Macy Gray at the MTV VMAs

Macy Gray, known for her distinctive raspy voice and hits like “I Try,” took self-promotion to a new level at the 2001 MTV VMAs. She wore this dress that doubled as a billboard for her upcoming album, boldly featuring the release date, September 18, on the front. This marketing stunt was one of the night’s most memorable moments.

The event, being a celebration of the year’s best music videos, always sees its fair share of unique outfits, but Macy’s dress was a standout for blending fashion with advertising. And it certainly got people talking about her album, proving there’s no such thing as bad publicity.