From Taylor Swift’s sculptural sparkle to Lisa’s head-turning crimson drama, these women delivered some of the most memorable fashion moments of the night.
The MTV Video Music Awards have never been an occasion for playing it safe. Year after year, the VMAs turn the red carpet into a playground for music’s biggest stars to experiment with fashion, embrace spectacle, and create looks that are meant to be remembered.
The 2026 edition, held September 27 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, was no different. From dramatic couture and sheer silhouettes to Y2K references, archival fashion, and high-shine glamour, the evening offered plenty to talk about.
Among the night’s many arrivals, these eight women brought particularly memorable fashion moments to the carpet.
TAYLOR SWIFT — SCULPTURAL SPARKLE
Taylor Swift made a statement in custom Tamara Ralph, pairing a structured mock-neck corset with a dramatic, sculptural silver skirt. The metallic finish gave the ensemble a disco-ball quality, while the gathered detailing around the hip added an almost statuesque dimension to the silhouette.
Finished with Le Silla shoes and jewelry from Leviev, Anita Ko, Forever Diamonds, and Etho Maria, the look balanced glamour with architectural precision. It was a fitting entrance for an artist receiving the inaugural Artist Director Honors—fashion that felt polished, intentional, and unmistakably made for a major VMAs moment.
LISA — CRIMSON AFTER DARK
Lisa understood the power of a monochromatic statement.
The BLACKPINK star arrived in a lingerie-inspired red dress from The Attico, layered beneath a dramatic Quine Li coat. Against the aqua-toned carpet, the saturated crimson palette immediately commanded attention, while the combination of delicate fabric and oversized outerwear created a striking contrast.
It was bold without becoming overly complicated. The strength of the look came from its commitment to one color—and Lisa carried the drama effortlessly.
TEYANA TAYLOR — DARK ROMANCE
Teyana Taylor embraced full couture drama in Zuhair Murad, stepping onto the carpet in an intricate black gown accented with shimmering embellishment, a plunging neckline, and feathered detailing.
The look played with transparency, texture, and skin while maintaining the elaborate craftsmanship expected of couture.
With her dramatic beauty styling completing the vision, Taylor leaned fully into the darker side of glamour. The result was sensual, theatrical, and perfectly suited to the anything-goes spirit of the VMAs.
CHARLI XCX — GOTHIC GLAMOUR
Charli xcx brought her signature edge to the carpet in Saint Laurent.
Her black ensemble combined a sculptural, cropped top with sheer detailing and a low-rise silhouette, creating a look that felt simultaneously provocative and refined.
The styling amplified the mood with dark hair, smoky makeup, and a deep red manicure. Rather than relying on excessive embellishment, the look found its impact through proportion, texture, and attitude—three elements Charli consistently brings to her fashion choices.
TYLA — Y2K, WITH A TWIST
Tyla injected a dose of electric color into the evening in Mowalola.
Her blue snakeskin-print ensemble paired a bra-style top with a low-rise skirt, embracing the unapologetic proportions of early-2000s fashion. Matching footwear and Chopard jewelry completed the look, including a watch styled as an unexpected anklet.
The result was playful, sexy, and unmistakably nostalgic without feeling like a costume. Tyla’s ability to reinterpret Y2K references through a contemporary lens made this one of the night’s most distinctive colorful looks.
NORMANI — COUTURE AS SCULPTURE
Normani brought an architectural quality to the VMAs carpet in Robert Wun.
The dramatic couture silhouette relied heavily on shape and construction, transforming the outfit into something that felt almost sculptural. Rather than allowing accessories or excessive embellishment to take center stage, the design itself became the statement.
It was a sophisticated approach to red-carpet drama, proving that sometimes the most memorable fashion moments come from an extraordinary silhouette rather than an abundance of decoration.
RAYE — MODERN OLD HOLLYWOOD
RAYE offered a different interpretation of glamour in Georges Hobeika Couture.
The singer wore an elegant sheer halter gown embellished with intricate detailing, creating a silhouette that recalled the sophistication of classic Hollywood while remaining distinctly contemporary.
The styling was equally polished, allowing the gown’s craftsmanship to remain the focus. On a carpet filled with experimentation, RAYE demonstrated the enduring appeal of refined glamour—and made it feel entirely her own.
PINKPANTHERESS — ARCHIVAL CHARM
PinkPantheress took a softer, more nostalgic route in an archival Nina Ricci look.
The vintage piece brought a distinctly different energy to the carpet, trading the evening’s heavier drama for a more delicate, retro-inspired aesthetic. Vogue and British Vogue both included the Nina Ricci look in their VMAs fashion coverage.
