Cabello released C,XOXO—one of the best pop releases of the year—in June. Featuring tracks like “I Luv It,” “He Knows” and “Chanel No.5,” it marked a brand new musical era for Cabello—with the bops to match.”C,XOXO “It felt like the album I needed to write at the time and the world I needed to create to live in,” she says. “It has that boldness and risk-taking that is really important to me right now. It has grit – which isn’t something I’m born with, because I can be more sensitive and gentle. In this world and in this industry, you have to put on that armor, so to speak.”

The star’s fashion at and before the VMAs leaned toward that edgier, tougher Camila. The day before the awards show, Cabello wore a form-fitting Versace dress (from 2012!) embroidered with crosses. “I wore it to protect myself from bad energy,” she says. Then for the VMAs after-party, Cabello chose a simple black Mugler dress with a form-fitting bodice.

Her style may be more glamorous and raw than usual, but Cabello insists her night at the VMAs was 100 percent fun. “It’s always fun to be backstage and meet friends old and new,” she says. “I met so many nice people, like GloRilla. She’s one of the nicest artists I’ve ever met. I’m a huge fan of her music – it was so much fun dancing with her.”

Check out more exclusive photos from Cabello’s VMA night below.