Making history in the early ’90s as MTV’s first Latina VJ—and the first to appear simultaneously on MTV Latino and MTV U.S.—Daisy Fuentes redefined what mainstream TV representation could look like. Here, she looks back at the beauty moments that shaped her evolution.
Natural Element: 1990
“This was an MTV beach shoot at the Beachcomber in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, in July 1990. Those were incredibly long shoot days on the beach. It was so hot and humid, and I couldn’t do anything to my hair other than let it do its natural curly thing. It wasn’t my favorite then—we always want what we don’t have—but now I see it was the right look for the elements. That really was the best job ever.”
Glam Time: 1994
“This was at MTV’s 11th Annual Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, 1994. This was the first time I went glam for an event. My MTV stylist found this Pamela Dennis dress. It fit like a dream—I was actually comfortable—and I felt like a movie star. I did my own hair and makeup and kept everything pretty simple.”
Latin Lady: 2005
“This was in the press room during the 6th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2005. I did my own hair and makeup—it was a good hair day. I wore this boho-style pink maxi dress from my closet. It was sexy but pretty understated and unexpected for such an event. I felt like it was all about the jewelry, which I borrowed from Loree Rodkin. I was, and still am, obsessed with her designs. I have some special pieces that I treated myself to over the years.”
Comfort Zone: 2010
“This was the beginning of my book tour at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at UCLA. I felt a bit out of my element, but I was so excited and proud to be an author. This was a good era for me. I felt more comfortable with myself and I was stepping outside of my comfort zone, taking chances and leveling up my life.”
Fashion Statement: 2011
“What a moment! I was really stepping into my ‘businesswoman’ era here, showing my own collection at New York Fashion Week in 2011. This was taken during my ‘designer bow’ after the finale of the show. My team worked so hard to make this happen—we were celebrating our 10-year anniversary with Kohl’s. I remember being surprised by the impressive turnout of press and guests. A very special time indeed.”
Glamour Shots: 2012
“This was during the height of Victoria’s Secret in 2012. Events like this one were hot-ticket A-list invites. I did my own hair and makeup and wore what I thought was an appropriately sexy dress from my closet. Those Louboutin peep-toes were so sexy—I was over 6 feet tall when I wore them, which made me feel very seen when I walked in a room. Pretty powerful.”
Color Swap: 2013
“This was in 2013 at the American Music Awards. I borrowed this dress from Tadashi Shoji—still a great event designer—and I was in love with the look and the fit. I gave myself a bright-red lip, which felt right for the black-and-white dress, but it was quite a departure from my signature nude.”
Good Cause: 2012
“The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital events are special events for me, supporting an amazing organization. This one was the 50th anniversary event, which was a big red-carpet moment, but I really felt that because it was such an important cause, I didn’t worry too much about having to look perfect. I kept it simple with an LBD and added a couple of my favorite accessories: my Louboutins and my now-vintage McQueen clutch, which I still wear from time to time.”
High Honor: 2014
“In 2014, I was the recipient of the NCLR ALMA Vanguard Award. It was a very special honor for me to be acknowledged by my community this way. I was wearing a beautiful Carolina Herrera dress and my go-to red lip when I wear black and white.”
Blonde Ambition: 2022
“This was one of my blonder moments in 2022. I had just cut my long hair to a shoulder-length, layered style, but I didn’t realize my eyebrows were so dark until I saw the pics. I’d been using a brow serum and it really worked. It made my brows dark and really thick. This was not one of my favorite looks!”
Looking Back: 2026
“This photo was taken this year with my husband, Richard Marx, and favorite plus-one ever. Looking at all these pictures, I realize I’ve changed my style and hair color quite a bit over the years. I’m glad I took those risks and had fun with fashion and beauty, but this more natural, simple, elegant vibe is what works best for me. It’s what I feel most myself in. Although I’m always evolving, simplicity and elegance are what I’m leaning into these days.”
