L'HISTOIRE: When Ananda Lewis Wore a McQueen Suit with Split Hem Pants in 2000
The late Ananda Lewis was a cultural icon, and her quietly powerful fashion moments deserve just as much recognition.
L'HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.
Ananda Lewis wasn’t just a television personality—she was a voice of her generation. The two-time NAACP Image Award winner, human rights activist, and journalist was also an underrated fashion icon. Lewis rose to fame during the late '90s and early 2000s, shaping her reputation through her work on BET’s Teen Summit and later as a beloved MTV VJ. Known for her innate intellect and authenticity, she offered more than just commentary on TV.
News of her passing on June 11, 2025, after an ongoing breast cancer journey has reignited public reflection on her impact—not just in media—but in the way she embodied and championed Black excellence. Among her many unforgettable moments, one fashion choice still resonates 25 years later: the Alexander McQueen suit she wore to the 2000 MTV Movie Awards. 
On a red carpet where most opted for glitter, denim, or exposed midriffs, Lewis delivered something far more timeless—a tailored, gender-defying gray McQueen suit with a plunging, sultry neckline and sharply cut split-hem trousers. The suit, accented with jet-black lapels and architectural pleating, was both sensual and structured, elegant yet subversive. It was McQueen at his most clever and Lewis at her most iconic. No shirt, no problem. She even accented each side of her chest with rhinestone gems, adding a fun, bold twist.
In retrospect, the look wasn’t just fashion-forward—it was a declaration of something more. In an industry that often tried to box women into narrow stereotypes, Lewis chose something smarter, sharper, and unapologetically hers. It’s no surprise her style has lived on in mood boards and retrospectives ever since. As we honor her life and legacy, the 2000 McQueen suit remains a lasting symbol of her unapologetic style and confidence.
