It was the red carpet moment that officially killed the "Genie in a Bottle." exactly 24 years ago, Christina Aguilera arrived at the 2001 Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, and the pop princess image was nowhere to be found. In its place? A shredded.
Mauve velvet gown that remains her single "wildest" fashion statement to date. From this newsroom's perspective, this wasn't just a dress; it was a declaration of independence. We investigate the look that defined the "Dirrty" prequel era.
Our fashion desk has analyzed the archival footage. This wasn't couture; it was deconstructed chaos. The floor-length mauve velvet dress featured horizontal slashes from neckline to hem, exposing skin in a calculated "ladder" effect.
The Cut: A plunging neckline and thigh-high slits created by the fabric's disintegration. The Texture: Heavy velvet mixed with fraying edges, giving it a "post-apocalyptic showgirl" vibe. The Accessories: A metallic hobo bag and heeled gladiator sandals that grounded the ethereal destruction.
To understand this look, you must understand the timeline. It was April 2001—the peak of the "Lady Marmalade" fever. Styled by the legendary Trish Summerville (who custom-built many of Xtina's looks), this outfit bridged the gap between Moulin Rouge burlesque and grunge.
This was fashion as performance art. Aguilera wasn't just attending an awards show; she was living her "Xtina" alter-ego, rejecting the polished teen-pop aesthetic for something raw, tactile, and dangerous.
The dress was loud, but the beauty was deafening. Aguilera debuted a hairstyle that became an instant Y2K icon: blonde cornrows woven tight to the scalp, exploding into a voluminous, crimped "faux-fro" at the back.
The Eyes: A heavy, dark smokey eye that screamed "rock star." The Lip: A deep burgundy pout, trading her signature red for something moodier. The Skin: Purple-tinted blush that contoured her face into a severe, striking mask.
Why are we talking about a 2001 Blockbuster Awards outfit in 2025? Because this look is the grandmother of today's "Naked Dress" trend.
When you see Doja Cat or Julia Fox wearing deconstructed, slashed fabrics today, they are walking in the gladiator sandals Christina laced up two decades ago. She took the bullets so the modern "pop disruptors" could run.
From this newsroom's perspective, Christina Aguilera's 2001 velvet moment stands undefeated. It was "bold," "rebellious," and "over-the-top"—words Aguilera herself used to describe it years later.
It wasn't just her wildest look; it was the moment she stopped being a product and started being an artist. And 24 years later, it still looks like the future.