It’s Britney, bitch!

The Princess of Pop remains one of the best MTV VMA performers of all time. (Here’s her performance of “I’m a Slave 4 U” with an albino snake around her neck in 2001.) It was only natural that someone would pay tribute to her at today’s ceremony, and fellow pop star Tate McRae did just that. On the red carpet, McRae dressed in a tribute to Spears, creating one of the star’s most iconic looks of all time.

The famous ensemble in question? The black lace minidress by Dolce & Gabbana that Spears wore to the 2001 VMAs, which revealed a black bra and panties underneath. The look has since gone down in VMAs history as one that all recalls. McRae — who is often referred to as the Britney of her generation thanks to her impeccable dancing and catchy pop hits — embodied the look perfectly in a custom Roberto Cavalli gown designed by Fausto Puglisi. (Just like the sassy original design, the slip dress was on display.)

Britney Spears arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City on September 6, 2001.Photo: Getty Images

It was easily one of the best, most thoughtful, and most stylish moments of the night. Why? Sure, we love the revival of an iconic red carpet look, but we love Britney even more—and it’s about time someone on the VMAs carpet used their outfit to pay some respect to her name. Since the 2000s, few have done it quite like she did, and even in 2024, her lace dress still feels fresh.