The MTV Video Music Awards, an awards show renowned for its star studded arrivals and madcap ensembles, resembled a wake for the United States.
Sombre, sad and less sparkly were the themes of the day. The only consistency was former Project Runway host Heidi Klum's attendance.
The model, who is like celebrity Metamucil and makes attending these televised envelope openings a regular occurance, arrived dressed in a gold lace column gown that appeared to be fashioned from what designer Peter Dundas found while looting the linen closet inside Salim Mehajer's Lidcombe mansion.
Klum held court on the red carpet with former Spice Girl Mel B. The singer and America's Got Talent judge, currently in the process of a messy divorce, followed in Taylor Swift's self-absorbed lead and made a declaration about her personal life by wearing a dress, that appeared to be by Melbourne label Discount Universe, emblazoned with the phrase: "You will never own me".
The lack of stars and creative powerhouses saw the VMAs red carpet overrun with gowns which resembled faulty mosquito nets.
However, here's who took home participation certificates.
Katy Perry
The host arrived in a white gown by Stephane Rolland. It was a little Picasso and a lot The Handmaid's Tale. No word yet on how many women of Gilead are missing bonnets.
Nicki Minaj
The singer made a statement as the new ambassador for strawberry Nesquik in Djula diamond rings and choker, Harry Kotlar diamond ring and Lynn Ban jewels.
Jared Leto
Gucci has been at the centre of numerous plagiarism claims recently. Add Joseph, the owner of the coat of many colours, to the plaintiff list.
Asahd Khaled
If there was a best dressed personality it was this 10-month-old. At an age when most babies are still wearing Bonds jumpsuits, the infant son of D.J. Khaled wore a priceless custom Gucci suit.
Yara Shahidi
The star of Black-ish looked more delicious than a Bunnings sausage sizzle in this mustard gown by Australian label, Zimmermann.