Rapper Lil Kim models fabulous summer swimsuits in 2000.
Photo: MTV

Season: 12 Episode: 71
Title: Sexy Summer Layout
Original Airdate: 5/17/00
Sightings: Lil Kim, Molly Sims, Cynthia Rowley

MUSIC AND FASHION: LIL KIM TRIES ON BATHING SUITS

Rapper Lil Kim models fabulous summer swimsuits in 2000.
Photo: MTV

OK, so hardcore Lil Kim Stans are going to bug, because here is Queen Bee, right before the release of her Notorious K.I.M. album, and she’s modeling her favorite swimsuits of the season. First of all, Kim’s body is BANGING. Serving obliques for days. And this is without airbrushing or anything. Anyone who’s a fan of wigs or gaudy bathing suits circa 2000 will adore this clip as well, since Kim kicks it off in a Gucci monogram trench coat in the classic colors. First, there’s a bright orange cut-out one-piece that covers the navel, but is low-slung enough to accentuate her hips. Accessories are added, and a vibrant, layered wig. Then all practicality is jettisoned in the name of looking fly, because the next one is a turquoise, bedazzled, SUEDE bikini with a matching prehistoric-looking sarong, a matching wig (that I’m also positive she wore for the XXL cover where she’s covered in soap suds) , and a frosted lip. Then there’s a turquoise python bikini with, wait for it, puffs of furry mink at the ties.

Rapper Lil Kim models fabulous summer swimsuits in 2000.
Photo: MTV

A black Dolce & Gabbana bikini is offered up as a dressier option, since it features pearl necklaces that encircle the waist. Finally, a patent leather embossed crocodile boy short situation is deemed "great for parties." The cut is trendy for the season, and the extra coverage is suitable for the outdoors (at least it is according to Kim).

Kim then shills her album, dropping in mere weeks, and it’s weird to take stock of how much the House of Style has changed as interest in models waned. What would have normally been a magazine shoot with a behind-the-scenes element about the photographer is now a standalone video editorial with a performer who has the added agenda of publicizing a project. The celebrity of a model no longer holds the same cachet with our audience.

+ WATCH LIL' KIM MODEL SWIMSUITS

+ CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS FROM EPISODE 71

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Tags Cynthia Rowley, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Lil Kim, Molly Sims, Swimsuits

Rebecca Romijn interviews rapper Jay-Z (in Rocawear) at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

Season: 11 Episode: VMA99
Title: House of Style at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, "A Night at the Opera"
Original Airdate: 9/11/99
Appearances: Jay-Z, Chris Rock, Lil Kim, Donatella Versace

MUSIC AND FASHION: JAY-Z WEARS ROCAWEAR ON THE RED CARPET

At this point, House of Style has evolved from being a fashion news show to becoming a red-carpet live report of MTV's major events. Here, Rebecca talks to Jay-Z at the 1999 VMAs. At the Movie Awards earlier that year, Jay had a more formal approach to his attire; our host remarks that he’s dressed down, to which he responds, “This is music, this is something I’m a part of,” implying that he can wear whatever the hell he likes in this arena. He also dubs his look “corporate thuggin’,” which of course calls to mind “So Ghetto” lyrics: “Jigga-Man you rich, take the doo-rag off… Won’t change for no paper, plus I been rich.”

This is kind of a big moment: Jay is debuting his Rocawear line with a red, blue and white outfit that’s not yet available in stores. Rebecca observes that he’s not quite wearing his clothes head-to-toe: He’s wearing Nikes. It’s a nice bit of foreshadowing to the S. Carter Collection by RBK deal that he’d sign with Reebok in 2003. They became the fastest-selling sneaker in the company's history.

+ WATCH 1999 VMAS: JAY-Z ON THE RED CARPET

POP CULTURE AND FASHION: CHRIS ROCK FINDS A HOSTING OUTFIT

Comedian Chris Rock (in Calvin Klein) hosts the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

This is a quick peek behind the scenes at the VMAs, and a look into host Chris Rock’s outfit for that year. The comedian/actor’s stylist Amanda Sanders talks about their relationship with Calvin Klein, who outfitted Chris for his comedy special in a black leather outfit. The wardrobe choice is particularly important with regard to the lighting and how the outfit will play against different sets. For 1999, Rock opted for an off-white suit. It was a clean, sharp look that was just as rock n roll as black, but drew the eye and held your attention. Perfect for a monologue.

+ WATCH 1999 VMAS: CHRIS ROCK IN CALVIN KLEIN

MUSIC AND FASHION: LIL KIM’S BOOB ATTENDS THE 1999 VMAs

Rebecca Romijn interviews rapper Lil Kim (in a boobie onesie outfit) at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

Of all Queen Bee's outrageous outfits, her sheer, metallic, catsuit took the asymmetrical cake with a neckline that plunged to the point of revealing a boob in its entirety. The dress was designed by Kim’s stylist (and Diddy’s ex) Misa Hylton. Of course, the areola was covered with a matching sparkling modesty pastie, but of course this proved to be more a bullseye than a shield when Diana Ross copped a feel, jiggling the boob with her right hand to prove its buoyancy.

Oh, and her shoes were Steve Madden.

