Red carpet rewind: MTV Video Music Awards 2001

As we prepare for what is sure to be a memorable 2016 VMAs at Madison Square Garden, we're looking back at some of our favorite moments in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards. One of those moments? The 2001 VMAs red carpet.

Can you believe it's been 15 years since 2001? Neither can we, but we long for the days of "Slave"-era Britney Spears, pre-Beyoncé Jay-Z (His music was better then, okay?!) and Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule's near-constant collaborations.

SEE ALSO: Remember when Britney Spears brought out a snake for her 2001 VMA performance?

The music may be what you initially remember about 2001 -- who could forget the epic Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya and Lil' Kim "Lady Marmalade" remake that won them Video of the Year? -- but the fashion of that year has proven to be just as indicative of that golden era in pop music. Sure, the ladies of the "Lady Marmalade" slayed on their vocals, but would it have been nearly the hit it was without their burlesque-inspired fashions? Our guess is no.

Looking back at the 2001 VMAs red carpet provided some instantly iconic looks: Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Mary J. Blige and Pamela Anderson all rocked some revealing all-black ensembles; NSYNC, Destiny's Child, No Doubt and Dream all stayed true to the trend of hyper-coordinated group outfits; and there was leather everywhere you looked, from Shakira's lace-up front pants to Molly Sims' cutout dress and Alicia Keys' embroidered bodysuit.

In short, there was a lot going on on the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards, and we recommend that you take a look through the gallery below to relive all of the outrageous looks:

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