Lil Nas X and the Naruto-Inspired Dress That Stole the Show at the BET Awards 2021

The BET Awards 2021 brought together some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, and culture. Yet, while the ceremony celebrated achievements across the entertainment industry, one particular moment stood out on the red carpet. Lil Nas X, the 22-year-old music sensation and creator of the global hit MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name), made waves not only with his performance but also with his daring and imaginative fashion choice.

Walking the carpet in a uniquely structured dress, Lil Nas X immediately sparked conversations across social media. To the surprise of many, his bold outfit appeared to contain an homage to one of the most iconic anime series of all time: Naruto, and more specifically, the legendary Akatsuki group.

What made this fashion moment unforgettable was not just the striking design, but how it intertwined pop culture, anime, and high fashion into one show-stopping statement. Let’s take a closer look at the details of Lil Nas X’s outfit, the anime inspirations behind it, and why this red carpet appearance still resonates with fans today.

Lil Nas X at the BET Awards 2021

The BET Awards 2021, held on June 28, was one of the first major in-person award ceremonies following the peak of the pandemic. Stars from across the music world—including Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Bruno Mars—lit up the stage. However, before the show even began, Lil Nas X had already grabbed headlines.

Known for his fearless style and creative self-expression, Lil Nas X has consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion. At this event, his choice of attire reflected not just artistry but also a personal touch that connected with fans from another cultural sphere: anime.

As he posed for photographers, it became clear that his outfit wasn’t just avant-garde couture—it was also full of Naruto references, cleverly incorporated into its design.

The Dress That Reminded Fans of Naruto

At first glance, Lil Nas X’s red carpet dress looked like a piece of modern high fashion: layered, structured, and adorned with striking illustrations. But for anime fans, the details jumped out immediately.

The artwork on the fabric clearly depicted Pain, the iconic leader of the Akatsuki, alongside Konan, one of the group’s most recognizable members. Adding to the detail, the outfit displayed a large Rinnegan eye—a legendary symbol in the Naruto universe—surrounded by Akatsuki’s signature red clouds.

Fans on Twitter and other social media platforms wasted no time pointing out these references. Many remarked that it felt as though Lil Nas X had brought the Akatsuki aesthetic directly to the BET Awards red carpet. The placement of Pain and the other shadowy Akatsuki members, like Deidara, Kisame, and Kakuzu, gave the impression of a carefully curated homage rather than an accidental design choice.

Collaboration With Andrea Grossi

The striking dress was the result of a collaboration between Lil Nas X and Italian designer Andrea Grossi. Known for pushing boundaries in contemporary fashion, Grossi often incorporates themes from culture, history, and even social commentary into his work.

In this case, Grossi’s design seamlessly blended anime references with modern couture. The result was a piece that not only looked stunning but also carried layers of meaning. According to reports, the illustrations across the dress weren’t limited to anime—they also included elements tied to social justice, demonstrating how fashion can communicate complex messages through visuals.

This collaboration highlighted Lil Nas X’s willingness to embrace bold creative choices. By working with a designer like Grossi, he managed to merge high fashion, pop culture, and personal expression in a way that made fans around the world take notice.

Why the Naruto Connection Matters

The Naruto series, created by Masashi Kishimoto, is one of the most influential anime franchises globally. With its complex storytelling, memorable characters, and themes of perseverance and friendship, it has resonated with audiences worldwide for over two decades.

The Akatsuki group, in particular, has become iconic for their mysterious appearance, red cloud cloaks, and role as antagonists in the story. Their visual identity—especially the Rinnegan eyes and cloud imagery—has become a staple of anime culture, instantly recognizable to fans.

By wearing a dress that incorporated these elements, Lil Nas X wasn’t just making a fashion statement. He was bridging the gap between mainstream Western pop culture and Japanese anime fandom. For many, it was refreshing to see a major star proudly showcase his love for anime on one of the biggest entertainment stages in the world.

Fan Reactions on Social Media

The moment Lil Nas X stepped onto the carpet, social media exploded with reactions. On Twitter, fans shared side-by-side comparisons of his outfit and the Akatsuki cloaks, pointing out the deliberate references.

Some fans praised his creativity, calling the look one of the most memorable of the night. Others expressed surprise at discovering Lil Nas X was such a big Naruto fan. Many anime enthusiasts felt validated seeing their favorite show represented at such a high-profile event.

Memes also circulated, with captions like “Lil Nas X pulling up with the Akatsuki at the BET Awards” and “Pain would be proud.” These playful reactions only amplified the buzz around the outfit, turning it into one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

Fashion as Storytelling

For Lil Nas X, fashion has always been more than just clothing—it’s a form of storytelling and identity. His BET Awards 2021 outfit showcased that philosophy perfectly.

By integrating elements of Naruto into a red-carpet ensemble, he demonstrated how clothing can carry narratives, fandoms, and personal interests into spaces typically reserved for glamour and celebrity. It also highlighted his fearless approach to self-expression, which is a hallmark of his career.

This was not the first time Lil Nas X had used fashion to spark conversation, but the Naruto-inspired dress was particularly effective because it blended mainstream visibility with niche cultural references. It proved that anime culture has become so global that it can seamlessly exist on a Hollywood red carpet without feeling out of place.

Anime and Mainstream Pop Culture

In recent years, anime has steadily grown into a mainstream cultural force. Shows like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and Attack on Titan are no longer confined to niche audiences—they’ve become part of global pop culture.

Celebrities across music, sports, and film have openly embraced their love of anime, from Michael B. Jordan to Megan Thee Stallion. Lil Nas X’s dress at the BET Awards was another milestone in this cultural crossover, proving that anime-inspired fashion can stand proudly alongside couture gowns and designer suits.

By choosing to wear something that reflected both his personal fandom and broader cultural themes, Lil Nas X showed how anime continues to influence creative industries worldwide, from art and music to fashion and design.

Lil Nas X’s Ever-Evolving Style

One of the reasons Lil Nas X remains such a compelling figure in entertainment is his ever-evolving style. Whether he’s performing in bold, colorful outfits or walking the red carpet in avant-garde fashion, he constantly finds new ways to express himself.

The Naruto-inspired dress was a reminder that he doesn’t just follow trends—he sets them. By blending anime culture, social commentary, and high fashion, he crafted a look that continues to be remembered years after the BET Awards 2021.

Conclusion: An Iconic Fashion Moment

Lil Nas X’s appearance at the BET Awards 2021 will go down as one of his most memorable red carpet moments. His Naruto-inspired dress, designed by Andrea Grossi, was more than just a bold outfit—it was a cultural statement that celebrated both anime fandom and the power of fashion as a storytelling medium.

From the depiction of Pain and Konan to the large Rinnegan eye and Akatsuki clouds, every detail of the dress was carefully designed to connect with fans while standing out as high art. The response on social media proved that the risk paid off, with thousands praising the look as both innovative and unforgettable.

In the end, Lil Nas X showed that fashion has no limits. By proudly embracing his love for Naruto on one of the biggest stages in entertainment, he reminded the world that creativity thrives when artists are unafraid to blur the lines between different worlds. And for fans—both of his music and of anime—this was a red carpet moment that will be remembered for years to come.