Lil Kim's boobie moment with Diana Ross at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1999.
Photo: MTV/Gif: MTV

+ WATCH 1999 VMAS: LIL' KIM'S ONESIE

DEMOCRATIZING STYLE: DONATELLA VERSACE STANDS UP FOR THE STREETS

Rebecca Romijn interviews designer Donatella Versace at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

Donatella is amazing. In this clip, she’s asked about youth culture and personal style. Rebecca tries to goad her into talking about trends she dislikes or thinks will become regrettable, and our platinum-tressed hero never once takes the bait. “Anything they dare to do, they should do it,” she says. “I think kids in the street, they wear fantastic clothes. They have a good sense of style—especially in New York. I don’t think nothing is too crazy... as long as you enjoy it.” Correct.

+ WATCH 1999 VMAS: DONATELLA VERSACE

+ CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS FROM VMA 1999/a>

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Tags 1999 Video Music Awards, Calvin Klein, Chris Rock, Donatella Versace, Jay-Z, Lil Kim, Rebecca Romijn, Reebok, Rocawear

Destiny's Child gets ready for the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

Season: 12 Episode: 72
Title: House of Style at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, “Have a Look”
Original Airdate: 9/9/00
Appearances: Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé Knowles (Destiny's Child)

MUSIC AND FASHION: INSIDE DESTINY'S CHILD'S DRESSING ROOM

Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child gets ready for the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

It's crazy to think that, in 2000, Destiny's Child had already been together for ten years. After exhaustively covering backstage scenes at Fashion Week, here we follow the young performers into their dressing rooms to watch them get ready for the 2000 Video Music Awards held at Radio City Music Hall. It's not unlike a fashion show: There are three ladies who need to ready, and a full glam squad is standing by for hair and makeup. It's the band's first VMA appearance, and the ladies wanted to make a splash, so stylist Tina Knowles turned it out, outfitting them in their memorable studded leather getups.

Beyoncé Knowles of Destiny's Child gets ready for the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

It's clear that they're used to the spotlight. The girls are comfortable addressing the camera in this intimate setting—they sing songs and clown around while selecting $500,000 earrings. They're also unfussy when it comes to admitting how uncomfortable they are as they're strapped into unyielding corsets, and it's rad to see that even ladies who are curvy yet appear to have 12” waists are not above yowls of discomfort.

Beyoncé Knowles of Destiny's Child gets ready for the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

Spiked heels finish off the edgy look, and then we're riding alongside them in their limousines, all the way to the red carpet, where House of Style host Molly Sims waits to interview them. We rarely get this level of candor from Beyoncé again. All three members of Destiny's Child are consummate professionals, but the tabloid scrutiny and paparazzi madness would make moments like these near impossible to arrange. This is a rare moment in MTV history, and we're fortunate that House of Style got to be there.

Destiny's Child at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

+ WATCH DESTINY'S CHILD AT THE 2000 VMAS

+ CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS FROM VMA 2000

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Tags Beyonce, Beyonce Knowles, Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland, Tina Knowles, Video Music Awards, VMAs

Host Molly Sims at the 2001 MTV Movie Awards.
Photo: MTV

Title: House of Style at the 2001 MTV Movie Awards
Original Airdate: 06/09/01

Segments Featuring:

+2001 Movie Awards Red Carpet Recap featuring Julia Stiles, No Doubt and Will Ferrell
+MTV Viewer Naseem Gets The Red Carpet Treatment
+What's Hot and What's Not On The Red Carpet featuring Julia Stiles, Will Ferrell, and Ashton Kutcher
+Countdown to "Lady Marmalade" performance featuring Pink, Mya, Lil' Kim, and Christina Aguilera
+Viewers' Choice Top Five Best Movie Awards Moments featuring Britney Spears, Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller

Host Molly Sims at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

Title: House of Style at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards
Original Airdate: 09/08/01

Segments Featuring:

+2001 Video Music Awards Red Carpet Recap featuring Mick Jagger, Alicia Keys and Jessica Simpson
+Outkast Get Dressed For The VMAs
+Artists Rate Their Own Style On The Red Carpet featuring Christina Milian, N'Sync, and Gwen Stefani
+Countdown to "Lady Marmalade" performance featuring Pink, Mya, Lil' Kim, and Christina Aguilera
+Ludacris, Willa Ford, P.O.D. and Atoosa Rubenstein Critique Red Carpet Styles
+Prepping The Met Opera House For The VMAs
+MTV's "Last Fans Standing" Get Ready To Present The Viewers' Choice Awards
+VMA After Parties With Lil' Kim, P. Diddy and Alien Ant Farm
+Nelly Furtado Gets Ready For The VMAs
+Winner Announced For The House Of Style Most Stylish Video Award

Host SuChin Pak at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

Title: Best Of The VMA's Red Carpet
Original Airdate: 08/02/02

Segments Featuring:

+Look Back On The VMAs Red Carpet Style
+SuChin Pak Looks Back At Pre-VMA Shopping Adventures
+MTV Staffers Stand In For The Stars
+Tribute To Fans and Pre-Show Performances

Hosts Molly Sims and Daisy Fuentes at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: MTV

Title: 18 Years of VMA Fashion
Original Airdate: 08/20/02

Segments Featuring:

+VMA Retrospective: The Bold And The Beautiful
+VMA Retrospective: Cool Coifs
+VMA Retrospective: Let Me Entertain You
+VMA Retrospective: Necessity Or Accessory?
+VMA Retrospective: Less Is More
+VMA Retrospective: Fashion Forward
+Outtakes

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