo Image Press
The LaTouché collection went for a funky mix of 70's Soul Train with several models sporting large beautiful afros, while wearing 80's style double-breasted suits for men and for women. It worked. The 30 looks were creative and fun.
A. Potts Spring Summer 2025 Shawn Punch Photography/Photo Image Press
Harlem's Fashion Row provides a platform for black designers and other designers of color to be recognized, grow and to make sales in the fashion industry, which often excludes these groups from full participation. Let's all kick the door of opportunity open some more. Click to view more images from New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2025.
