Every year, around late January-early February, the year’s top performing artists in the music industry dress up for a night of celebration, performances, and recognition at the Grammy Awards. The red carpet is set outside the Crypto.com Arena, awaiting the stars to make their entrance. One by one, celebrities step into the spotlight wearing dazzling dresses, polished tuxedos and elegant stilettos. Designers, including Chanel, Valentino, Vivienne Westwood, Versace and many more, are recognized for their eye-catching creations. Cameras flash as guests walk the red carpet, setting the tone for the night.
While the Grammys are acclaimed for being an awards show recognizing achievements in the music industry, its fashion is arguably one of the main things it’s known for. Before the awards are granted and the performances start, the celebrities walk the red carpet, showcasing the looks they and their designers have been developing for several months. Many guests choose elegance over preformative arriving in beautiful long dresses and perfectly tailored suits; however, over the years, the Grammys have been increasingly associated with more avant-garde looks.
According to Vogue, “The best dressed stars of the night were the artists who leaned into the spirit of drama and risk-taking that the Grammys have come to be known for.”
Lady Gaga is an artist who has become known for her over-the-top looks. One of her most prominent ensembles was when she arrived on the carpet inside a translucent egg at the 2011 Grammys. This year was no different. Gaga wore a dramatic gown with a long train and feathers covering the entire shape designed by Matières Fécales. Some found this look to be too much; however, many magazines, such as Vogue, WWD and The Cut, praised her for her theatrical style and innovative materials.
“My favorite was Lady Gaga’s, mainly because the materials were really unconventional,” Said Barret Becker (12).
On the other end of the spectrum, this year’s Grammys also showcased a lot of artists sticking to classic, elegant looks.
“I also really liked Hailey Bieber’s, that black was very classic, very pretty,” Said Ahren Wagner.
On the more controversial side, Chappell Roan’s look this year, designed by Mugler, certainly turned some heads. Some viewers felt that it was too provocative and lacked taste; however, many commended her bold style choices. A large portion of the audience assumed she was trying to attract the male gaze. Editorial sites neither confirm nor deny this opinion, many of them saying her look was a success as it will undoubtedly be referenced and remembered. However, some have different opinions on what Roan was actually attempting to achieve.
“I think, honestly, she wore it to show the gaze might not be just for men. The ‘wow factor’ is what is meant to be what makes it so memorable,” Said Becker (12).
As for the trends seen on this year’s red carpet, there were a lot of more muted tones. Many looks consisted of the colors black and white, giving the carpet as a whole a sense of unity.
A number of artists showed up wearing pins displaying “ICE Out” as an act of protest against current events happening around the country, including Hailey and Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Joni Mitchell, and others. When discussing the statements or messages artists aimed to convey, some felt the muted palette played a role in reinforcing them.
“The black I feel like could kind of represent… suggestion of mourning,” said Becker (12).
Bringing back looks from the past has always been a trend, even more so this year. That said, there seems to be a right and a wrong way to play into past styles.
“What in the 2018 is going on here?” asked The Cut when evaluating Chrissy Teigen’s dress designed by Caroline’s Couture.
However, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Old Hollywood” style dress, designed by Valentino, seemed to earn more positive reception. Cosmopolitan states that Carpenter’s outfit looked like something that would’ve been worn in the 80s, following with reassurance that this was a compliment.
“The dress feels true to her Old Hollywood pin-up aesthetic but a more mature version of what we’ve seen from her in the past. Tens across the board,” said The Cut
Overall, this year’s Grammys seemed to have more looks that referenced a more avant-garde style. There were also a lot of appearances of strong, structured silhouettes. Many ensembles featured a fitted, corset bodice with a voluminous skirt.
“There was a lot of definition of the waist, a lot of flowyness, a lot of sculpture aspects. It was very, overall, it was very – more avant-garde than other years,” Stated Becker (12).
When discussing the impression the 2026 Grammy Awards will leave, it seems to be strong. There were looks that caused controversy along with classic, unexpected, and preformative looks.
“Well, if we’re still talking about it a couple days later then it did its part,” said Wagner.
The impact fashion has at events like the Grammys allows artists to make a memorable presence, with many seeking a shock-factor from the viewer’s response. It’s also being used to make statements regarding politics and certain current events. The designs that artists and designers spend so long on aren’t just to make sure they look good, they tell a story and demonstrate creativity.
