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The Archival Secrets: Unpacking Sabrina Carpenter's Viral 'Tears' Outfit At The 2025 VMAs

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The "Tears" outfit worn by Sabrina Carpenter is more than just a performance costume; it is a meticulously crafted piece of pop culture commentary and archival fashion that dominated the conversation following the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The look, which served as the centerpiece of her dynamic performance medley, perfectly encapsulated the glamorous, self-aware, and referential aesthetic of her *Man's Best Friend* album era. Worn on the biggest stage of the music world, the ensemble was a deliberate nod to showgirl glamour, pop icons of the past, and a clear statement about her evolving, confident image as one of the world's leading pop stars in late 2025.

This deep dive explores the specific details of the viral look, the fashion entities and designers behind the moment, and the deeper cultural references that made the "Tears" outfit an instant classic, solidifying the 'Brinacore' aesthetic as the defining style of the year.

Sabrina Carpenter: Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter
  • Born: May 11, 1999, in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, U.S.
  • Age (as of late 2025): 26
  • Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, and Actress
  • Early Career: Gained initial prominence starring as Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series *Girl Meets World*.
  • Major Music Eras: *Emails I Can't Send* (2022), *Short n' Sweet* (2024), *Man's Best Friend* (2025)
  • Breakout Hits (2024-2025): "Espresso," "Please Please Please," "Tears," and "Manchild."
  • Stylist: Jared Ellner
  • Notable 2025 Achievements: Dynamic performance at the MTV VMAs, release of the critically acclaimed album *Man's Best Friend*.

The Anatomy of the Viral 'Tears' Performance Outfit

The "Tears" outfit that captivated audiences during Sabrina Carpenter's 2025 VMAs performance was a masterclass in high-glamour, showgirl-coded fashion, meticulously orchestrated by her stylist, Jared Ellner. The performance itself was a medley that began with "Please Please Please," where Carpenter was suspended in mid-air, before transitioning into the provocative new track, "Tears."

The Custom Victoria's Secret Bodysuit

The core of the "Tears" look was a stunning, custom-designed crystal-covered bodysuit from Victoria's Secret. This choice was significant, as Ellner and Carpenter have frequently collaborated with the brand to create custom looks for her tour and major events, channeling a blend of modern pop sensibility with classic lingerie glamour. The bodysuit was entirely drenched in shimmering crystals, catching the light as she moved across the stage.

The Pop Culture References: Britney and Naomi

The outfit’s design carried heavy pop culture weight, intentionally referencing iconic looks from the early 2000s. The bedazzled bra top and overall showgirl aesthetic were immediately compared to an iconic burlesque-inspired look previously worn by Britney Spears. Furthermore, the aesthetic of the "Tears" music video itself, which preceded the VMAs, featured Carpenter in a lingerie look that was a direct, archival nod to a 2003 ensemble worn by supermodel Naomi Campbell during a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

This layering of references—from Britney to Naomi Campbell—is central to the 'Brinacore' style, which Ellner describes as pulling from a "fantasy closet" of glitter minis, baby tees, and rhinestone dreams, effectively turning pop fashion into a distinct personality.

The Archival Bob Mackie 'Swamp Dress' Twist

The fashion narrative did not end with the performance. In a dramatic and highly publicized mid-show costume change, Sabrina Carpenter stripped away the initial layers to reveal a second, equally significant ensemble for the final portion of her VMAs performance.

A Nod to Hollywood History

This second look was an archival masterpiece: "The Swamp Dress" from legendary designer Bob Mackie's 1986 Spring collection. Bob Mackie is famous for designing the most iconic showgirl and cabaret looks for stars like Cher and Carol Burnett. The choice of a vintage Mackie piece was a powerful statement, linking Carpenter's modern pop stardom to the golden age of American glamour and showmanship.

The Taylor Swift Easter Egg

Adding another layer of intrigue, many fashion analysts and fans pointed out that the showgirl-coded Bob Mackie look seemed to be a subtle "Easter egg" reference to Carpenter's role in Taylor Swift's music video for "Karma." This intentional, multi-layered referencing is a hallmark of the *Man's Best Friend* era, ensuring every outfit choice is a moment of cultural conversation.

Other key entities involved in the VMAs fashion moment included the sheer red Valentino gown she wore on the red carpet, a piece covered in floral lace and glimmering sequins, and her choice of Christian Louboutin footwear for the performance, adding a final touch of luxury and height.

Jared Ellner: The Architect of 'Brinacore' and Topical Authority

The success of the "Tears" outfit and the entire *Man's Best Friend* aesthetic is largely credited to stylist Jared Ellner. Ellner, often dubbed a "Zillennial Power Stylist," has a clear philosophy: dressing for the extrovert and channeling a bold, playful energy that resonates with Carpenter’s audience.

The Styling Philosophy

Ellner's work with Carpenter is defined by a commitment to high-fashion references, archival pieces, and a celebratory embrace of femininity and glamour. He has been instrumental in creating the custom Victoria's Secret looks that have become synonymous with her tour and major performances.

The 'Brinacore' aesthetic—a term now used to describe the viral, hyper-feminine, and playfully provocative style—is a deliberate blend of Y2K nostalgia (like the popular crochet trend of 2025) and classic Hollywood showmanship. The "Tears" outfit, with its showgirl silhouette and crystal embellishments, is arguably the pinnacle of this style, perfectly translating the energy of her music into a powerful visual statement.

The Legacy of the Look

The "Tears" outfit is a perfect example of how pop fashion in 2025 has become a highly curated, conversational art form. By blending archival fashion from Bob Mackie, referencing pop royalty like Britney Spears and supermodels like Naomi Campbell, and utilizing custom pieces from Victoria's Secret, Sabrina Carpenter and Jared Ellner created a look that was not just viral, but also rich in topical authority and historical context. It cemented her status as a fashion force whose style is as compelling and layered as her music.

sabrina carpenter tears outfit
sabrina carpenter tears outfit

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